Two of the oldest electrical links in Queensland Rail’s network are being upgraded, both inside and out.
While the operational upgrade of the Corinda and Caboolture railway electrical substations will involve important technical work, they will also be adorned with artwork celebrating the flora and fauna of the region.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the $48 million dollar upgrade of ageing feeder substations at Caboolture and Corinda was critical.
Ms Stapleton said the upgrades would ensure communities remained connected even during power outages or planned maintenance as upgraded substations would be able to pick up power loads when most needed.
“For example, if a storm causes a power outage to one part of the network the new substations can take over and supply power to get trains moving again sooner and customers to their destinations faster,” she said.
The new substations, when completed in 2025, will also future-proof the South East Queensland network by providing backup power supply for the Cross River Rail project and have the capabilities to support major projects like the Beerburrum-Landsborough duplication works.
The existing Corinda Feeder Station is the oldest in the network, being constructed in the late 1970s, while the Caboolture Feeder Station is the third oldest and has been in operation since 1982.
Once installed the new substations will boast colourful murals from local artists The Brightsiders.
The work at Caboolture includes:
- A new switch room.
- Two new traction power transformers installed in a new power transformer compound complete with containment bund and firewalls.
- Installation of 11 new overhead line masts.
- Installation of new high voltage isolators.
- Installation of new oil/water separation piping and containment tank.
- Installation of conduit system and cables for high voltage, low voltage and communication systems.
- Air Insulated Switchgears (AIS) replaced with more environmentally friendly Gas Insulated Switchgears (GIS).
The work at Corinda includes:
- A new switch room.
- One new Auxiliary Supply Transformer.
- One new LV main distribution board and isolation transformer for LV supply requirements.
- Installation of new overhead line masts and three new portals.
- Installation of new high voltage isolators.
- Installation of conduit system and cables for high voltage, low voltage and communication systems.
- Air Insulated Switchgears (AIS) replaced with more environmentally friendly Gas Insulated Switchgears (GIS).
