A huge delivery is set to cause traffic disruption in York and North Yorkshire this weekend.
A supergrid transformer is due to be delivered to an electricity substation under construction in Overton near York on Sunday (6 July).
Weighing at 200-tonnes – the equivalent of 33 African elephants – the transformer will be delivered from Teesport Docks, Middlesbrough, on a specialist vehicle more than 80 metres long under police escort and at low speed.
Overton Road, Overton
The transformer will travel along the road network via A19 southbound, past Thirsk, Thormanby and Shipton before arriving at Overton Substation on Overton Road.
This delivery will be the first of eight to substations in Overton and Monk Fryston, with four supergrid transformers being delivered to each site. The deliveries will take place between July and October.
Transformers step voltage up or down so electricity can be efficiently transmitted from power generators or safely distributed to homes and businesses via regional networks.
The delivery is the latest milestone in National Grid’s Yorkshire Green project, part of the Great Grid Upgrade.
National Grid said they have “carefully planned the delivery in collaboration with the police and National Highways to ensure we minimise disruption.
“Some unavoidable disruption is expected as a rolling road closure will be in place in some areas, and temporary parking restrictions may be required.
“In addition, temporary alterations to items such as road signs and street furniture may have to be made at some locations to enable the convoy to complete its journey.”
Local residents directly affected by the deliveries have been sent letters, and they can contact the community relations team at [email protected] or on 0800 008 7772.
Martin McGready, National Grid project director, said: “Supergrid transformers are essential to our project to upgrade and reinforce the high-voltage energy network in Yorkshire and further afield.
“We are working closely with other organisations to limit as much of the potential disruption as possible, and we’d like to thank local communities for their support and understanding while we undertake this vital work.”