London motorists planning to use the M25 this weekend are being warned of potential traffic delays due to an ‘abnormal load’ making its way from Bedfordshire to Surrey, stretching nearly 60 metres in length. The hefty convoy, which will be escorted by police, is set to cause some delays on the M25 as it transports an electricity transformer to West Weybridge Substation.
Setting off from Luton tomorrow, July 20, the journey will see the vehicle snake its way through the M1 and A405 before hopping onto the M25 at Junction 19 near Watford. The colossal cargo, measuring 58 metres long and five metres wide, is bound for a new home at the West Weybridge Substation.
Surrey Police’s spokesperson has issued a statement: “We will be escorting an abnormal load – an electricity transformer – through Surrey on Saturday, July 20 and Monday, July 22. A section of Pinewood Grove will be closed until Monday, July 22, when the load will make its final move to West Weybridge Substation, Parkside, New Haw, Addlestone.”
READ MORE:National Highways gives verdict on M25 closures for the rest of the year
They’ve also advised that while they’ll try to minimise traffic disruption, drivers should stay sharp and plan their travels with the unusual cargo in mind. According to road mapping site One.Network, the transformer’s trek is likely to take it off the M25 at Junction 11, then through Ottershaw Roundabout, along the A320, A245, and B385, before reaching Pinewood Grove, reports Surrey Live.
A diversion route of nearly six miles has been suggested on the site, but highway bosses have yet to confirm this alternative route. Surrey County Council (SCC) describes an abnormal load as a vehicle carrying more than 44 tonnes, with an axle load exceeding 11.5 tonnes, wider than three metres, or longer than 18.75 metres.
After departing from Luton, the abnormal load will travel along the motorway and exit at Junction 11 for the A320 St Peters Way north of Woking. It’s then expected to pass through Ottershaw and Sheerwater before coming to a halt in Pinewood Grove, New Haw, Addlestone.
In other M25 news, National Highways has confirmed that there will be no more full weekend closures of the M25 in 2024. The final two shutdowns of the motorway, where it intersects with the A3 at Junction 10, for the Wisley Improvement scheme have been postponed until 2025.
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