M1 traffic: Major delays expected for six hours as abnormal load travelling 8mph to be moved
Drivers have been warned of major delays on the M1 this weekend as an abnormal load with a maximum speed of 8mph is transported.
On Sunday May 10, from 2pm, South Yorkshire Police operational support will be escorting a slow-moving abnormal load from the M1 junction 28 to Goole docks.
The load – which can only move at 8 miles per hour - will move off at 2pm from junction 28 and travel along the M1 North, then M18 North towards the M62.
The load is a transformer which weighs 510 tonnes, is 76 metres long, six and a half metres wide and is running on a 18 axle trailer with 280 wheels on the convoy.
There will be a heavy duty tractor unit pulling the load and one at the back pushing, these use a 15.3 litre engine have 640 bhp with an average of five miles per gallon.
Due to the load travelling at slow speed, it is anticipated that it will take six hours to reach the M18/M62 intersection.
The load will leave and re-join the M18 motorway at junctions two and six as it is too heavy to use the over bridges.
At around 8pm, the west bound entry slip road from the M18 will be closed and all traffic will be diverted east.
The load will then travel contraflow on the M62 and leave at junction 36 for the A161, towards Goole docks.
In a social media update, Operational Support said: “If you believe this load will affect your journey please plan ahead and use an alternative route.
“We cannot move this load at any other time as we need a clear view around and above it throughout its journey.
“Please pay attention to any instructions our officers or other agencies are giving as this is for everyone’s safety.”