Warning over 514-tonne load on M6, M42, A42 and M1

Motorists have been warned to expect delays on the M6, M42, A42 and M1 as an abnormal load is to be transported along the motorways.

The 514-tonne electrical transformer will leave Rugby, in Warwickshire, at 09:00 GMT on Saturday before arriving in Goole, in East Yorkshire.

National Highways said the 81m (265 ft) long and 6.5m-wide vehicle will "fully occupy" the A42 in Leicestershire on Saturday and will "not be passable".

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time on journeys or avoid the route, National Highways added.

The abnormal load will be transported on the following dates:

• Departs Rugby at 09:00 on Saturday 14 November and travels along the M6 to M42 junction 8 and on to M42 junction 10 and northbound to M1 junction 24.

• Leaves M1 junction 24 at 11:00 on Sunday 15 November and heads north to M1 junction 28 for onward journey to Goole.

National Highways has said the electrical transformer is a piece of grid equipment that adjusts voltage levels so electricity can travel long distances and power homes and businesses.

When questioned why the load was not being transported at night, National Highways said it "all comes down to safety".

"Loads of this size require extremely complex and precise steering," a spokesperson said.

"The driver of the load and the escort vehicles need maximum visibility to navigate hazards such as bridges, power lines, roadside infrastructure such as traffic lights and signs, and other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists the team may encounter before reaching the motorway."

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