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A house sized transformer slowly moves through Dover on its journey to Sellindge

00:00, 14 December 2013

updated: 12:15, 14 December 2013

After much delay, National Grid’s transformer is on the move.

The house-sized delivery was meant to leave the Port of Dover at 7.30 this morning, but eventually departed at 9.30am.

The abnormal load is travelling at a walking pace of 12 miles an hour, which means traffic disruption has already began.

House sized load travelling through Dover. Pictures uploaded to Facebook by Greg Mckenzie
House sized load travelling through Dover. Pictures uploaded to Facebook by Greg Mckenzie

Due to it’s width, the transformer is taking up two lanes, causing disruption to busy weekend traffic.

The device, which is journeying to the Sellindge substation has been escorted the way by Kent Police.

Motorists have been warned to steer clear from the load’s main route, and to refrain from parking in narrow roads where the transformer will be travelling.

The mechanism will join the M20 at junction 13 and travel towards Ashford.

To limit the use of bridges the vehicle will leave the M20 at junction 9 and briefly re-join the motorway going eastwards before leaving again at junction 10 and travelling onto the substation in Church Lane, Sellindge.

Transformer moving at 12 miles an hour in Dover on its travels to Sellindge
Transformer moving at 12 miles an hour in Dover on its travels to Sellindge

Before midday, residents took to social networking sites as they set their eyes on the large delivery.

Greg Mckenzie, who works at the Accommodation Shop, commented on Facebook.

He said: “It has been stuck on the Folkestone Road roundabout for about half an hour right outside our shop.”

While Linda Allen posted: “Its huge!”

The delivery crawling along Townwall Street. Picture uploaded by John Sheridan.
The delivery crawling along Townwall Street. Picture uploaded by John Sheridan.

Dennis Mitchell saw the humorous side of things and added:"I rushed down town thinking I was going to see Optimus Prime or one of the other Transformers."

Once the load arrives in Sellindge, it will change the voltage of electricity for the benefit of local homes, businesses and facilities.

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