2013.02.28 Load-zilla heading for Fort McMurray

Edmonton... Motorists travelling between Edmonton and Fort McMurray next week are encouraged to plan their trip around the transport of a massively huge container which will slow traffic down between Edmonton and Fort McMurray starting February 26, 2013.

The vessel, weighing as much as 290 pickup trucks and nearly twice the length of an Olympic-sized pool, will travel north during the day at a speed of about 25 km/h, with pilot vehicles in the front and back. The container will be installed at a site north of Fort McMurray after the five-day journey.

The convoy, with the 780 metric tonne container, measuring 11.5 metres high, 8.9 metres wide and 85 metres long, will pull over to let traffic pass when possible, or pilot vehicles will guide traffic around the load when it is safe to do so. This will minimize traffic delays as much as possible. Travellers are asked to drive with caution and patience when the Mammoet Canada convoy is on the road. Motorists are reminded that they are required to obey pilot support staff directions.