On Wednesday, July 24, the 14th of nearly two dozen “super loads” departs from the Ohio River dock site in Adams County, heading towards New Albany for the new Intel plant in Licking County. This convoy includes the third of four loads that each weigh over 900,000 pounds.
This particular load is an air processor known as a cold box, essential for silicon chip manufacturing. The dimensions of this colossal piece of equipment are staggering—it stands at approximately 22 feet 9 inches tall, stretches 19 feet 9 inches wide, spans 278 feet 2 inches long, and tips the scales at 915,546 pounds.
The transport will take more than a week, with planned stops in West Portsmouth, Lucasville, Chillicothe, Rickenbacker, Pickerington, and Pataskala, before finally reaching its destination on Tuesday, July 30.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) warns that these extra-large loads will significantly affect traffic. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and avoid the convoy’s path to minimize delays.
Due to the enormity and slow speed of the loads, the convoy will start earlier each day to ensure daylight travel. The ODOT anticipates a heightened public interest, which could result in large crowds along the route and additional traffic delays. Public safety remains the top priority. Spectators are urged to steer clear of the transport trucks and crews and to stay off the sidewalks along the roadway. If instructed to move back, observers should comply immediately.
To accommodate these super loads, ODOT has meticulously analyzed and planned the route. Each convoy will be escorted by several Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, ensuring that emergency vehicles can bypass the rolling roadblock with minimal disruption. In collaboration with local governments and utility companies, modifications have been made to obstructions along the route, such as adjusting large overhead signs, traffic signals, and utility lines.
Advance notifications will be provided before each load departs from the dock near the village of Manchester in Adams County. Updates will be continuously shared as the loads progress north toward central Ohio.
Source: Truckers News
