Allelys completes Hirwaun move

Due to the extent of the route-enabling works required, Allelys began the initial phase of the project in June 2022. After completing numerous site visits, a route study, swept path analysis, over 80 structural bridge assessments, tree trimming and street furniture assessments, a suitable route to site was identified. 

This route saw the cargo arriving at Newport Docks, travelling north and then west towards the site. However, due to construction works on the A465, the River Taff Bridge was downrated before transport. Allelys reacted and engineered a 17.5m long overbridging solution to spread the weight of the load and enable the transport arrangement to cross this section successfully. 

The turbine, generator and transformer were transported along the first section of the route using a 28-axle girder frame setup. The components were then individually transhipped onto a 1-axle flat-top trailer using a 400-tonne hydraulic lifting system. This enabled the smaller transport arrangement to negotiate the limited space and steep gradient of the second section of the route. The whole route was travelled under police escort, with traffic management and rolling roadblocks in place. 

On arrival at the site, all three units completed a second transhipment operation. The units were moved onto SPMTs to allow for the limited space within the power station. A hydraulic gantry system was then utilised to install the turbine and generator whilst a jacking operation was performed to install the transformer. 

“We have significant knowledge and experience within the team and this enables us to tackle complex projects such as this one. The route from Newport Docks to Hirwaun power station was particularly challenging and required the input from the engineering team alongside our route survey and route planning specialists,” explained Shahid Islam, project manager at Allelys.