STOP PRESS: Abnormal Loads On The A303

Wiltshire Police are warning motorists to be aware of several abnormal loads that will be passing through the county this week, eastbound along a section of the A303.  Thank goodness they didn't try this on Monday with the chaos caused by a crash at Stonehenge and the crowds heading home after the Glastonbury Festival.

At approximately 11.00am on Wednesday 2nd July, three specialist load transporters carrying dump trucks will be escorted by Wiltshire Police from Whatley Quarry, Frome to the Parkhouse roundabout off the A303. The transporter will then continue its planned route (outside of the Wiltshire border) on the A303 and A34 before later joining the M4 where it will re-enter the county.  We think it is probably these little beauties making a return journey:

The same transporters carrying similar loads will then make an identical trip 24 hours later on Thursday 3rd July, also starting at approximately 11.00am.  You do have to question the common sense of whoever agreed to this happening on a Thursday, at a time when eastbound traffic is likely to be building up in the new A303 special - the advanced Friday rush hour.

The transporters and their loads will measure 5.75 metres (18ft 10ins) wide, 4.98m (16ft 4ins) high with an overall length of 23m (76ft) and gross weight of 117 tonnes.

Routes that are likely to be affected by the transportation are the eastbound stretches of the A361, A36, A350 and A303. The transporter will also be travelling on the A34 and M4 later in the afternoon.

Due to the size of the transporters, they will be slow moving and will have the potential to create congestion. Wherever possible, disruption will be kept to a minimum but hauliers and motorists are asked to please be patient if they come across this load. Anyone travelling over this period should allow sufficient additional time.

Regular updates and travel information in respect of the abnormal loads will be passed from our control room at Devizes when appropriate to help motorists plan their journey.

Police escorting resources are being provided by volunteer police officers on rest days, paid for by the haulier at no cost to the public.

Now how much easier would all this be if the A303 were dualled along its entire length?  Watch out for problems in Winterbourne Stoke if either of these convoys meet an HGV travelling westwards.