The first transmission tower on the HumeLink West section has been erected, a momentous achievement for one of Australia’s most significant energy infrastructure projects ahead of a ramp-up in activity from January 2026.
Located southeast of Wagga Wagga, the tower is the first of hundreds to be built along the 140 kilometre (km) HumeLink West alignment. The works form part of the broader HumeLink project being delivered by Transgrid, which will connect the Snowy Mountains to major New South Wales load centres and enable the full integration of Snowy 2.0 into the National Electricity Market.
HumeLink spans 365 kms of new 500 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission lines linking Maragle with Wagga Wagga and Bannaby, alongside two new substations and upgrades to two existing sites. When completed in late 2027, the project is expected to significantly increase grid capacity across Australia’s eastern states and improve access to lower-cost renewable energy.
Construction activity momentum
Construction is intensifying along the HumeLink West alignment as crews progress tower foundations, access tracks and material deliveries. Over the coming months, piling and earthworks teams will continue advancing westward, preparing more than 360 individual tower sites.
Local civil contractors are building heavy vehicle access points and access tracks required to reach each location. Around one-third of the more than 330 kms of access tracks needed for HumeLink West have already been completed, supporting construction across farmland, forestry and more challenging terrain.
Tower steel and materials are being delivered in bulk to strategically located storage yards at Gregadoo, Ellerslie, Batlow and Maragle, helping streamline logistics and maintain construction momentum along the corridor.
Laying the foundations
Tower construction begins below ground, with piling rigs set to drill nearly 1,500 concrete foundation excavations along the HumeLink West route over the next two years. Each transmission tower requires four deep pile footings, designed using detailed geotechnical investigations to suit site-specific load and terrain conditions.
Foundation leg stubs are precisely positioned within reinforced steel cages before being set in concrete. Once poured, the foundations are left to cure while piling teams move on to the next site.
Transmission tower construction crews then assemble prefabricated, galvanised steel components on the ground before lifting them into place using cranes. The lowest segment is bolted to the foundation stubs first, followed by successive sections installed by trained and accredited workers operating at height in full safety harnesses.
Nine different tower designs have been developed to accommodate HumeLink West’s varied topography, from flat agricultural land to steep mountain environments. Once erected, 500 kV conductor cables will be strung between towers, tensioned and tested ahead of commissioning.
Substations take shape
Major works are also progressing at the project’s substations. At Gregadoo, southeast of Wagga Wagga, bulk civil earthworks for the new 330/500 kV Gugaa Substation are nearing completion, with foundations scheduled to begin in early 2026.
At Maragle in the Snowy Mountains, site preparation is also advancing, with foundation concrete pours planned before the end of 2025. In addition to these new substations, the existing 330 (kV) Wagga Wagga Substation will be upgraded as part of HumeLink West, strengthening the regional transmission network.
Supporting the workforce and community
Two purpose-built worker accommodation facilities are now operational to support the growing construction workforce. Each site is designed to house around 350 workers and includes individual ensuite cabins, dining facilities, gymnasiums and recreational spaces.
The Tarcutta facility, located west of town on Mates Gully Road, is fully operational, while a similar facility at Kunama near Batlow is currently housing around 180 workers. Occupancy at Kunama is expected to increase to full capacity in early 2026 as construction activity ramps up.
HumeLink is forecast to generate up to 1,600 jobs during construction, delivering employment and skills development opportunities across regional New South Wales. HumeLink West is being delivered for Transgrid by CIMIC Group companies UGL and CPB Contractors.
Beyond construction, Transgrid and its delivery partners have engaged with around 120 community groups, councils and individuals through the Community Investment and Benefits Program, which supports initiatives delivering lasting social, economic and environmental outcomes.
One initiative underway is a partnership with the NRMA to provide learner driver training for high school students living along the HumeLink West corridor. To date, more than 110 driving lessons have been delivered, addressing transport barriers that can limit access to employment, education and training in regional areas.
Managing construction
Communities along the alignment may experience increased light and heavy vehicle movements as main construction continues. Traffic volumes are expected to rise further in 2026 as workforce numbers grow and materials are delivered to tower sites and substations.
Temporary traffic controls, reduced speed limits and signage may be in place on select roads. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted conditions and allow additional travel time.
As the first towers rise and substations take shape, HumeLink West is moving decisively into full delivery mode – laying the critical infrastructure needed to connect Snowy 2.0, unlock renewable generation and strengthen Australia’s eastern power grid for decades to come.
What to expect over coming months
Construction on HumeLink West will pause from 23 December until 28 December.
From January 2026, works will include:
- Civil construction at three substation sites
- Construction of transmission towers
- Materials and equipment deliveries to storage compounds and work sites Traffic controls at some worksite access points Civil earthworks for construction of access points and access roads
- Installations of drainage, utilities, gates and fencing
- Geotechnical investigations at tower sites
- Water trucks spraying access roads and work sites on hot and dry days to reduce potential for construction airborn dust.
- Motorists are asked to drive with caution and be prepared for longer travel times.
Transgrid has been able to deliver the HumeLink West project with delivery partners, UGL and CPB Contractors.
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