Fiddlers Ferry – 132KV Cable Civils, Enabling Works & GIS Building
NRS Group undertook the a number of packages within Fiddlers Ferry Substation. The works extended to Cable Civil Works, Enabling Works & GIS Building Construction.
The Cable Civils contract covered the installation of cable ducts and associated items to facilitate the connection of the new Cuerdley substation to the SPEN network. The total length of ducting to be installed was 957 linear meters of single circuit ducting and 28 linear meters of double circuit ducting. As some civil works were constructed in the vicinity of overhead lines, NRS Group implemented all necessary safety measures in compliance with the requirements of HSE Guidance Note GS6.
The contract covered the supply and installation of a 132kV single circuit and fibre optic cable circuit. The 132kV underground cable replaceed the Overhead Line circuit. The existing 132kV Fiddlers Ferry substation is an outdoor substation which feeds Sankey Bridges, Dalam, Risley and Warrington substations. It was agreed that in order to facilitate the new Cuerdley substation connection, 3 towers on the FH line needed to be removed and a new replacement terminal tower, FH3R, was built around 60m north of FH3.
The new 132kV cables were installed within pre-installed ducts for the following sections:
· Section 1: from sealing ends mounted on the new terminal tower to the new 132kV GIS control building;
· Section 2: from sealing ends located at the existing tower to the new 132kV GIS control building. A parallel spare set of ducts for a future circuit has been allowed for;
· Section 3: from sealing ends located at the existing tower to sealing ends at the new reactors (2 circuits);
· Section 4: from sealing ends at both reactors to the new 132kV GIS control building.
This area was ecologically sensitive and a Great Crested Newt Licence was in force for a part of the route and GCN Reasonable Avoidance Measures for the remainder. As there were many interfaces involved in these works (other contractors, power station, OHL contractor and scheme ecologist) we were required to liaise and interface with all other contractors on site through IEC via a weekly site coordination meeting.
The other works were split into 2 packages:
Package 1: Civil Enabling works.
This Contract covered the first phase of site levelling in readiness for the construction of the new substation. It involved excavation to the first construction level, disposal of the excavated material, import of suitable fill material and laying and compaction of this material to create the first construction platforms. Works also involved fencing, installation of lighting and installation of a footbridge.
Package 2: GIS Building
This Contract covered the supply and construction of a steel portal framed, metal clad two storey building designed to house the new 132kV GIS Switchgear, Protection and Control equipment, LVAC Switchboard, DC Battery and Telecommunications equipment, Office, Toilet, Washroom and Kitchen/Mess facilities.
Works included:
- The completion of all foundations and excavations.
- Installation of water, Lighting, Heating and Electrical services.
- Installation of all structural steel, roofing and cladding.
- Blockwork.
- Installation of a Gantry Crane to facilitate installation and servicing of the New 132kV Switchgear.
- Installation of a raised access floor.
- Installation of all cable ducts, cable chases, as well as supporting steelwork for the 132kV power cables.
The building has two floors; the ground floor forms a cable basement at ground level and houses the LVAC room, battery room, office, mess room and toilet. The first floor houses all the switchgear, telecomms room, and relay room.