Toronto 
Drivers in and around Edmonton should expect traffic disruptions this weekend as an unusually large industrial load makes its way east toward Fort Saskatchewan.
Specialized pressure vessel that facilitates chemical reactions to convert raw materials into gasoline and diesel./Credit: Govt. of Alberta
The move begins late on February 8, when a massive pressure vessel will depart from a facility in southeast Edmonton and travel along several major roads and highways. Because of its size and weight, the load will move slowly and require the full width of the roadway, including shoulders, at various points along the route.
The equipment being transported is a specialized reactor used in fuel production, designed to facilitate chemical reactions that convert raw materials into gasoline and diesel. The vessel measures 65 metres long, 8.7 metres wide, and 9.9 metres high. Including its support equipment, it weighs 485,263 kilograms. It will be carried on trailers equipped with a total of 384 wheels.
Due to these dimensions, the convoy will travel at a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour and will remain below posted speed limits throughout the trip. Guide vehicles will accompany the load, and counterflow traffic arrangements will be used on several highways to allow it to pass safely.
The move is scheduled in two stages. The first begins at 10 p.m. on February 8, starting from 9325 51 Avenue NW in Edmonton. From there, the load will travel east on 51 Avenue, south on Roper Road and 75 Street, then continue along Whitemud Drive and Highway 216 in counterflow lanes. It will proceed east on Highway 14, also in counterflow, before staging at the Highway 14 and Highway 21 intersection around 4 a.m.
The second stage resumes later that morning at 8:30 a.m. The load will continue east on Highway 14, then head north on Highway 834 and west on Highway 15, including a counterflow section. From there, it will travel north on Range Road 221 before turning east into the destination site, with arrival expected around 4 p.m.
Motorists are advised to plan for delays, follow posted signage, and consider alternate routes where possible while the transport is underway.
Super-heavy load Route:
The load will leave Dacro in Edmonton using the following route:
Day 1 Feb. 8 (depart 10 p.m. night move):
- Exit from 9325 51 Avenue NW, Edmonton
- 51 Avenue NW eastbound
- Roper Road NW southbound
- 75 Street NW southbound
- Whitemud Drive NE eastbound counterflow
- Highway 216 Southbound Counterflow
- Highway 14 Eastbound Counterflow
- Stage at Highway 14/Highway 21 (4 a.m.)
Day 2 Feb. 9 (8:30 a.m. day move):
- Highway 14 eastbound
- Highway 834 northbound
- Highway 15 westbound
- Highway 15 westbound counterflow
- Range Road 221 northbound
- East into site (DOW) (4 p.m.)
