It was around seven years since the first proposal of a new transformer to be installed at the Neilston sub-station on Gleniffer Road was suggested, in recent years the net zero targets for emissions pushed this forward.
With everything all set for a 21st March 2023 overnight movement things had to be put back by a month to 26th April 2023.
S P Energy Networks announced ” we’re moving a 197 tonne electricity transformer ( with equipment its over 400 tonne ) in two stages starting this weekend, from Windyhill Substation to Neilston Substation by road and river. The transformer will be used as part of a major project to reinforce the electricity network in the area. This essential work will help support our communities and the UKs commitment to Net Zero.
We’ve been working closely with local councils and agencies to carefully plan the timing and route to minimise any disruption to local communities.
There will be no road closures or traffic management in place, but the transformer will be relocated by our specialist contractors using an 80-metre slow moving vehicle. The vehicle will be escorted by Police Scotland.
The route is as follows: Stage 1
Saturday April 22, 19:00 – Departing Windyhill Substation
Saturday April 22, from 20:30 – Eastbound A82 Great Western Road (at Drumchapel), Dunreath Avenue, Alderman Road, Polnoon Avenue, Cairntoul Drive, Anniesland Road, A814, Cart Street to Quayside Area.
The transformer will then cross the river by barge.
Stage 2
Tuesday April 25, from 00:01 – King George V Docks, Kings Inch Drive, Kings Inch Road, Hillington Road A736, Paisley Road West, Mosspark Boulevard, Cockerhill Road, Braidcraft Road, Brockburn Road, A736 to junction at Hurlet (then into Renfrewshire Council Area).
Route from the junction of A736 and Hurlet Road to site via Grahamston Road, Caplehill Road, Glenburn Road and the B775. Expected to arrive around 05:30
Traffic disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum, but we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Since it was thirty one years since a transformer was last moved from the Neilston sub-station at that time it was one being removed in 1992 it was something that had to be captured for the page for its social history aspect.
A few minor setbacks occurred during the transportation of the transformer including a slight delay on leaving KGV Docks due to a security guard not knowing it was leaving and took five minutes to get he gates opened, On Corkerhill Road the Mammoet vehicle wheels got jammed within the cycle lane, at Cross Stobs in Barrhead the vehicle was unable to turn as planned and had to move forward and reverse into Paisley from Barrhead and at the junction with Caplethill Road and Glenburn Road the transporter had to continue down Caplethill Road before being able to enter into Glenburn Road.
Paisley Photographs 