A huge power transformer will begin its journey tomorrow Saturday May 4, on an oversized vehicle approximately 125 metres long and almost 6 metres wide – with road users advised to avoid the area.
The superload will make its way from the Wilson Transformer Company at 10:30pm tomorrow night and arrive at a park up location in Wodonga in the early morning on Wednesday May 8.
VicRoads advises, “This is a complex operation and for everyone’s safety, stay well clear when the load is in transit and when parked. If you need to travel during the time the transport is on the road, plan ahead or seek an alternate route to avoid delays.”
A large contingent of escort vehicles and co-pilots will travel together in front of and at the rear of the vehicle.
It will be travelling in stages across four nights from Saturday May 4 to Wednesday May 8 to reduce the impact on the road network.
Night one
Travel starts 10:30pm on May 4 from the Wilson Transformer Company, Glen Waverly to park up location in Beveridge.
Night two
Travel starts 9pm on May 5 from park up location in Beveridge to a park up location in Wangaratta.
Night three
Travel starts 11pm on May 6 from park up location in Wangaratta to park up location in Wodonga early morning May 7.
Night four
Travel starts at 10pm on May 8 from park up location in Wodonga and the superload will continue its journey through NSW to its final destination at the former Munmorah coal-fired power station in NSW.
The transport operation will travel at speeds of up to 40 km/hr. There will be times when travelling over bridges or around corners where they will need to slow to around 5 km/hr.
The transport operation will travel on the wrong side of the road at the off and on ramp on the Hume Highway, Chiltern at the Beechworth-Chiltern Road and on Main Road in Lower Plenty.
There will be a road closure of the Hume Highway from Melrose Drive to Murray Walley Highway to accommodate the vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road. Southbound traffic will be stopped to let the load pass with expected delays of 5-10 minutes.
“The transport operation will be travelling at significantly reduced speeds. Please plan your journey in advance and allow extra time. There will be opportunities to pass the under supervision in some locations,” said VicRoads.
“If you see the pilot or escort vehicle with an Oversize Load Ahead sign and yellow flashing lights, slow down and move as far to the left as you can and prepare to stop if instructed.
“If you are approaching the transport operation from behind, slow down and be patient as you will be given opportunities to overtake when it is safe.
“Only overtake when signalled to do so. Do not overtake the pilot or escort vehicle behind the load and get stuck in between. This makes it hard for everyone to do their job safely and you’re putting yourself and others at risk.”