Massive industrial load continues its journey, expected to arrive in Fort McMurray early Saturday
EDMONTON — A massive industrial load is travelling north to Fort McMurray this week, with officials warning drivers to expect delays along the route until its arrival early Saturday.
Today, the fourth day of the journey, the load will travel during daylight hours along Highway 28 westbound before moving north on Highway 63. It will stop for the night at the May Tower South Rest Area.
The transport began Nov. 2 and involves a de-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing. The tower measures 6.5 metres wide, 7.92 metres high and 104 metres long. It weighs 529,600 kilograms including support equipment and is carried on trailers with 352 wheels.
Because of its size, the load travels at a maximum of 50 kilometres per hour, uses the full width of the highway including the shoulder, and is escorted by pilot vehicles. At times, it will travel against the flow of traffic with lanes blocked as needed.
Tomorrow, the fifth day of transport, the load is scheduled to continue north on Highway 63 and park for the night at the provincial weigh scale and inspection station about 35 kilometres south of Fort McMurray.
On Day 7, Saturday, Nov. 8, the load is expected to make its final move into Fort McMurray in the early morning hours, beginning at midnight. It will travel north on Highway 63, use counterflow lanes, then move west on Voyageur Road and south on Aostra Road before heading west and south to its destination.
Drivers are asked to expect reduced speeds, temporary traffic stoppages and delays along the route.
For up-to-date road conditions, Albertans can call 511, visit 511.alberta.ca, download the 511 mobile app, or follow @511Alberta on social media.
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