A HUGE new electrical transformer is being transported through South Gloucestershire this weekend to replace equipment at a substation in Iron Acton.

The 235-tonne National Grid transformer, needed to change the voltage of electricity before it’s transmitted through the power network, will be brought to the village on a special haulage lorry under police escort on Sunday, July 24.

It will begin its journey from Avonmouth Port in Bristol at 8am and travelling at just 1o or 15mph it is not expected to arrive in Iron Acton until between 2.30pm and 3pm.

National Grid project engineer Tom Penn said there would be delays in the area.

He added: “We’ve worked closely with our delivery partners, Allelys Heavy Haulage Ltd, to plan a safe delivery route and to keep disruption to a minimum. But there are likely to be some delays on the Sunday morning on the motorway and on smaller, narrow roads close to the substation.

“I’d like to thank people for their patience in advance of our work. By letting people know in advance, we hope that people will be able to plan their journeys on the 24 July to avoid any disruption.

“Our last delivery to Iron Acton substation was successful with little disruption to roads in the area, and we expect the same this time. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact our community relations team on 0800 073 1047.”

Police and a special haulage team will accompany the 55-metre long, five-metre wide lorry to ensure the safety of the public and all those involved.

Traffic will be stopped at certain places and when the lorry is across both lanes of a road, oncoming traffic will be pulled over by the police escort and held until the lorry has safely passed Due to the size of the lorry, it must take an indirect route to Iron Acton substation to avoid hazards, such as weak bridges and narrow turning points.

The lorry will leave Avonmouth docks via the M49, heading east on the M4 before joining the M5 northbound. It will then travel to Junction 13 before returning southbound, where it will exit onto the B4509 at Junction 14.

Finally, the lorry will pass through the villages of Cromhall, Bagstone and Rangeworthy, and then follow the B4059 until it reaches Larks Lane in Latteridge, close to its final destination.