Major motorway traffic warnings as police to escort abnormal 420 tonne load this weekend which can only go 8mph

The load is a turbine rotor that has been manufactured in Rugby, it is loaded on a 330-tonne trailer with two 42 tonne tractor units pulling and pushing and running on 168 wheels.

At 5pm, officers will escort the 65 metres long, five metres wide, 420 tonne load which can only travel at eight mph.

The load will be travelling M1 north – M18 - M62 – A161 to Goole, South Yorkshire Police said.

In a social media statement, the force warned to expect delays.

“Due to the size of this load, we must leave and rejoin the M18 at junction two for the A1 and junction six for Thorne, so expect delays around these areas”, the statement said.

“Once we reach the M62, which we anticipate will be around 9pm we will travel west and all traffic will then be diverted.

“The west bound carriageway of the M62 will be closed to allow us to travel contraflow to junction 36 where we will then take the A161 towards Goole docks.

“This move will cause delays if you get stuck behind us so please plan your journey accordingly.”

Police said they are moving the load on Sunday as that is the quietest time on the network, as Monday to Saturday is far too busy.

“We cannot move in the early hours of the morning as we need to get the load into Goole docks and leaving at 5pm gives us flexibility should we encounter any problems”, police said.

“We don’t anticipate arriving at the docks until 1 or 2am.

“It is now starting to go dark around 5pm so expect to see lots of flashing blue and amber lights, if you are in the area as we need to keep the motorway safe for everyone.

“As always, thank you for your patience.”