M25 Drivers Alerted to Oversized Load

The National Grid has announced that a transformer, weighing “the equivalent of 25 African elephants,” is scheduled to be transported through Surrey this weekend. This 155-tonne supergrid transformer is integral to ongoing improvement projects at the West Weybridge substation, located in New Haw, close to Addlestone. A convoy, moving at speeds below 12mph (19km/h) and accompanied by a police escort, will commence its journey from Tilbury, proceeding along the M25 on Saturday evening. Its arrival at the substation is anticipated during the early hours of Sunday. Motorists received notification that the chosen route was “carefully planned in collaboration with highway authorities and the police to minimise disruption.” In a statement, National Grid indicated that traffic might experience brief stoppages to facilitate the convoy’s passage. Mark Ellis, the project manager, stated: “The movement is occurring at this time to try and minimise disruption to the local road network. Noise will be kept to a minimum. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the local community during this vital work maintaining the resilience of our energy network.”