What are we doing?

Marlborough Lines Limited (MLL) will be replacing approx. 2km of aging conductor that is at end of life. Additionally, poles and cross arms will be replaced at the same time and some low hanging LV road crossings will be undergrounded. This is Stage 1 of three stages. Stages 2 & 3 will continue to the south and will take place in late 2024 and in 2025. The further stages are each approximately 3km in length and the work will finish just south of the Okaramio Church.

How will we do it?
Firstly, we have completed an assessment of the line and developed the design using our specialist design software. Local property owners have also been approached regarding access to land, and vegetation will be cleared in preparation for the work. Construction begins with pole preparation work on the ground before these are then lifted into position and new conductor is run to complete the project.

How will this affect you?
This stretch of line has mainly HV conductor with some LV conductor. To complete the work, there will be several power outages that are, unfortunately, unavoidable. As much prep work as possible has been planned to minimise the number of outages.

Outages will also be limited to a maximum of two per week to minimise disruption. Outages are planned from 9am-6pm, however if things all go to plan, power will be restored earlier. Three outages will occur mid-February 2024, with the remaining four outages occurring at the end of March 2024.

Traffic impacts
With most poles located in the road corridor, there will be traffic management in place for the majority of the project. Mainly there will be shoulder closures - however there will also be a few brief full road closures when we take down redundant overhead conductor spanning across the road.

Property access and parking
There should be minimal property and parking access difficulties. Landowners who will be affected have already been contacted.

Other impacts
The first power outage will also impact customers to the south of Stage 1, and one outage towards the end of Stage 1 will affect some customers to the north. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, and residents will be notified accordingly.

Where can you get more information?
Please contact Hayden Lewis (Network Project Manager) at hayden.lewis@mll.co.nz

Preparing for a power outage
If your water supply pump relies on power, please make sure you have spare, clean water to drink and wash with, as well as enough water to fill and flush your toilet. More tips for preparing for a power outage can be found here