Upgrades to critical sections of the underground electricity network in Cairns CBD are set to begin as Ergon Energy works to improve reliability.
A number of aging, high-voltage cables that supply the commercial precinct will be replaced, starting from late September 2019.
“This is the first phase of a significant project that will help us deliver a more reliable electricity supply to customers in a busy precinct,” Mitch Wyper, Ergon Energy Area Manager, said.
“A specialist team from Brisbane has done comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine the condition of underground cables in areas where we’ve had recurrent faults and the results have helped us plan and prioritise work.
“We have selected five critical cables for immediate replacement and we will continue monitoring the network to identify and rectify any faults.”
The extensive program of work will involve the excavation and replacement of cables, conduits and joints at a number of sites, including Upward Street, Lake Street, Grafton Street (between Shield and Spence Streets) and Abbott Street (between Florence and Aplin Streets).
For the community’s safety, access around the construction sites will be restricted while work is underway.
“There will be some disruption for pedestrians and drivers, so we’re appealing to everyone to be patient and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs,” Mr Wyper said.
“We’ve staggered the work so that we’re not disrupting traffic at multiple sites at the same time and the initial phase of this project will be completed before the wet season.
“We’re keeping customers updated on the works schedule, so they can plan ahead.
“Any short-term inconvenience will be outweighed by a more reliable power supply into the future.”
