A super-heavy load is making its way from Edmonton to Fort McMurray this week. The move is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions along the route which includes Highway 63.
This super-heavy wide load will be 8.7 metres wide, 10.2 metres high, 47 metres long, weigh 490,000 kilograms and will be carried by 352 wheels. Due to its large size and weight, it will only travel at 60 km/h and will be escorted by four escort vehicles to close intersections and facilitate its move across the province. At times, it will also have a police escort to control traffic.
Travelling below posted speed limits, the heavy load will occupy the entire width of the highway, including the shoulder, and will occasionally move against the flow of traffic. Four pilot vehicles and occasional police escorts will accompany the load to ensure public safety.
The load will leave Dacro in south Edmonton using the following route:
Day 1 (Dec. 10 – Day Move)
- Highway 14 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 45 eastbound (park at Two Hills Scale)
Day 2 (Dec. 11 – Day Move)
- Highway 45 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 29 eastbound
- Highway 36 northbound
- Highway 28 westbound
- Highway 63 northbound (park at Boyle)
Day 3 (Dec. 12 – Day Move)
- Highway 63 northbound
- Highway 55 eastbound
- Highway 63 northbound (park at POE staging area)
Day 4 (Dec. 13 – Night Move)
- Highway 63 northbound
- Use ramps in Fort McMurray to avoid overpasses
- Highway 63 northbound (use Suncor ramp to miss overpass)
The load will pause at designated locations to allow traffic to pass, but travelers should expect delays and plan ahead. Motorists should check with Alberta 511 for updates on the position and expected times of travel as weather and other events could impact the scheduled move.
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