Turangi cable work resumes

2 June 2020

Work to replace an undersized back-up power cable at Turangi is back on track after an enforced COVID-19 shut-down.

Crews from The Lines Company (TLC) along with contractors from Doing Good Group, will be back on site from next month as work continues to replace the aged cable which services Turangi and surrounding areas.

Physical work on the project began in mid-January as part of major push to improve long-standing power resilience and supply issues around the town and surrounding areas. When the project is complete, it will see the aged cable completely replaced.

TLC’s general manager – network Mike Fox said with the cable project nearing completion, work is already well underway on the next stage of resolving reliability for the town. TLC’s major investment into a new back-up supply was “well down the track and proceeding as planned”, he said.

“Work on a new back-up supply is currently at the design stage. Physical work is not scheduled to begin until early 2021 and that really is the final outstanding piece is the puzzle that will deliver infrastructure in Turangi that is fit-for-purpose and able to handle growth.”

Fox said reactivation of the cable replacement work on site next month will impact Te Herekiekie St, Gosling Grove and the Bridge Lodge with power outages expected on June 16, June 17 and June 21. While those households and businesses impacted will get plenty of prior notice, outages could last for up to a day.

The Tongariro Bridge will also be affected and will be down to one-lane traffic for some periods as the new cable is laid. Pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge, irrespective of the work underway.

TLC will speak directly to any major businesses potentially affected by any shut-down as well as customers medically dependent on power.