This release was issued under a previous government.
The vessel, weighing as much as 290 pickup trucks and nearly twice the length of an Olympic-sized pool, will travel north during the day at a speed of about 25 km/h, with pilot vehicles in the front and back. The container will be installed at a site north of Fort McMurray after the five-day journey.
The convoy, with the 780 metric tonne container, measuring 11.5 metres high, 8.9 metres wide and 85 metres long, will pull over to let traffic pass when possible, or pilot vehicles will guide traffic around the load when it is safe to do so. This will minimize traffic delays as much as possible. Travellers are asked to drive with caution and patience when the Mammoet Canada convoy is on the road. Motorists are reminded that they are required to obey pilot support staff directions.
Motorists, including commercial vehicles, can select alternate routes based on the convoy’s travel schedule outlined below:
Date | Departure | Route | Arrival | Travel |
Tuesday, Feb. 26 | 1 a.m.
7 a.m. | Edmonton departure from Dacro Industries Inc., 9325 - 51 Ave. to Highway 14. Depart Highway 14 east. Travel to Highway 36. Follow Highway 36 to Two Hills | 1 p.m. | 6 hours |
Wednesday, Feb. 27 | 7 a.m. | Depart Two Hills, heading to Radway via Highways 36 and 28 | 1 p.m. | 6 hours |
Thursday, Feb. 28 | 7 a.m. | From Radway head west on Highway 28, then north on Highway 63 to Wandering River | 1 p.m. | 6 hours |
Friday, March 1 | 7 a.m. | Heading north on Highway 63 to arrive at the Fort McMurray Port of Entry (POE) | Noon | 5 hours |
Saturday, March 2 | 1 a.m.
or 5 a.m. | From Fort McMurray POE on Highway 63 drive through the city to reach destination north of Fort McMurray around 4 a.m. If not at its destination by 5 a.m., the convoy will stop out of traffic in a wide area north of Fort McMurray and resume travel at 9 a.m. after rush hour. | 4 a.m.
11 a.m. | 3 hours
6 hours |
Earlier this month Wood Buffalo RCMP issued a press release on the need for drivers to exercise caution when oversized loads are on the road. RCMP suggest:
- When approaching an oversize load from the rear be aware of the speed differential as these vehicles are often traveling at reduced speeds;
- When approaching an oversize load head on, slow down and position yourself to allow for safe clearance;
- Be aware of pilot vehicles and their operators: their purpose is to warn and safely guide the loads to their destinations; and
- Be patient as these loads will pull over at various safe locations throughout their travels in order to clear any back log of traffic.
Up-to-date road information, including traffic delays, is a click or a phone call away (5-1-1 toll-free). Visit 511.alberta.ca or follow us on Twitter @511Alberta to get on the road to safer travel.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Nancy Beasley Hosker | Jan Martin, BA |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.