Drivers in northeast Alberta should prepare for delays as an oversized industrial load makes its way from Lloydminster to Fort McMurray starting Tuesday, December 2.
The transport involves a thickener water tank used in oil and gas operations, measuring 11.4 metres wide, 12.5 metres high, and 45.4 metres long, and weighing over 263,000 kilograms. The unit will be carried on trailers with 128 wheels.
Travel will occur at speeds of up to 60 km/h, with guide vehicles and occasional police escorts to manage rolling closures. The load will use the full width of the highway, including shoulders, and may cause significant traffic disruptions.
Route highlights:
- Dec. 2: Day and night moves from Lloydminster through Highway 16, Highway 36, and Highway 45, parking at Two Hills and Boyle.
- Details of day move – (depart at 7:00 a.m.)
- Exit from 5207 67 Street, Lloydminster
- 67 Street westbound
- Township Road 502 westbound
- Range Road 14 southbound
- Highway 16 westbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 45 eastbound (Park at Two Hills Scale)
- Dec 2 –Details of night move – (depart at 9:00 p.m.)
- Highway 45 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 29 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 28 westbound
- Highway 63 northbound (Park at Boyle Wide Spot)
- Dec. 3: Night move north on Highway 63, stopping 35 km south of Fort McMurray.
- Dec. 4: No travel.
- Dec. 5: Early morning move into Fort McMurray, using ramps to avoid overpasses, then north to the CNRL Horizon site.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and check 511 Alberta for real-time updates.
