New engine for Owen Springs Power Station

16 Apr 2010

The five metre wide load will be escorted by police down the Stuart Highway to Owen Springs Power Station over the next week.

Power and Water General Manager Generation Ian Pratt said the convoy is expected to travel at about 40 km/hr, covering about 300km each day.

The truck is 70 metres long, with 216 wheels and - loaded - is eight metres high.

“Moving an engine of this weight is an incredible logistical exercise,” Mr Pratt said.

“Our staff and contractors have been working on these travel plans for months, in close consultation with road authorities.

“Preparation at the Owen Springs site started more than a year ago so the arrival of the first engine is exciting.

“This is the first of three 10.9 megawatt MAN engines to be installed this year and provide for future power needs in Alice Springs.”

Line crews will accompany the convoy and due to its height they will have to de-energise and lift or lower some powerlines to allow the engine to pass safely.

This will result in power outages for some customers. In most cases these will be as short as 15 minutes however some areas may be affected longer.

Crews are working to minimise the impact on customers so Power and Water does thank customers in advance for their understanding.

This may affect the Darwin rural area on Sunday and Pine Creek and Katherine areas on Monday.

There will also be some traffic delays and motorists are urged to obey police direction and drive with caution.

The truck’s progress and planned outages will be updated daily from Monday morning.