Travel disruption expected for 200-tonne abnormal load

The abnormal load is one of eight National Grid transformers to be delivered to Overton and Monk Fryston substations

A 200-tonne "supergrid transformer" due to travel through North Yorkshire on Sunday will require rolling road closures and travel disruption along its route.

The 80m (262ft) abnormal load will be escorted along the A19 southbound from Middlesbrough, past Thirsk, Thormanby and Shipton before arriving at Overton electrical substation.

Due to its size, the specialist vehicle transporting the transformer will travel at a maximum speed of 15mph, accompanied by a police escort.

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

At points, the convoy will travel under a rolling road closure, meaning other vehicles may be stopped at points along the route.

It is scheduled to leave Teesport at 07:00 BST, and is estimated to pass Thormanby between 10:00 - 11:00, reaching Shipton between 11:00 - 12:00.

The supergrid transformer is the third of eight National Grid transformers to be delivered to Overton and Monk Fryston electrical substations by October 2025, for the ongoing Yorkshire Green works.

The project aims to upgrade and reinforce the network in the area, as part of delivering National Grid's "Great Grid Upgrade" across England and Wales.

A supergrid transformer is a large piece of electrical equipment used in a power grid's substations to step voltage up or down, transmitting electricity over long distances to homes and businesses.

A spokesperson from the National Grid said the delivery had been "carefully planned" with the police and highways agencies to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

They thanked the local communities for "their support and understanding while we undertake this vital work".