Motorists travelling on the M25 and M1 this weekend should anticipate overnight delays as a colossal piece of equipment, weighing 350 tonnes and stretching 50 meters (164 feet) in length, is transported to a power station.

The mammoth load is set to journey from the Port of Tilbury in Essex to the Millbrook power station in Bedfordshire, covering a distance of 79 miles (127 kilometres). Scheduled for Saturday evening into Sunday, the transport operation is projected to last 12 hours, with the convoy expected to reach its destination around 06:15 GMT.

According to organizers, this is the first of three such transports, with two more planned for March. The equipment’s arrival at the power station is deemed crucial, as it will play a vital role in the facility’s operation as a peaking plant, generating electricity during periods of high demand across the country.

Once operational, the power station will have the capacity to supply electricity to approximately 150,000 homes, significantly contributing to the region’s energy needs.

Due to the extraordinary size and weight of the equipment, it will be accompanied by a police escort throughout its journey. The route will see the load departing from the Port of Tilbury at 17:45 on Saturday, travelling along the A13 before joining the M25 at junction 21.

From there, the convoy will proceed northbound on the M1, exiting at junction 13 before continuing on the A421 towards the Millbrook power site.

To facilitate the smooth passage of the abnormal load, several road closures and temporary traffic measures have been planned:

• The section of the M25 between Junction 21a and Junction 19 will be closed in both directions from 22:00 to 06:00 GMT.
• Exit slips from the M1 onto the M25 at Junction 6a will be closed in both directions from 22:00 to 06:00.
• The entry slip from the A12 onto the M25 anti-clockwise at Junction 28 will be closed from 20:00 to 05:00.
• A temporary holding delay of approximately 30 minutes is expected at the Gallows Corner roundabout on the A12, likely occurring around 22:00.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, taking into account the expected delays and road closures along the route. The transport of this essential equipment underscores the ongoing efforts to bolster the region’s energy infrastructure, albeit with temporary inconveniences for commuters.