Motorists, brace yourselves! Gloucestershire Police warn of major travel delays as colossal abnormal loads crawl through the county over the next two weeks.
Colossal Cargo on the Move
A mammoth manufacturing press and its huge components, weighing in excess of 600 tonnes, will be transported from Sharpness Docks to Brockworth. These slow-moving giants will roll out on the evenings of:
- Tuesday 7 April
- Wednesday 8 April
- Thursday 9 April
- Wednesday 15 April
- Thursday 16 April
The convoys set off around 6pm each day and will use a complex route involving the B4066, A38, B4509, before joining the M5 at Junction 14 near Falfield.
Road Closures and Crawling Speeds to Blame
Due to their enormous size, these beastly transports will be restricted to just 12 mph. Sections of road will be shut while crews manoeuvre the loads and remove signs and furniture to make way. An unusual contraflow system sees these giants join the M5 northbound via the exit slip road at Junction 14, then exit at Junction 11A onto the A417. Traffic will be held during these tricky join and exit manoeuvres. The journey then continues along the A417, B4641, Delta Way, and Hurricane Road, before finally reaching their destination.
Police Urge Drivers to Avoid Routes and Expect Delays
“We apologise in advance for the inconvenience caused,” said Gloucestershire Police. “Please avoid these routes during the specified times where possible, as severe delays are expected, especially on the M5 northbound and the A417.”
If you’re travelling in Gloucestershire on the listed dates, plan ahead and allow extra time. These lumbering loads mean business – and your patience will be tested!
