The driving force keeping Sydney’s trains running

Two of the most complex substation replacements on the TfNSW network ever: Chalmers Street and Granville Junction used 3D modelling and virtual reality to deliver solutions that will help millions of Sydney’s rail system users get around the city.

Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)’s smart, new, air-conditioned trains provide a safe, secure and comfortable experience for the people of Sydney, and more trains are being introduced to the network each year.

As part of Power Supply Upgrade (PSU) works, Chalmers Street and Granville Junction Substations will play a key role in supplying the additional traction power demanded by the new trains.

We are providing a full suite of multidisciplinary engineering services – including full detailed design of the substations and their integration into the existing TfNSW network.

A number of complexities created challenges for the delivery team, including: Chalmers’ constrained site location next to Sydney’s Central Station; Granville’s notable distance from the existing substation it replaced; construction of other important infrastructure; the need to maintain power to critical network areas; construction staging; heritage considerations and the discovery of heritage artefacts; plus managing multiple stakeholders and users.

The innovative use of 3D modelling for both substations provided significant benefits. An integrated 3D model containing civil, structural, power, and building services infrastructure enabled us to optimise the design for high voltage and traction efficiency, constructability and maintainability. And the use of virtual reality for the first time on a project of this type and scale gave our client a valuable real-time experience of the design solution prior to construction.