Drivers warned of A96 travel delays ahead of Rothienorman electrical works
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Motorists have been warned in advance to expect a day of delays on the A96 as two gigantic electricity transformers are delivered to a north-east substation near Rothienorman.
The two pieces of equipment will be brought to the UK from Regensburg in Germany before being transported from Perth into Aberdeenshire.
SSE has advised that the operation will slow down traffic in various parts of the region next Monday.
On Monday, February 24, the 275/33kV transformers will gradually make their way on to the A90 through Dundee and towards Stonehaven.
They will continue to the AWPR, before reaching the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road at Craibstone and travelling as far west on the busy trunk route as Colpy.
They will then be taken on to the A920 for a short distance before turning on to the B992 Whitehouse to Mains of Towie route and eventually turning left on to an unclassified road leading to the substation that evening.
The transformers will leave Perth around 9.30am but due to “time and logistical issues involved” specific timings cannot be given for when they are expected to enter the north-east.
Due to the size and weight of each transformer a police escort and special haulage equipment is required.
Throughout the delivery period, there will be “extremely limited” access on the construction site and surrounding roads.
Locals are being encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements in advance for the afternoon and evening where possible.
SSE transmission project manager, Craig Taylor, said: “These transformers are an integral part of our new substation at Rothienorman which, in turn, will help facilitate the connection of renewable generation.
"As a responsible developer, the transportation of these transformers has been part of our planning process from the very beginning of this project.
“The transformers will be transported out with the times of rush hour traffic to minimise any disruption.
“However, we realise that on the day that the deliveries are taking place, traffic will slow down temporarily on certain sections of the route.
“I’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank everyone for their patience as our teams go about their work.”
