Disruption expected as huge lorry carrying transformer travels through West Country

Police will escort the haulage lorry at 15 miles an hour. Credit: Bristol Port

Motorists in Somerset and Gloucestershire are being warned to brace themselves for possible delays tomorrow.

The National Grid is delivering new equipment to Iron Acton substation - which will help keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses.

The huge 200 tonne transformer will have to be painstakingly driven at just 15 miles per hour in a special haulage lorry.

The vehicle is a massive 57 metres long, and will take up two lanes of traffic.

It will have to be accompanied by a police escort to manage traffic, close roads and ensure people's safety.

It's expected to cause disruption on the local road network - find out how you could be affected below.

THE ROUTE:

The journey will start at 9 am and take take approximately seven hours. Credit: ITV News
  • est 9am: the transformer will begin its journey from Avonmouth Port in Bristol

  • the lorry will leave Avonmouth docks via the M49

  • est 9:50: it will head east on the M4

  • est 10:20: lorry will join the M5 northbound to Junction 13

  • est 11:20: returning southbound, it will exit onto the B4509 at Junction 14

The second leg of the journey will be along more rural roads. Credit: ITV News
  • est. 12:00: finally, the lorry will pass through the villages of Cromhall, Bagstone and Rangeworthy

  • est 15:00 it will follow the B4059 until it reaches Latteridge village, close to its final destination