August 8, 2024 |
Photo – Truck hauling transformer – Courtesy WYDOT
Mechanical problems have delayed the transport of a giant electrical transformer from Laramie to the wind farms near Medicine Bow.
On Tuesday, the Wyoming Department of Transportation warned motorists about an impending super load traveling west on Interstate 80 from Laramie. WYDOT District One Senior Public Relations Specialist Andrea Staley explained that the truck is pulling an extremely heavy piece of electrical equipment to the Aeolus Substation northwest of Medicine Bow. To avoid damaging the road surface, Staley said the truck must travel very slowly.
The large transporter was scheduled to leave Laramie and arrive at the truck parking area west of the city yesterday morning. However, Staley told Bigfoot99 yesterday afternoon that the truck was still in the city. Staley said a broken trailer axle has delayed the transporter until Friday or Saturday.
Once the truck eventually gets on the road, the plan is for it to head westbound on I80 and take exit 272 toward Arlington.
The transporter will take Highway 13 north to Rock River, then turn left onto Highway 30 and travel 18 miles toward Medicine Bow before taking County Road 121 to the Aeolus Substation site.
Staley said just the trip from Laramie to Arlington can take over three hours. Unfortunately, motorists will be unable to pass the transporter while it is in transit.
Staley advised motors to avoid westbound I80 while the transformer is being transported. She suggested taking Highways 30 or 287 out of Laramie if you need to get to Carbon County.
Staley said this transformer is the third of at least six that will be moved from Laramie to Medicine Bow. The WYDOT public relations specialist said to expect additional delays when the remaining pieces of equipment are transported.
The transformer was originally scheduled to be moved from Laramie to Medicine Bow today. However, mechanical issues have delayed the transporter until later in the week. Visit the WYDOT District One Southeast Wyoming Facebook page for up-to-date information about the move.
