JONES Bros has reached a critical construction milestone on its build of Benbrack Wind Farm in Carsphairn, Dumfries and Galloway, on behalf of Red Rock Power.
The contractor has completed all balance of plant works on the project – including the construction of a 10km access track, 15 turbine foundations, a substation building, and electrical cabling works.
Over 100,000 personnel hours have been worked on the project, with no lost time incidents occurring. While safety was a key priority, the team was also committed to minimising carbon footprint and disruptions to locals wherever possible. By utilising Jones Bros’ onsite concrete batching plant and consented borrow-pit, over 17,000 public road HGV movements are said to have been avoided.
David Fielding, Red Rock Power project director, said, “Together with Jones Bros and Natural Power, we’ve been working hard to deliver the first phase of construction at Benbrack before the end of the year as quickly and safely as possible. We’ve been impressed with our contractors’ efficiency and attention to detail, and we’re now in a great position to prepare for the first turbine delivery in 2024.”
The Red Rock Power team is now working with turbine contractor, Vestas, ahead of component delivery and installation starting in February 2024. Over the course of an estimated nine weeks, night time deliveries will see components transported the 77 miles from King George V port in Glasgow to the wind farm, located nine miles north of Carsphairn. The Port of Ayr is also being considered for some components.
David added, “We hope that nighttime deliveries and the avoidance of road closures or diversions will minimise disruption to locals. We will be engaging with local communities in coming weeks to share more information regarding the transport route and timings in the lead up to first delivery.”
