Collett Transport move 198 Tonne Transformer by road from Heysham

The 198 tonne transformer on the A683 Bay Gateway link road from Heysham to the M6

Welsh Power moved a huge electricity transformer from the Port of Heysham in Lancashire to Longtown, north of Carlisle in Cumbria on Saturday 21st September. The operation began at 9am and lasted for around 12 hours. The 198 tonne transformer, was moved by Collett Transport on its Scheuerle 550 tonne capacity girder bridge trailer, that is more than six metres wide. The load travelled from Heysham Port along the A683 Bay Gateway link road to the M6, then north up the M6 from junction 34 near Lancaster through Cumbria, straddling two lanes of the carriageway. Once in Cumbria, the transporter parked on a closed lane of the M6 exit slip road at junction 39 near Shap for a scheduled break, before resuming its journey north to Scotland. After the break at junction 39 the transformer continued northwards, where its ultimate destination was to be the new Welsh Power Grid Stability Plant at Gretna. The load travelled along the M6 at around 12 mph, and motorists were asked to exercise extra care when overtaking in lane three of the motorway.

The transformer heading north on the M6 at Nether Kellet

The transformer heading east on the A683 Bay Gateway link road from Heysham

The transformer about to join the M6 at junction 34 near Lancaster

The transformer and escort vehicles joining the M6 at junction 34 near Lancaster

Collett's transporter on the entry slip road to the M6 at junction 34 near Lancaster

Police escort vehicles controlling traffic flow as the transformer joins the M6 at junction 34

The transformer approaching Nether Kellet as it heads north along the M6

The transformer heading north along the M6 at Nether Kellet

The transformer heading north to Scotland on the M6 near Nether Kellet