National Grid : Transformer undertakes epic journey to Kearsley substation

23 Aug 2016

• National Grid successfully delivered a 170 tonne transformer to the Kearsley substation in Bolton on Sunday 21August 2016
• The heavy-load vehicle was accompanied by a police escort from Gladstone Docks, Bootle to the site
• This is part of a national programme to help keep the lights on.

Onlookers in Bolton witnessed an engineering spectacle yesterday as an electrical transformer the size of a house was transported through the town. It was a sight to behold as National Grid moved the 170-tonne piece of kit from Gladstone Docks and Bootle to the Kearsley Substation in Bolton using a specialist, long-load vehicle.

It marked the end of an epic 12,500-mile journey for the kit, shipped from South Korea to the North West. The team made the essential delivery, which will help keep the lights on across Greater Manchester.

People stopped and took pictures of the heavy-load vehicle as it travelled on the M58 motorway with a police escort. It then took the M6, M60 and M61 before exiting onto the A666 and the A667 before arriving at Kearsley Substation, just off Hulme Road, Bolton.

Masud Ahmed, Project Manager at National Grid, said:

'It's a real spectacle to see such a giant piece of kit travelling through communities. People often don't think about where their energy comes from and the work that goes in to maintaining the network. This transformer demonstrates the investment we're making to ensure the lights stay on for generations to come.

'We'd like to thank all those that made sure the delivery went without a hitch, especially the communities and road users along the route, who were patient and co-operative during the day.'

National Grid's Community Relations Team are available to answer any questions about the project and can be contacted by Freephone on 0808 168 7590 or by emailing nationalgrid@meadowhallgasholders.com.