Work starts on big grid upgrade

If the mince pies and cold drinks have started selling out faster than normal at the Hunua petrol station it might have something to do with Transpower starting work on the North Island grid upgrade project.

Transpower started pre-drilling work yesterday on foundations for towers for overhead powerlines.

Next Wednesday work will start clearing access tracks into the foundation sites for heavy equipment and the delivery of materials. Once the 36 access tracks have been cleared work will start on the tower foundations.

Transpower spokeswoman Rebecca Wilson says they had a "very constructive" community feedback evening on January 30 at the Hunua Community Hall.

"Around 10 local representatives from the Hunua and Paparimu community, including the school, local businesses, local councillors, and the local MP Dr Paul Hutchison met members of the project team about the proposed construction activity to be undertaken in their area."

Topics included the impact of heavy truck and trailer units, community safety, how a transmission tower is constructed and the foundations laid, and how to contact the project team with concerns and questions, she says.

Transpower has set up free phone 0800-333-368 for queries about the project.

Ms Wilson says they’re keen to hear about anything in the area such as big community events their workers need to be aware of. After hours the calls will go through to a call centre.

Transpower says it has agreements with two-thirds of the landowners along the route.

All affected landowners have a dedicated case manager, the company says in a statement.

"Each directly affected landowner will also be assigned a landowner liaison officer and this will be their primary contact point.

"This will allow all landowners to have a clear line of communication to ensure any questions, concerns or requests can be managed efficiently."

The project is due to be finished in mid-2012.

See www.gridnewzealand.co.nz for more information.

- © Fairfax NZ News