Final transformer delivery

The sixth and final abnormal load delivery to the solar farm site was completed on Friday 5 April. The arrival of this last 76-tonne transformer has been rescheduled from Wednesday 3 April due to logistical arrangements.

We would like to thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience during these transport movements between the A299 and the Cleve Hill Solar Park site entrance. The average total journey time for the first five deliveries has been 30 minutes.

The CHSP project team planned these abnormal load deliveries over a period of months and in discussion with the Construction Traffic Management Group (CTMG), which meets fortnightly. CTMG attendees include representatives of Graveney Rural Environment Action Team (GREAT), residents, a Swale Borough Council Planning Officer, the headteacher of Graveney Primary School and representatives of the Graveney with Goodnestone Parish Council and Hernhill Parish Council.

We have employed Collett, a leading haulage company specialising in abnormal loads to carry out these deliveries after inspecting and approving the route. Arrangements included a rolling roadblock system of traffic management, to avoid the disruption associated with a full road closure. In addition, several marshals were in attendance along the route to assist the public and advise which route to take to safely exit the area.

We aim to complete the final delivery between 9.30am and midday on 5 April. External factors, including the fact that the abnormal load requires a police escort for part of its journey from Staffordshire, can impact the precise timing.

Pictured: four transformers in place in the electrical compound, with the high voltage switch room (green building) in the background.

Four transformers in place