August 31, 2018 2.03 pm This story is over 66 months old

Watch out: Big load takes to the road next week

Here’s the route the giant transformer will be taking.

A transformer weighing 132 tonnes will be heading out by police escort onto Lincolnshire roads next week.

The equipment, which roughly equals the size of a small house, will be moved from Immingham Docks to the National Grid substation in Wellington near Derby on Friday, September 7.

The vehicle carrying the transformer will measure 34.5 metres long and may impact others on the roads.

The transformer will take the following route:

  1. Western Access Road
  2. West Haven Way
  3. A160
  4. A180
  5. M180
  6. M18
  7. M1 Junction 24A
  8. A50 Junction 3
  9. A514, A5132

The huge piece of equipment will be delivered to be kept as a spare part.

Once installed, new transformer will keep lights on in Derbyshire and beyond.

Most of National Grid’s substations were built between the 1950s and 1970s and equipment such as transformers need to be replaced to keep them working efficiently.

New transformers are also installed to connect new sources of generation or when demand for electricity is growing.

Roxane Fisher, National Grid Project Engineer said: “Our network operates smoothly, safely and efficiently over 99.9999% of the time – a statistic we’re very proud of.

“Millions of people rely on us to supply their electricity without interruption, day in, day out and so it’s important that we keep our substations and the equipment in them working efficiently.”

If people have questions about the transformer movement, they can contact the National Grid community helpdesk on 07773 188190.