This weekend, a large power transformer will depart from the Wilson Transformer Company in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley, as it begins its journey into Queensland.
It’s set to depart at 10pm on Sunday September 8, arriving in Wodonga at midnight on Tuesday September 10.
The transformer is approximately 62 metres long and 4.3 metres wide, and will be transported on an oversized vehicle.
It will travel at speeds of 40 km/h on average, however will need to slow to 5km/h at times, when travelling over travelling over bridges or around corners.
“This is a complex operation and for everyone’s safety, stay well clear when the load is in transit and when parked,” advised the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (Transport Victoria).
“If you need to travel during the time the transport is on the road, plan ahead or seek an alternate route to avoid delays.”
Accompanying the load while enroute will be a large contingent of escort vehicles and co-pilots.
The move will take across three nights to minimise disruption to the road network.
Transport Victoria has provided the following details of the move:
Night one – Sunday September 8
Travel starts at 10pm from the Wilson Transformer Company, Glen Waverly to park up location in Beveridge.
Night two – Monday September 9
Travel starts at 9pm from park up location in Beveridge to park up location in Wangaratta.
Night three – Tuesday September 10
Travel starts at 10pm from Wangaratta to park up location Wodonga.
From there, the transport operation will continue the next leg of the journey through New South Wales, and then on to its final destination in Queensland.
Road closures will be in place as the load moves through Main Road, Lower Plenty, Melrose Drive, Wodonga, Hume Highway, Wodonga, High Street, Wodonga and Bandiana Link Road, Wodonga to accommodate the vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road.
“Please plan your journey in advance and allow extra time. There will be opportunities to pass the under supervision in some locations,” said Transport Victoria.
“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.”
For safety reasons, no viewing opportunities will be provided.