Slow traffic expected on the M6 northbound - here's why

Heysham to Longtown
-Credit: (Image: Highways Agency)


Drivers using the M6 through Lancashire and Cumbria are being advised to be aware of the wide load movement.

SP Energy are moving the huge electricity transformer from the port at Heysham in Lancashire to Dumfriesshire. The operation will start at 9am on Saturday (28 September) and take until 3pm on Sunday (29 September) to complete.

The transformer weighs 186 tonnes, with the combined weight of the transporter and load weighing 375 tonnes.

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Measuring 5.4m in width and 62m in length, it will straddle two lanes of the motorway and be travelling at around 12 mph. Drivers are being asked to exercise extra patience and care when overtaking in lane three of the motorway.

The tranformer being shipped from Korea
The tranformer being shipped from Korea -Credit:Highways Agency

On the first leg of its journey the load will travel north on Saturday up the M6 from junction 34 near Lancaster in Lancashire to Tebay Services, just north of junction 38 in Cumbria. The load is expected to arrive at the services at 5pm.

On Sunday the load will embark on the second and final leg of its long journey, leaving Tebay Services at 7am, travelling to junction 42 at Carlisle for a planned break. It will then move into Scotland, joining the A74M to arrive at the Moffat Substation in Dumfriesshire at 3pm.

Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys. Live traffic information is always available at www.trafficengland.com or from National Highways’ 24-7 customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000. Updates will also be posted to @HighwaysNWest – National Highways’ regional X feed.

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