Final stage of Bulls electricity upgrade

The final stage of the $3.5 million Ōhakea to Bulls electricity upgrade is set to begin next week (13 March). 

The work will involve installing a steel duct, which will hold an electricity cable, along the side of the Rangitīkei River Bridge on the southern approach to Bulls. 

For this work to be safely carried out, traffic management will be in place overnight between 7pm and 7am, Monday to Friday, with one lane operational on the bridge. 

Powerco General Manager Electricity Karen Frew says the work is being carried out overnight, under stop-go controls, to limit disruption over the bridge, which is part of State Highway 3.

“Thank you to the community and motorists for your patience and understanding while this work is being carried out on your bridge. We know how busy this bridge is, so we will be working overnight when the road is quieter. 

“Depending on conditions such as the weather, we hope to get the work completed in a week.

“When complete, the upgrade will provide back-up electricity options, enabling us to restore power to Bulls and Ōhakea customers quicker and more safely if there is a power cut,” she says. 

The work had been scheduled to begin in late February, however, crews needed to be redeployed to help with the Cyclone Gabrielle restoration in Hawke’s Bay. 

Click here for information about the previous stages of the Ōhakea to Bulls electricity upgrade.