Aviation and energy experts came together on Sunday to remove ageing powerline infrastructure from the Bolte Bridge to protect Melbourne’s power supply and public safety.
Energy network operator, AusNet, and energy infrastructure service provider, Zinfra, worked to carry out a sky-high operation to remove four faulty marker ball flashers from Bolte Bridge’s overhead power lines.
The marker balls, each one metre in diameter and weighing two to five kilograms, were bolted to the transmission lines, requiring careful handling given their size and high altitude.
The complex manoeuvre involved the use of a specialist helicopter navigate the cityscape at dawn to dismantle and transport the devices, originally installed in 1997 to aid Police Air Wing navigation.
The inbound and outbound lanes of the bridge were closed to allow a skilled linesworker, transported by a specially designed helicopter, to carry out the work.
The works were carried out under the Transmission Operations and Maintenance Services Agreement (TOMSA) between Zinfra and AusNet which ensures the upkeep and safety of Victoria’s energy network.
Zinfra managing director Peter Iancov said the operation highlighted Zinfra and AusNet’s unrivalled expertise in infrastructure management and logistically complex projects.
“The safe removal of the marker balls was more than a routine maintenance task. It demonstrated the evolving challenges of infrastructure management in an urban environment and the innovative solutions that companies like Zinfra and AusNet bring to the table,” he said.
“The use of industry specific helicopters represented a strategic choice to ensure efficiency and minimise risk and it is this kind of foresight that sets us apart.”
AusNet network operations executive general manager Andrew Linnie said the work highlighted the company’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges.
“Together with Zinfra, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of the communities we serve,” he said.
