Road closures for abnormal load's journey

A 200-tonne "supergrid transformer" will be escorted through North Yorkshire later, with several rolling road closures planned to accommodate it.

The abnormal load's route will follow the A19 from Middlesbrough through Birdforth, Thormanby and Shipton by Beningbrough before turning onto Overton Road.

An 80-metre specialist vehicle will transport the transformer, which will travel at a reduced speed accompanied by a police escort.

Because of its size, in some areas, benches, litter bins and road signs will be temporarily removed, and parking restrictions may be put in place.

When the road is single carriageway or "too narrow", the convoy will travel under a rolling road closure, meaning other vehicles may be stopped at points along the route.

The supergrid transformer is one of eight National Grid transformers to be delivered to Overton and Monk Fryston electrical substations by October 2025, as part of the ongoing Yorkshire Green project.

Martin McGready, National Grid project director, said: "Supergrid transformers are essential to our project to upgrade and reinforce the high-voltage energy network in Yorkshire and further afield.

"We are working closely with other organisations to limit as much of the potential disruption as possible, and we'd like to thank local communities for their support and understanding while we undertake this vital work."

Letters have been sent to local residents directly affected by the load.

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