Home   Dover   News   Article

Abnormal load warning for convoys going from Dover to Sellindge via Ashford and Alkham Valley

Drivers are being warned to expect delays as two 330-tonne transformers are transported through the county.

Heavy load specialist company Collett will move the cargo from the Port of Dover to the National Grid Substation at Sellindge, with the convoy travelling at just 12mph.

The abnormal loads will be transported tomorrow night and on Saturday, June 15.

The type of abnormal load set to travel through Kent. Picture: Collett
The type of abnormal load set to travel through Kent. Picture: Collett

On both Saturdays the convoys will leave the Port of Dover at 10pm and exit the A20 for the Alkham Valley Road at 11pm.

It will pass the M20 junction 12 at Cheriton at 12.05am and be at junction 9 for Ashford at 1.30am.

They are expected to arrive in Sellindge at 2.50am.

Yorkshire-based Collett explained loads like these cannot always take the most direct routes because they have to avoid weak bridges and culverts.

The trailers and push-pull units will have a combined length of more than 85 metres (about 280ft).

The loads will also be 5.5 metres (18ft).

The transformers are needed to supply up to three million homes with electricity.

They convoys start from Dover. Picture: Paul Amos
They convoys start from Dover. Picture: Paul Amos

Liam McLoughlin head of projects, said: "The planning of this delivery and installation started in January.

“During the movement, Collett will have private escort vehicles that will warn other road users of the approaching convoy.

"However, the police will be on hand to control traffic, to cause the least amount of disruption to the public.

"We appreciate that our movement will cause some delays to other road users.

"We have reviewed the movement along with the police and local councils.

"The planned moves take place at a time when all of the stakeholders believe that it will cause the least amount of disruption possible.”

Keep up-to-date with developments on transport and stories that will impact how you travel

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More