Big load to slow traffic – Take 2
By Terry Murry on Monday, June 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Oregon Department of Transportation’s warning of a large load slowing traffic throughout Eastern Oregon last week was never canceled, but apparently the load did not move far. Now ODOT has issued an updated warning that there will be nighttime delays of up to 20 minutes beginning tonight (Monday).
The load is expected to travel during eight or more nights as it moves from the Port of Umatilla to the Idaho border. The shipment consists of boiler equipment and will move at five to 30 miles per hour along Highway 37, Interstate 84 (for a short space in Pendleton), Highway 395, U.S. 26, U.S. 20, OR 78, U.S. 95 and other roads in Umatilla, Grant, Harney, and Malheur counties. It will exit Oregon into Idaho via U.S. 95 north of Jordan Valley.
The load is traveling during the night to reduce impact on motorists. It will not move during snow, ice, fog, or other hazardous conditions and will be parked off the roadway when it is not traveling. Due to the movement’s dependence on good weather, equipment, and other conditions, the travel dates may change. Updates will be posted regularly on Trip Check.
The load also brings some power problems with it. Pacific Power has once again issued a warning of power outages for 375 customers in Umatilla County as transmission lines must be removed to allow for its passage and then repaired. Last week, the utility announced those outages would be between 30 and 40 minutes for each area impacted. Customers have been notified and advised to turn off sensitive electronic equipment between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday night to Tuesday morning.
Traffic will be stopped at regular intervals. Pilot cars in front of and behind the load will inform the movers when to pull over at designated sites to let other motorists pass.
The total transport trailer and push/pull vehicles is 217 feet long, 23.5 feet wide, and 26.5 feet tall. The cargo, comprised of boiler parts, is about 44 feet long. Because of the overall height, ODOT says the load is not scheduled to travel on I-84 except for the section in Pendleton between exits 207 and 209. The load weighs 375,000 pounds and ODOT reports it contains no hazardous materials, fuels, or liquids.
Editor’s note: No information has been released further describing the load. Its final destination has also not been released.
