186-tonne transformer the size of a bungalow being delivered to Norden substation on Sunday

Photo: National Grid

A similar transformer to the one which will be installed at Clay Lane

An electricity transformer, the size of a bungalow, is being delivered to a National Grid substation in Norden this weekend (Sunday 13 June).

Transformers step up or step down the voltage of electricity between different circuits and play a vital role in helping ensure the UK continues to enjoy safe and reliable electricity supplies.

The old one at Clay Lane requires replacing as it has now reached the end of its life.

The transformer is expected to leave Salford Quays at 6.30am on Sunday 13 June and should arrive at Rochdale electricity substation at approximately 9.30am. When it arrives in Rochdale, it will need to reverse down Clay Lane to the substation.

Due to the width of the transformer, from 8am, vehicles will be prohibited from parking on Clay Lane. Also, Clay Lane will be closed to vehicles between Newhouse Crescent and the substation.

The transformer will travel from Salford to site via the B6222/Rochdale Old Road, War Office Road, Norden Road and Bagslate Moor Road to Clay Lane.

It will be delivered on a specialist vehicle which is more than four metres wide. The vehicle will travel at approximately 12 miles per hour. Anyone planning to use the roads mentioned above, should try to find alternative routes, or allow additional time for their journey.

Roads will not be closed, but the exceptional size of the load and its speed of travel means there may be some delays on the route. National Grid, its delivery partner, and local highways authorities have spent months carefully planning the route and the delivery to keep disruption to traffic and people who live in the area to a minimum. The vehicle will also have a police escort to help manage traffic and make the process as smooth and safe as possible.

National Grid project manager, Richard Westwood, said: “Millions of people rely on us to supply their electricity without interruption, day in, day out, so it’s important that we keep our substations and the equipment in them working efficiently. The delivery of this transformer to our Rochdale site will ensure we are able to continue to deliver power reliably to the local area.”

The National Grid Community Relations Team will be available on Sunday from 6.30am until the transformer is delivered. They can be contacted on freephone 0800 8199 071.