Massive, slow-moving load may cause central Alberta traffic delays

Central Alberta drivers should prepare for significant traffic delays this week as a massive de-ethanizer, a critical piece of equipment for natural gas processing, makes its way through the region. The transport began Wednesday night and is expected to cause disruptions for two days.

The oversized load, weighing approximately 1.65 million pounds, travels at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. It requires the full width of the highway, including the shoulder, measuring 7.7 meters wide, 10.5 meters high, and an extensive 96.6 meters long. The provincial government has outlined a specific route to minimize disruption where possible, though significant slowdowns are inevitable.

The transport involves multiple guide vehicles and is carried on trailers equipped with 448 wheels. The journey commenced Wednesday, August 12, at 11 p.m. from Edmonton, utilizing major routes like 51 Avenue NW, Roper Road NW, 75 Street NW, Whitemud Drive NW, Highway 216, and Highway 14 eastbound. The first day's move concluded with staging on the east side of Highway 21 at 5 a.m. Thursday.

Day two, August 13, saw the transport off duty. The movement is scheduled to resume early Friday, August 14, starting at 2 a.m. The route continues on Highway 14 eastbound, then transitions to Highway 834 northbound, followed by Highway 15 westbound, and Range Road 220 northbound before reaching its final destination west into the DOW site around noon.

Motorists are advised to consult 511 for up-to-date road information and traffic delay updates throughout the transport period. This movement highlights the logistical challenges involved in transporting extremely large industrial equipment necessary for the energy sector.