Motorists travelling through Stone on Saturday, 30th November, may experience delays as an abnormal load makes its way north along the A34. The load, a power transformer, is destined for Ellesmere Port and is expected to depart Stafford around 8am.
The journey north will impact traffic along the route, with drivers heading both north and south potentially facing temporary road holds. Traffic may be held at roundabouts and junctions, and due to the size of the load, it may travel on the opposite carriageway at times.
What is an abnormal load?
According to Staffordshire Police, an abnormal load is classified as any vehicle with:
- A weight over 44,000kg (43.3 tons)
- An axle load of more than 10,000kg (9.84 tons) for a single non-driving axle or 11,500kg (11.31 tons) for a single driving axle
- A width over 2.9 metres (9.5 feet)
- A rigid length over 18.65 metres (61 feet)
These oversized loads often require careful coordination to navigate safely, including the potential use of both carriageways and temporary traffic management to ensure safety for all road users.
Plan ahead
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys or consider alternative routes, particularly during the early morning period as the load progresses northwards from Stafford. Road users travelling south on the A34 may also encounter delays when traffic is held for safety.
