Heavy loads to impact highway traffic in Edmonton area

De-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing. (Government of Alberta)

Two heavy loads travelling on Thursday and Friday are expected to impact traffic in the Edmonton area.

The first load, travelling from Tofield to Fort Saskatchewan on Thursday, will be carrying a secondary dryer used in the oil and gas industry to remove residual moisture and contaminants.

Standing just over 10 metres high, 9 metres wide and 80 metres long, the load weighs 785,092 kilograms and will travel at a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

The load will leave Dacro in Tofield at 7:30 a.m. taking the following route:

• Exit from 6204 46 Ave., Tofield
• Airport Road eastbound
• 46 Avenue southbound
• Highway 14 eastbound
• Highway 834 northbound
• Highway 15 westbound
• Range Road 220 northbound
• West into site (DOW) (2 p.m.)

A second load transporting a demethanizer from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan will impact traffic starting Friday at 11:30 p.m. using the following route:

Day 1 Mar. 6 (11:30 p.m. night move)

• Exit from 9325 51 Avenue NW, Edmonton
• 51 Avenue NE eastbound
• Roper Road NE eastbound
• 75 Street NE southbound
• Whitemund Drive NE eastbound counterflow
• Highway 216 (Anthony Henday Drive) southbound counterflow
• Highway 14 eastbound counterflow
• Highway 14 eastbound

Day 2 Mar. 7 (continuing at daylight)

• Highway 14 eastbound
• Highway 834 northbound
• Highway 15 westbound
• Stage at Lamont widespot (3 p.m.)

Day 3 Mar. 9 (9 a.m. day move)

• Highway 14 eastbound
• Highway 834 northbound
• Highway 15 westbound
• Range Road 220 northbound
• West into site (DOW) (11 a.m.)

The drum shell of the demethanizer is 7.2 metres wide, 7.4 metres high, and 76.1 metres long and weighs 541,308 kilograms. It will travel at a maximum speed of 60 km/h.

Up-to-date road information and traffic delays can be found by calling 511 or visiting 511.alberta.ca.