The province is warning motorists planning to drive on Highway 63 next week, to plan their trip around the planned transport of a massive container.
Officials said the container, with a weight equivalent to 290 pickup trucks – of 780 metric tonnes, and nearly double the length of an Olympic-sized pool, has been scheduled to travel north on the highway during the day at a speed of about 25 kilometres an hour.
The operation will also have two pilot vehicles, one in front of and one behind the container.
The journey is set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
The province said the convoy will pull over to allow traffic to pass when it can, or pilot vehicles will guide traffic around the load when it’s safe to do so in an effort to minimize delays as much as possible.
|
Date |
Departure |
Route |
Arrival |
Travel |
|
Tuesday, Feb. 26 |
1 a.m.
7 a.m. |
Edmonton departure from Dacro Industries Inc., 9325 - 51 Ave. to Highway 14. Depart Highway 14 east. Travel to Highway 36. Follow Highway 36 to Two Hills |
1 p.m. |
6 hours |
|
Wednesday, Feb. 27 |
7 a.m. |
Depart Two Hills, heading to Radway via Highways 36 and 28 |
1 p.m. |
6 hours |
|
Thursday, Feb. 28 |
7 a.m. |
From Radway head west on Highway 28, then north on Highway 63 to Wandering River |
1 p.m. |
6 hours |
|
Friday, March 1 |
7 a.m. |
Heading north on Highway 63 to arrive at the Fort McMurray Port of Entry (POE) |
Noon |
5 hours |
|
Saturday, March 2 |
1 a.m.
or 5 a.m. |
From Fort McMurray POE on Highway 63 drive through the city to reach destination north of Fort McMurray around 4 a.m. If not at its destination by 5 a.m., the convoy will stop out of traffic in a wide area north of Fort McMurray and resume travel at 9 a.m. after rush hour. |
4 a.m.
11 a.m. |
3 hours
6 hours |
Wood Buffalo RCMP suggest drivers slow down when approaching oversized loads, follow directions of pilot vehicles and be patient as the loads will pull over when it’s safe to do so, to clear any traffic backlog.
Motorists can find more information on traffic delays by calling 511 toll-free, or visiting the 511 website
