Huge transformers on road from Invergordon to Bonar Bridge next week - hold-ups likely
TWO transformers that will play a vital role in the north’s future electricity network are set to make the final stage of their journey to Loch Buidhe substation, five miles north of Bonar Bridge, next week.
The transformers, which each weigh 145 tonnes, have been delivered by sea to Invergordon where they are due to be loaded on to multi-axel trailers by specialist haulier ALE, working on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and their lead contractor at Loch Buidhe, BAM Siemens.
Slow-moving convoys with a police escort are expected to set out from Invergordon at 5am on Tuesday and Friday, before making their way north on the A9, across the Dornoch Bridge and into Bonar Bridge via Spinningdale on the A949.
They will then turn right on to the Migdale road, where a series of improvements have been made over the past 18 months to strengthen and widen the existing road surface in preparation.
SSEN project manager Russell Stewart said: “Every stage in the journey of these transformers has been carefully planned, going back five years to the earliest stages of developing plans for the new substation. Once they arrive and are installed on site, they are expected to play a key role in the network for decades to come.
“Our team will be working alongside our specialist haulier, the roads authorities and the police to make sure each delivery can be completed smoothly, safely and with minimum disruption to other traffic.
“Both convoys will set out from Invergordon early in the morning to reduce the impact on the northbound A9 and the A949 via Spinningdale. We want to alert road users so that they can consider alternative routes, where available, next Tuesday and Friday mornings to avoid experiencing any delays.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while construction work and local road improvements have been progressing.”