Coldstream Zone Substation

MainPower is set to undertake a significant investment in our network capacity, improving resilience of the Rangiora district with construction of the new Coldstream Zone Substation.

The new substation on Rangiora-Woodend Road will provide security of supply and ensure capacity requirements for the rapidly growing Pegasus, Ravenwood and Woodend areas. Capacity upgrades began last year, with the new high voltage line from Ashley through to Coldstream installed in March.

Once consents are in place, construction is expected to take 12-15 months. The substation will be obscured from view behind a 10-metre-wide native tree screen planting, with the physical structures being a further 30-40m behind the planting. With time, the plants will shield most of it from view from the road. MainPower is working closely with Waimakariri District Council to ensure any significant works involving traffic management are planned to coincide with expected road works by Council, to mitigate as much traffic disruption as possible.

There will be a need for some traffic management as the main lines are grounded along Rangiora Woodend Road. This will likely involve a lane reduction, and all activity will be carefully planned to minimise disruption on this important thoroughfare.

The busy cycleway that runs along the road between Rangiora and Woodend is expected to be maintained throughout the project, but cyclists should expect an increase in traffic crossing the cycleway during busy periods. This activity will be clearly signposted and any disruptions managed by our traffic management team.

The Coldstream Zone Substation project follows the recent opening of the new Amberley Zone Substation which supports North Canterbury communities in Amberley and surrounding areas. Both projects represent significant investment in ensuring the power supply for North Canterbury is robust and safe for years to come.