The ‘Superload’ has begun its long and arduous journey through Melbourne, with many driving in the early hours of the morning lucky enough to see it.
The massive 372-tonne, 82-metre Superload left Glen Waverley about 10pm on Wednesday en route to the Dundonnell Windfarm in western Victoria, where it’s due to arrive on Sunday.
A Superload is an oversized truck that has a permit to carry 50 to 200 tonne gross mass, and which requires special transport requirements with significant planning.
Powering along at just 25kph, the enormous five-metre wide truck, joined by a convoy of emergency service cars, took up the entire width of the four inbound lanes of Nepean Highway.
Due to its sheer size, extraordinary measures to allow its safe transport have been taken.
They include the temporary removal of some road signs – such as stop signs and big green directional signs – and even light poles and traffic lights.
Pictures show the Superload behind a number of flashing ‘Oversize’ signs travelling at a snail’s pace through Elsternwick about 1.30am.
More than five emergency service cars with ‘vehicle escort’ signs were part of the convoy and stationed themselves at intersections to help the massive truck through.
Delays for motorists are likely as the convoy continues on its four-day trip.
“VicRoads crews will help get the Superload safely around corners by temporarily removing signage and lights, ensuring steel supports are placed over drainage and then putting everything back in place,” a media release read.
The massive 372-tonne, 82-metre convoy left Glen Waverley about 10pm.Image: 7NEWS
“Drivers travelling at the same time as the Superload need to plan ahead, find an alternative route or allow more time.”
For safety reasons, there are no viewing areas.
The Superload is carrying a super-sized transformer destined for a wind farm.
Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists have been urged to keep clear of the convoy if they see it on the road.