Powering Progress: Diona's Key Role in Brisbane Metro's North Quay Substation
ESG Alignment
Contributing to sustainable urban infrastructure development in Brisbane.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
Brisbane City Council is delivering the turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro in partnership with Brisbane Move, a consortia of construction-led ACCIONA and design-lead Arup, to design and deliver major infrastructure works.
In late 2022, Brisbane Move engaged Diona to construct a below ground electrical substation in North Quay to power the Adelaide Street tunnel that will provide a dedicated busway connection to King George Square Station.
According to Diona Project Manager Les Ottaway, the scale and complexity of these works has challenged the Diona team who are proud to be part of delivering a city-shaping project for Brisbane.
“We’ve achieved a number of milestones since works first commenced including undertaking a large excavation at North Quay which was approximately 20 metres long by 10 metres wide and 7 metres deep,” he said.
“This site holds historical significance as it was a landing point for the first European exploration of the Brisbane River in the 1820s.
“Before undertaking bulk earthworks, an initial investigation was conducted to identify potential heritage items within the site’s footprint under the Development Approval approved by the Department of Environment and Science (Qld).
“Brisbane Move archaeologists oversaw the excavation of two archaeological test pits and used 3D modelling to identify important features and items. Through this investigation, the remains of a buried drainage structure and tram tracks were discovered, recorded, and subsequently removed by the archaeologists to capture and record the archaeological and historical values of the findings,” said Mr Ottaway.
“Following these works, the bulk excavation was staged into three distinct two metre drops. On completion of each drop the exposed face of the excavation was stabilised with a rock anchor and reinforced shotcrete retention system that allowed us to safely excavate down to depth.”
The excavation has now reached formation level of the structure and the blinding layer poured in preparation for the next stage of the works which will involve construction of the substation from base back up to street level.
“The team has really pulled together and in collaboration with Brisbane Move and Brisbane City Council, we’re innovating and identifying solutions to complex scenarios while maintaining a strong performance in safety and quality. I’m very proud of how the team are performing,” said Les.