Edmonton 
Drivers in central and northern Alberta may want to build in extra time starting July 12, as a massive industrial load begins a seven-day move from Edmonton to the Fort McMurray area.
De-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing./Govt. of Alberta
The load is a de-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing. The load is 6.5 metres wide, 7.92 metres high and 104 metres long. With support equipment included, it weighs 523,300 kilograms. The trailers carrying it have 352 wheels.
Because of its size, the load will travel no faster than 50 km/h. It will be escorted by guide vehicles and will use the full width of the highway, including the shoulder. At some points, it will also move against the normal flow of traffic, with lanes blocked as needed.
The move begins late on July 12 from Thermo Design Engineering in south Edmonton, leaving from 1424 70 Avenue NW at 11 p.m. The first leg takes it through Edmonton routes including 70 Avenue, 17 Street, Whitemud Drive, Highway 216 and Highway 14 toward Viking.
From there, the load moves through several highways over the following days, including Highways 36, 45, 29, 28 and 63. Planned staging points include Two Hills Scale, Radway Scale, May Tower South Rest Area, and a point of entry 35 kilometres south of Fort McMurray.
The final leg is scheduled for July 18, when the load moves along Highway 63, Voyageur Road and Aostra Road before heading into the site around 8 a.m.
Day 1 — July 12 (depart 11 p.m. night move)
- exit from 1424 70 Avenue NW Edmonton
- 70 Avenue westbound
- 17 Street southbound
- Whitemud counterflow eastbound
- Highway 216 southbound counterflow
- Highway 14 eastbound to Viking (6:30 a.m.)
Day 2 — July 13 (continuing at daylight)
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 45 eastbound
- stage at Two Hills Scale (6 p.m.)
Day 3 — July 14 (depart at 11 a.m.)
- Highway 45 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 29 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 28 westbound
- stage at Radway Scale (8 p.m.)
Day 4 — July 15 (depart at daylight)
- Highway 28 westbound
- Highway 63 northbound
- stage at May Tower South Rest Area (5:30 p.m.)
Day 5 — July 16 (depart at daylight)
- Highway 63 northbound
- stage at point of entry (POE) 35 km south of Fort McMurray (3 p.m.)
Day 6 — July 17 (depart 12:15 a.m. night move)
- Highway 63 northbound
- use ramps in Fort McMurray to avoid overpasses
- Highway 63 northbound
- stage at North POE 12 km north of Fort McMurray (6:30 a.m.)
Day 7 — July 18 (depart 12 a.m. night move)
- Highway 63 northbound
- Highway 63 northbound counterflow
- Voyageur Road westbound counterflow
- Voyageur Road westbound
- Aostra Road southbound
- west and south into site (8 a.m.)
For up-to-date road information and traffic delays, see 511.alberta.ca
