Massive 683,000-Pound Load Moving Through Maine This Week

A massive oversize load is scheduled to begin making its way from Jay to South Portland Tuesday evening, and Maine State Police are warning drivers to expect delays along the route.

According to a press release, the superoversize transport is scheduled to leave Jay at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29. The move is expected to take about two nights, continuing into Wednesday, September 30.

The load is enormous, measuring more than 219 feet long, 20 feet wide and 19 feet, 6 inches tall. Its total weight is approximately 683,530 pounds.

Because of its size, the transport will move very slowly and will be accompanied by law enforcement escorts, utility crews, specialized transport personnel and other support vehicles. In some areas, the convoy is expected to occupy most of the roadway.

The planned route includes Riley Road in Jay, Crash Road, Route 4, Route 117, Route 26, U.S. Route 202, Route 22, U.S. Route 1, Broadway and Elm Street in South Portland.

Police are asking residents and businesses along the route to avoid parking vehicles on the street during the transport. Officials say parked vehicles could block the convoy and create unsafe conditions.

Drivers should also be prepared for temporary delays, rolling road closures and traffic pattern changes as the load moves through each community.

This will be the first of nine oversized loads expected to travel the same route. A schedule for the remaining eight transports will be released after the first move is completed successfully.