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Abnormal load movement from Thamesport to Grain power station will see 280-tonne electricity transformer transported

15:05, 19 October 2021

updated: 12:04, 25 October 2021

An enormous electricity transformer is to be moved into position at a power station in Kent.

The 280-tonne unit is due to be transported to Grain power station on the banks of the River Medway tomorrow morning.

The 280-tonne transformer moved to the Grain power station which led to the main road to the village to be closed while it was safely moved to the new site. Picture: Allelys
The 280-tonne transformer moved to the Grain power station which led to the main road to the village to be closed while it was safely moved to the new site. Picture: Allelys

Roads between Thamesport on the Isle of Grain to the power station, which is located two miles away, will be closed as the piece of equipment is taken to the site.

Measuring 10 metres long, four-and-a-half metres tall and three-and-a-half metres wide the move will be quite a spectacle as it makes its way along the road.

It has travelled down to the Kent port from Ellesmere on Merseyside having been built at the General Electric plant in Staffordshire.

Today, the transformer is being loaded on to the specialist lorry which will then set off at about 9am to make its way along the Grain Road.

Residents have been warned to expect road closures for approximately 15 minutes between 9am and 10am when the operation is due to take place.

"These moves often attract a bit of attention and it should be quite a sight."

Specialist hauliers Allelys are leading the move and project manager Jordan Heath told KentOnline it is hoped disruption would be minimal for residents in the area.

"It's going to be closed for a short period – about 15 minutes – at sometime between 9am and 10am," he said.

"We're doing it after the morning rush hour.

"These moves often attract a bit of attention and it should be quite a sight."

The transformer and its transporter weigh in at a combined 342 tonnes and will make the short journey from Thamesport out of the docks and on to the B2008 towards Grain village.

It will then turn into Power Station Road on the outskirts of the village.

Signs were placed at the junction last week warning drivers about an intermittent closure between 6am and midday for "an abnormal load movement". Parking will also be prohibited along the stretch of road.

Send us your photos of the move to medway@thekmgroup.co.uk

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