MAIN construction work on a major overhaul of Dunoon’s electricity network is set to begin later this month, with 77 new steel towers to be installed along an 18km route.
SSEN Transmission is preparing to begin construction on its Dunoon Overhead Line Rebuild Project, which will replace the existing 132kV overhead line connecting the area to the national grid.
The existing infrastructure is ageing, with some parts dating back to the 1970s, and the company says the investment will improve the resilience and reliability of the electricity network serving the area.
The project was granted Section 37 consent by Scottish Ministers in October last year and, following months of preparatory work, construction activity is now set to increase.
A programme of local road improvements has already been completed ahead of the work, including the widening of sections of road and creation of additional passing places, primarily around Ardentinny.
The improvements are designed to allow construction vehicles to travel safely to and from sites along the route.
Over the coming weeks, work will begin to create a network of access tracks allowing construction teams to reach the locations of the new towers.
Forestry clearance is also due to begin shortly along sections needed for the access tracks and overhead line corridor, with that work expected to continue over the next 18 months.
Construction compounds will be established at Sandbank Industrial Estate and Gairletter, acting as operational bases for workers and contractors throughout the project.
Paul Ferguson, Project Manager for SSEN Transmission’s Dunoon Overhead Line Rebuild Project, said: “This is an important milestone for the project as we move from the preparation phase into the start of main construction activities.
“Over recent months, we’ve worked closely with local stakeholders and communities as we completed the necessary road improvements ahead of construction.
“I’d like to thank residents and road users for their patience and understanding while this work has been carried out.”
The project will see approximately 18km of replacement double-circuit overhead line installed between Dunoon Substation and a point west of where the line crosses Loch Long.
A total of 77 new steel towers will be constructed, ranging from 23 metres to 39 metres in height and positioned at average intervals of around 230 metres.
The electricity network on the eastern side of Loch Long is operated by SP Energy Networks, with the rebuilt Dunoon line connecting into that network.
Once the replacement line becomes operational, the existing 132kV line will be dismantled and removed.
Mr Ferguson added: “As activity increases on site in the coming weeks, we remain committed to keeping local communities informed and minimising disruption wherever possible, while delivering the infrastructure needed to support a resilient electricity network for the future.”
The Dunoon project forms part of wider investment by SSEN Transmission in the electricity network across the north of Scotland. To find out more about the project, visit: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/dunoon-overhead-line-rebuild-project/
