Large load travelling through Lakeland highways this week

Motorists around Lakeland area highways should be aware of a large load of just under a million pounds for the next couple days. 

A coker drum used in the oil refining process left south Edmonton on Tuesday morning and will go through the Two Hills and Ashmont areas, going west on Highway 28 before arriving in Fort McMurray on Friday. 

The vessel will travel Tuesday on Highway 14 to Highway 36 northbound, then to Highway 45 eastbound to park for the night at the Two Hills weigh scales. 

Day 2: Jan. 8 (Day Move)

• Highway 45 eastbound
• Highway 36 northbound
• Highway 29 eastbound
• Highway 36 northbound
• Highway 28 westbound
• Highway 63 northbound (park at Boyle)

Day 3: Jan. 9 (Day Move)

• Highway 63 northbound
• Highway 55 eastbound
• Highway 63 northbound (park at POE staging area)

Day 4: Jan. 10 (Early Morning Move)

• Highway 63 northbound
• Use ramps in Fort McMurray to avoid overpasses
• Highway 63 northbound (use Suncor Ramp to miss overpass)

The drum weights 8.7 metres wide, 10.2 metres high and 47 metres long and will travel at a maximum speed of 60 km/h. 

It will use the entire width of the highway including the shoulder. The load will also occasionally travel against the flow of traffic with lanes blocked off accordingly.

Drivers should watch for guide vehicles and flag people as the load will be escorted by four vehicles to close intersections and facilitate its move. At times, it will also have a police escort to control traffic.