Load travelling in central Alberta delayed, expected to impact weekend highway traffic

A large load will impact traffic between Innisfail and Scotford, Alta Nov. 19 to 21. (Google Earth)

A large load carrying a wet flare drum from Innisfail to Scotford, Alta., has been delayed a day due to weather, and will likely impact weekend highway traffic.

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The province said the load didn’t travel on Wednesday and likely won’t be on Hwy 625 until Saturday.

Departing Innisfail, the load will use the following route:

Day 1

• 37 Street eastbound
• 61 Avenue northbound
• 42A westbound
• Hwy 54 northbound
• Hwy 54 westbound
• Hwy 761 northbound
• Hwy 11 westbound (Park at Rocky Mountain House VIS)

Day 2

• Hwy 11 westbound
• Hwy 22 northbound
• Hwy 39 eastbound
• Hwy 60 northbound
• Hwy 19/625 eastbound
• Hwy 21 northbound
• Hwy 14 eastbound (Park at 14/21 Wide Spot)

Day 3

• Hwy 14 eastbound
• Hwy 834 northbound
• Hwy 15 westbound
• RR 220 northbound
• West into site

Four guide vehicles will accompany the load below posted speed limits using the entire width of the highway, including the shoulder. It will also have a police escort at times to control traffic.

The load will occasionally travel against the flow of traffic with lanes blocked off accordingly.

A wet flare drum is a critical safety component in flare systems that enables controlled venting of flammable gases while minimizing risks to people, equipment and the environment.

The size of the load is 8.8 metres wide, 8.5 metres high and 57.6 metres long with 186 wheels.

Drivers are advised to look out for guide vehicles and flag people.

Up-to-date road and traffic information can be found through 511 Alberta.