Motorists travelling on the M5 in the coming weeks are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, as a series of slow-moving police-escorted convoys prepare to transport three massive industrial silos through the region.
The abnormal load operation involves moving the structures, each weighing up to 25 tonnes, from Avonmouth to the West Midlands. Specialist transport firm Allelys has been tasked with the logistical challenge, which will require coordination between the Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, and West Midlands Police forces.
Due to the extreme size and height of the equipment, the convoy will be restricted to speeds of just 20 to 25mph throughout the journey. National Highways has issued a stark warning that only one lane will be available for overtaking on the northbound carriageway, with delays of up to 90 minutes expected for other road users.
The operation is scheduled to take place across three separate date windows in late September and October. Each movement is a two-day process: the first day involves travel from junction 18 (Avonmouth) to junction 8, with the second day seeing the silos move from junction 8 to junction 2.
The active dates for the transport are:
- September 30 and October 2
- October 8 and October 9
- October 11 and October 12
According to National Highways, the departure times from Avonmouth are staggered, beginning at 6pm on September 30, 10am on October 8, and 8.30am on October 11. West Midlands Police will take over the escort duties for the final leg between junction 8 and junction 2 at 4am on the mornings of October 2, October 9, and October 12.
Officials have highlighted that the height of the loads will necessitate periodic stops along the route to lower the silos, which will lead to temporary holds on traffic flow.
“REMINDER: Abnormal loads travelling from M5 J18 to M5 J2 northbound,” a spokesperson for National Highways stated. “Only one lane available northbound for vehicles overtaking, delays expected. Plan ahead, allow extra time.”
Commuters and hauliers are encouraged to check traffic updates frequently during these dates, as the combination of the slow-moving convoy and necessary stops is likely to cause significant disruption to north-bound traffic between Worcestershire and Birmingham. Authorities are advising drivers to consider alternative routes where possible to avoid the worst of the anticipated congestion.
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