An upgrade at the Manapouri Power Station required 2 new 110-tonne transformers to be transported across the Wilmot Pass from Deep Cove to West Arm, Lake Manapouri. However, a complication along the route meant that these transformers could not reach their destination. The crossing at Wanganella Stream had a failing culvert system with insufficient axle load and flow capacity.
Downer contacted Hynds to find a solution. We designed and manufactured a double barrel 2.0 x 2.5 high Box Culvert crossing made up of 2 runs of 12 box culverts. These were bespoke products and therefore needed specific mouldage.
Due to the timeline for the transformers, we had a very narrow window for delivery and installation. Added to that, the intense annual rainfall experienced in Fiordland meant there was a window in early spring with no wiggle room. After programming the job, ferry bookings were then required to get these box culverts and all the necessary components to the site. These had to be booked long in advance and couldn’t easily be changed due to high demand and limited availability.
After the design and manufacture were complete, the box culverts had to be delivered on a very tight timeline to the site. Solid programming and planning were required, with regular correspondence between parties to ensure there were no surprises. Delivery went smoothly and it was quite a sight to behold — these massive culverts travelling by barge across picturesque Lake Manapouri.
We provided a specialised, bespoke design, with flexibility and onsite support during installation. All manufacture was completed in Winton Factory to a very high standard that we were proud of. Both the client and contractor were extremely happy with the outcome and delivery went seamlessly.
Article by: Gareth Stanger — Engineered Products Manager
