Columbus, Ohio – On Wednesday, August 7, the fifteenth of nearly two dozen “super loads” and the last of four loads exceeding 900,000 pounds will leave the dock site in Adams County. The convoy will head to New Albany to deliver this substantial load to the new Intel plant in Licking County. This air processor, known as a cold box, is crucial for the silicon chip manufacturing process. The cold box measures approximately 23 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and 280 feet long, weighing an impressive 916,000 pounds.
Week-Long Journey
The transportation of this massive load is expected to take more than a week. The convoy will make several stops, including West Portsmouth, Lucasville, Chillicothe, Rickenbacker, Pickerington, and Pataskala, before its final delivery on Tuesday, August 13. For detailed route information, visit transportation.ohio.gov/superload.
Traffic and Fair Impacts
Although this super load and its route are not anticipated to cause major traffic disruptions, minor impacts are expected, particularly for visitors to the Scioto County Fair early Friday morning. Fairgoers attending the Ross County Fair on Friday afternoon should also be aware of potential delays. The exact time of arrival on State Route 104 is unknown, so attendees are advised to avoid arriving or leaving the fairgrounds during early afternoon hours. Historically, the load has only been on SR 104 for a little over a half-hour, but the added fair traffic may lead to extended travel delays.
Public Safety and Traffic Management
Due to the significant size and slow speed of the convoy, moves will begin earlier than previous trips to ensure daylight completion. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) anticipates increased public interest, leading to large crowds along the route. This could result in additional traffic delays. Public safety and the safety of those working to move the load are top priorities. Observers are urged to stay clear of the transport trucks and work crews and to avoid sidewalks along the roadway. If instructed to move back, spectators should comply immediately.
Coordinated Effort
ODOT has meticulously analyzed and planned the route to accommodate these extra-large loads. Each load will be escorted by several Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, ensuring that emergency traffic can navigate around the rolling roadblock with minimal delay. In collaboration with local governments and utility companies, obstacles along the route, such as large overhead signs, traffic signals, and utility lines, have been adjusted and relocated.
The schedules of these nearly two dozen loads will be cross-checked against local events like festivals and fairs to further minimize impacts. Notifications will be issued in advance of each load departing the dock on the Ohio River near the village of Manchester in Adams County. Updates will be provided as each load progresses north toward central Ohio.
For more information, visit transportation.ohio.gov/superload.
