A coke drum, weighing 444,144 kilograms and measuring 47 metres in length, will be transported from Edmonton to Fort McMurray this week, causing significant delays along major highways.
The oversized load, critical to the oil refining process, will travel at a maximum speed of 60 km/h and require four days to complete its journey.
The drum will be carried on a trailer with 192 wheels and will use the full width of the highway, including shoulders. Guided by pilot vehicles, flag people, and police escorts, the load will travel below posted speed limits, occasionally blocking lanes or moving against traffic flow. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and be prepared for delays.
Transport begins on January 7 leaving from Darco Industries Inc. in south Edmonton. The route goes east on Highway 14, then north on Highway 36, and east on Highway 45 to stop at the Two Hills Scale for the night. On January 8, it will continue on Highway 45, 36, 29 and 28, ending the day in Boyle.
On January 9, the load will head north on Highway 63, with a stop at a staging area. The final stretch on January 10 will take the load into Fort McMurray, using ramps to avoid overpasses.
Drivers are urged to watch for guide vehicles, flag people, and traffic changes to stay safe during the move.
