Abnormal loads to cause 'significant' delays on M5
Getty ImagesMotorists have been warned to expect "significant" delays on the M5 as three large silos are transported more than 80 miles (128 km) along the motorway.
The 25-tonne cylinder will leave Avonmouth in Bristol at 06:00 BST on Wednesday, with a further two silos to be moved on separate days in October.
Due to their height and weight, each silo will take two days to travel between Junction 18 (Avonmouth) and Junction 2 (Oldbury Interchange) in the West Midlands.
A National Highways spokesperson said: "We expect significant delays, estimated between 60 and 90 minutes. The vehicles are scheduled to pull over at appropriate locations to allow the build-up of traffic to pass."
The lorries transporting the silos will travel at speeds of just 20 to 25mph and will be escorted by police forces across Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and West Midlands.
National Highways is warning motorists that just one lane of traffic will be open to overtake along the route between Bristol and Birmingham.
The silos will depart Avonmouth on the following dates:
- Silo 1 - Wednesday 30 September at 06:00
- Silo 2 - Thursday 8 October at 10:00
- Silo 3 - Sunday 11 October at 08:30
They will complete the journey from Junction 8 (Strensham Interchange) to Junction 2 (Oldbury interchange) at 04:00 on the following dates:
- Silo 1 - Friday 2 October
- Silo 2 - Friday 9 October
- Silo 3 - Monday 12 October
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