Collett & Sons has completed the delivery of a 169-tonne transformer from Portsmouth to the Lovedean National Grid substation in the UK.
Collett undertook a detailed swept path analysis ahead of the project to identify pinch-points where the route would need modification to allow the 66 m-long, 5.3 m-wide girder bridge to safely complete its journey.
The team liaised closely with local councils and the police to implement parking restrictions to ensure the laden girder bridge convoy could pass without delay. With the timescale necessitating a Sunday delivery, Collett worked with the media to raise awareness of the project move, highlighting potential delays that could arise during the day.
The transformer was discharged at Portsmouth International port and loaded onto a Scheuerle girder bridge ahead of its 12-mile (19.3-km) journey to the project site. The combination travelled through Portsmouth, Cosham, Havant, Purbrook, Waterlooville and Horndean in convoy and under police escort.
Collett said that two ‘end-change’ operations had to be completed along the route, effectively flipping the combination 180 degrees to allow for onward transport.
Upon arrival at the site, Collett’s heavy lift team prepared to position the transformer. Restrictions on site meant that the unit could not be skidded directly onto its plinth. Collett designed and implemented a multi-directional system to skid the transformer over the bund wall onto a steel platform. Once situated on the platform, the hydraulic skidding system was then repositioned at a 90-degree angle in order to complete the positioning.
