Wiltshire: Watch Out For An Abnormal Load

1 August 2014, 15:08 | Updated: 1 August 2014, 15:10

Wiltshire Police are warning motorists to be aware of an abnormal load that will be moving through the county this weekend.

At approximately 6am on Sunday 3rd August a specialised load transporter carrying an Airbus Aircraft Fuselage, will be escorted by Wiltshire Police from Kemble Airfield to M4 Junction 18. 

The transporter will then continue its planned route to the Royal Portbury Docks, near Bristol. 

The transporter and load will measure 5.79 metres (19ft) wide, 4.90 m (16ft-01ins) high with an overall length of 47.00 m (155 ft) and gross weight of 60 tonnes. 

Due to the size of this transporter it will be slow moving and will have the potential to create congestion. When the loads travel on the A419 southbound before moving westbound on the M4 it will at times take up the entire carriageway. 

Drivers are asked to be prepared and considerable delays can be expected. 

It is estimated that this load will take approximately 3 - 4hours to get from the Kemble Airfield to the Avon & Somerset County boundary at M4 junction 18. 

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 to catch a flight or meet appointments should allow sufficient additional time. 

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

The journey will begin from Kemble Airfield, Cirencester, where the load will be transported in convoy. It departs Kemble on the A429 before travelling south on the A419 to arrive at M4 junction 15, before continuing westbound on the M4. 

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