An 81-metre abnormal load weighing more than 500 tonnes is expected to cause delays on several major roads through the Midlands this weekend as it travels from Rugby to Goole.
National Highways has warned drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time or avoid parts of the route as the 514-tonne vehicle makes its way along the M6, M42, A42 and M1 on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May.
The load is 6.5 metres wide and will travel at around 8mph. National Highways said it will fully occupy the A42, meaning other vehicles will not be able to pass it while it is on that section of the route.
The journey is due to begin at 9am on Saturday, when the load departs Rugby and travels along the M6 towards the M42. It will continue to M42 junction 8 before travelling on to junction 10.
At around 1pm, the abnormal load is expected to leave M42 junction 10 and continue northbound along the M42 and A42 towards M1 junction 24, near the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire border.
The second stage of the journey will take place on Sunday. The load is due to leave M1 junction 24 at 11am and travel north along the motorway to junction 28.
It is then expected to depart M1 junction 28 at around 2pm for the onward journey to Goole.
Drivers using the affected routes have been advised to expect delays, particularly on the A42, where the width of the load means traffic will not be able to pass. National Highways is urging motorists to check their journeys before setting off and consider alternative routes where possible.
