Services · Technologies and works
Diverting MV and LV networks out of the way of new schemes
When a medium- or low-voltage line stands in the way of a new carriageway, railway, warehouse or housing estate, it has to be moved — without unnecessary supply interruptions and without holding up the main works. We carry out utility diversions for general contractors and developers, in agreement with the network operator.
What a diversion is
The operator's network has to keep working during construction
A conflict (in Polish: kolizja) is a place where an existing power asset — a cable line, an overhead line, a cable junction or a substation — clashes with a planned structure or will no longer meet the requirements that apply once it is built. Typical cases are new and widened roads, bypasses, roundabouts, railway lines, new housing and industrial sites.
A diversion is always work on the distribution system operator's (DSO's) assets. The developer obtains the DSO's conditions for removing the conflict, the diversion design is agreed with the operator and the works are carried out to its requirements: with outages planned in advance, under the supervision of the operator's staff and with an acceptance after which the diverted section goes back into service.
For a general contractor, one thing usually matters most: the diversion must not stop the road or building works. So we plan it together with the main programme — with float for outage dates and acceptances.
In practice a diversion combines several of our specialities at once: building MV and LV cable lines, directional drilling under new carriageways, jointing and terminating, and dismantling the old network. Because we do all of this with our own crews and plant, the general contractor has a single partner responsible for the whole conflict section — from setting out to the operator's acceptance certificate.
- Diverting sections of MV and LV cable lines
- Replacing an overhead section with cable (undergrounding) at the conflict
- Directional drilling under new and existing roads
- Joints, terminations, ZK and ZKSN cable junctions, switching and testing
Scope
What a diversion includes
Survey and verification
Checking the actual position of existing networks on site, trial holes, comparing them with the base map and the diversion design.
New cable section
Trench or bore, laying MV and LV cables (e.g. XRUHAKXS, NA2XS(F)2Y) on the new route, sleeve ducts under the carriageway. See MV and LV cable lines.
Undergrounding an overhead section
Where poles clash with the scheme, the overhead section is replaced with cable, with outdoor terminations on the end poles. More: overhead line undergrounding.
Connections and switching
Straight joints tying the new section into the existing line, terminations and cable junctions — prepared so as to keep the outage short.
Dismantling the old network
Removing redundant overhead sections, poles and cables as designed, with materials sorted and recovered items handed back.
Testing and acceptance
Cable voltage tests and measurements, as-built survey and the documentation for the operator's acceptance.
Process
How a diversion is carried out
Every diversion is work on a live network. That is why most of our attention goes into preparation and coordination with the operator.
Reviewing the diversion design
We check the design and the DSO's conditions against the main works programme and the situation on site. We point out where a bore can avoid breaking up new or existing pavement.
Scope of works
- Design and DSO conditions review
- Site visit
- Method proposal
Result
- Quotation and programme aligned with the main works
Preparation and liaison
We notify the operator of the works, agree the supervising staff, prepare traffic management and order materials that meet the DSO's requirements.
Scope of works
- Notifying the DSO
- Traffic management
- Cable and accessory deliveries
Result
- Approved works plan
Building the new section
We build the new route first — trenches, bores, cable laying, junction bases — while the old network still supplies customers. The outage is then only needed for the connections.
Scope of works
- Trenching and drilling
- Cable laying
- Setting cable junctions
Result
- New section ready to connect
Outage and changeover
On the date agreed with the operator we make the joints and terminations tying the new section in. We start only once the operator's staff have made the work area safe.
Scope of works
- Jointing and terminating
- Changeover
Result
- Supply restored via the new route
Removal and reinstatement
We remove the conflicting sections, backfill and reinstate, and hand the work front back to the general contractor.
Scope of works
- Dismantling the old network
- Reinstatement
Result
- Site clear of the conflict
Testing, records and acceptance
We carry out acceptance tests, the as-built survey and compile the documentation the operator needs to take the network back into service.
Scope of works
- Acceptance tests
- As-built survey
- Acceptance certificates
Result
- Diverted network accepted by the DSO
Projects
Network rebuilds in our reference letters
The Konin contract covered — alongside the RS Maliniec switching station and its feeder lines — the necessary rebuild of the existing network. The MV/LV rebuild across eight villages for PIWOWARSKI and the undergrounding of a 15 kV line in Toruń are works of the same nature: new cable routes, drilled crossings and tie-ins to the operator's live network.
Konin — RS Maliniec 15 kV switching station
Greater Poland Voivodeship
MV/LV network rebuild — 8 villages
Greater Poland / Lubuskie Voivodeships
Toruń — MV 15 kV line undergrounding
Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
„Wyżej wymienione roboty realizowane przez firmę BIGBUD Sp. z o.o. zostały wykonane należycie, zgodnie ze sztuką budowlaną, w uzgodnionych terminach i bez usterek.”
Photos
From our sites
FAQ
Network diversions — frequently asked questions
Who commissions a diversion — the developer or the operator?
Usually the developer of the main scheme or its general contractor, based on the conflict removal conditions issued by the DSO and a design agreed with it. The operator accepts the works, because the diverted network remains its asset.
Does a diversion mean long power cuts?
Not necessarily. We build the new section while the old one is still in service and plan the outage with the operator only for the time needed to make the connections. Its length depends on the number of joints and terminations and whether customers can be back-fed.
Can you convert an overhead line to underground cable?
Yes — it is a common way of removing a conflict with poles. See overhead line undergrounding and the article Why operators underground MV lines.
Do you work on all operators' networks?
We work to the requirements of the operator whose network is being diverted. So far we have worked on networks in the Lubuskie, Greater Poland and Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeships, including directly for ENEA Operator.
How soon can you start on site?
That depends on crew availability and the outage dates agreed with the operator. Give us your target date with the enquiry and we will confirm a realistic programme in the quotation.
Do you also divert telecoms networks?
As far as the civil works go — yes: trenching, drilling, sleeve ducts and cable ducting. See fibre-optic ducts.
See also
Related services
Horizontal directional drilling
Horizontal directional drilling and pipe jacking under roads, railways and rivers — ducts for MV, LV and fibre cables. Own Tracto-Technik GRUNDODRILL rig.
Learn moreOverhead line undergrounding
Undergrounding of MV and LV overhead lines: new cable line, HDD crossings, ZKSN junctions, switching and removal of the old line, poles included.
Learn moreMV and LV cable lines
Construction, rebuilding and repair of MV 6–30 kV and LV 0.4 kV cable lines: trenching, drilling, cable laying, joints, terminations, testing and handover.
Learn moreIs a network in the way of your scheme?
Send us the diversion design and the operator's conditions — we will quote with a programme that fits the main works.