Drivers may encounter 600,000 pound transformer in Lordstown
LORDSTOWN, Ohio - Drivers in Lordstown may encounter some slow-moving traffic on Friday as an oversize load is expected to take four hours to make a trip that a passenger car could complete in just six minutes.
FirstEnergy will be moving a 300-ton electrical transformer from the Ohio Commerce Center on Route 45 to a power substation on Highland Avenue.
The move will use a remotely operated, self-propelled trailer with 18 axles and 144 wheels to bear the 600,000 pound piece of equipment.
Starting at 9 a.m., the transformer will move south along State Route 45, then east on Salt Springs road, and then north along Highland Avenue.
No road closures are planned, though the slow-moving convoy will have a police escort and may cause some traffic slowdowns throughout the route.
FirstEnergy says that once installed, the $3 million power transformer will strengthen regional electric system as part of an upgrade to the transmission grid to meet future electricity demands.
