A 202-tonne Hyosung transformer has been transported from Goole West Dock and installed at the National Grid substation in Brinsworth, South Yorkshire, following a complex heavy transport and installation operation carried out by Collett.
The project formed part of ongoing upgrades to the National Grid site and required close coordination between Collett’s engineering and project teams, Hyosung, National Grid and South Yorkshire Police to safely move the oversized load over a 36-mile route.
After arriving at Goole West Dock, the transformer was loaded directly onto a 350-tonne Scheuerle girder frame trailer configured with 20 axle lines. The complete transport combination measured 67 metres in length and had a gross weight of 410 tonnes.
Ahead of the move, Collett completed extensive enabling works, including road widening, temporary removal of fencing and street furniture, site access modifications and ground preparation to accommodate the abnormal load. Detailed engineering studies, lift plans and ground bearing calculations were also carried out to ensure a safe installation.
Once at Brinsworth Substation, the transformer was offloaded onto steel stools before being jacked onto a turntable and rotated to suit the restricted working area. It was then transferred onto skid tracks and moved in two stages, first travelling 14 metres before being repositioned for a second 32-metre skidding operation into its final location on the foundation plinth.
The installation involved complex multi-stage jacking, skidding and precision positioning within a confined working area, with the change of orientation playing a critical role in achieving the required final alignment.
The entire project, including transport and installation, was completed over a six-day programme.
The successful operation further strengthens Collett’s experience in the power transmission and distribution sector, where the company continues to support major infrastructure projects in partnership with organisations including National Grid and Hyosung.
