A supergrid transformer as heavy as 33 African elephants will travel from Teesport Docks
It's set to be transported along the A174 in Middlesbrough on Sunday morning
The National Grid is moving a 200-tonne supergrid transformer from Middlesborough to York on Sunday morning (July 6).
The equipment is due to leave Teesport Docks at 6am on Sunday, travelling along the A174 from 9am before taking the A19 southbound from 9.45am and arriving at Overton near York at 2pm.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes if possible.
Transformers play a vital role in helping to ensure the UK continues to enjoy safe and reliable energy supplies, stepping voltage up or down so electricity can be efficiently transmitted from power generators or safely distributed to homes and businesses via regional networks.
The delivery is the latest milestone in National Grid’s Yorkshire GREEN project, part of the Great Grid Upgrade.
Weighing 200 tonnes – the equivalent of 33 African elephants - the first transformer will be delivered from Teesport Docks, Middlesbrough, on a specialist vehicle over 80 metres long under police escort and at low speed.
The transformer will travel along the road network via A19 southbound, past Thirsk, Thormanby and Shipton before arriving at Overton Substation on Overton Road.
This delivery will be the first of eight to substations in Overton and Monk Fryston, with four supergrid transformers being delivered to each site. The deliveries will take place between July and October 2025.
National Grid project director Martin McGready 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.
“We have carefully planned the delivery in collaboration with the police and National Highways to ensure we minimise disruption.
“Some unavoidable disruption is expected as a rolling road closure will be in place in some areas, and temporary parking restrictions may be required. In addition, temporary alterations to items such as road signs and street furniture may have to be made at some locations to enable the convoy to complete its journey.”