172t Transformer Transport with Collett’s New 250t Capacity Goldhofer Girder Bridge

Collett’s new 250t capacity Goldhofer girder bridge completed its first project with the transport of a 172t super grid transformer to the National Grid’s Feckenham substation.

National Grid’s Feckenham substation in Redditch is currently being upgraded replacing ageing equipment. Collett were appointed to deliver a 172t super grid transformer to Redditch from Sundon.  As the perfect debut for the latest addition to the Collett fleet, the Team mobilized the new 250t capacity Goldhofer girder bridge for the transport of the super grid transformer to its new location 118 miles away.

Housed at their Goole Heavy Lift depot, Collett mobilized the modular trailer, travelling as two separate 10-axle combinations.  The two 10-axle sections allowed the modular girder bridge to be built around the transformer to form a 20-axle loaded configuration.

After jacking and skidding the transformer into place and raised to the optimum height the team reversed each half of the girder bridge trailer, positioned the side beams under the transformers transport arms and secured the load.

Travelling in a push/pull formation with an 8 x 4 tractor unit pulling the combination and another unit pushing, the convoy began its journey with police escorts in attendance from Bedfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire constabularies.  After careful route planning by the Collett Team, liaising with local government councils from Central Bedfordshire and Worcestershire Councils, the 65.8m combination completed the 118 mile journey to Feckenham substation.

On at the Feckenham site, the team raised the side beams of the girder bridge hydraulically, lifting the transformer to place timber supports under.  Once in place the girder bridge was lowered, resting the super grid transformer on the timbers, allowing the modular trailer to be split and removed from the payload.

With the new Goldhofer girder bridge clear of the super grid transformer, the team once again employed the hydraulic jacking and skidding system for the final positioning of the transformer.

To ensure maximum safety at both operations on site at Sundon and Feckenham, Collett had undertaken detailed pressure calculations, detailing the forces and ground pressured during the jacking and skating operations to and from the trailer.

Once lowered to rest on the skid track, the 172t transformer was skidded to its resting plinth.

Over the course of the weekend, the team safely delivered and positioned this 172t super grid transformer, assisting with the upgrade of Feckenham substation.  The completion of this project firmly places Collett’s new girder bridge as an integral addition in their fleet, joining Collett’s 350t and 550t capacity Scheuerle girder bridge and offering an added flexibility for heavy transport projects.

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