Drivers have been urged to plan ahead this week after huge "abnormal loads" are set to travel across Gloucestershire, with police warning of serious disruption and long delays.
The operation involves transporting a massive manufacturing press and related equipment weighing more than 600 tonnes from Sharpness Docks to Brockworth on several evenings in April.
The movements will begin today (April 7) and span across Wednesday, April 8, Thursday, April 9, Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, with each journey expected to begin at around 6pm.
The slow-moving convoy will follow a route starting near Sharpness before heading along local roads, including the B4066, A38 and B4509, before joining the M5 motorway at Junction 14 near Falfield.
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Gloucester Police said: "Motorists are advised to expect travel delays while police escort a series of abnormal loads through the county over the coming days."
However, National Highways warned that a contraflow system will be used, meaning that vehicles will join the M5 via the northbound exit slip road rather than the usual entry point.
The convoy is expected to leave the motorway at junction 11A before continuing along the A417 towards Brockworth for the remainder of the journey.
The agency detailed how traffic will be stopped at key points during the operation while the loads join and exit the M5 as well as the A417.
The abnormal load will be transported from tonight at 6pm
|GETTY
The plans had originally been scheduled to take place over the busy Easter period, but were delayed following a decision to reduce disruption during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Police confirmed the convoy was postponed to avoid major congestion on key routes, particularly the M5, when traffic levels are typically much higher due to holiday travel.
The rescheduled dates mean the operation will now take place after the Easter rush, although drivers are still being warned to expect severe delays.
Due to the enormous size and weight of the load, the convoy will only be able to move at a maximum speed of just 12mph.
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The transportation of the load will see traffic operate as slow as 12mph | GETTYThis is expected to cause significant queues, especially on major routes, while some roads will need to be temporarily closed while vehicles pass through tight spaces.
National Highways teams will also remove street furniture, such as signs and barriers, to allow the convoy to pass safely.
Drivers using the M5 northbound and the A417 are likely to face the worst disruption. Police have warned that delays could be severe, particularly during the evening periods when the movements take place.
The planned closures and delays were postponed to after the Easter period
| PA"Motorists should avoid this route, at the relevant times if possible, as severe delays are expected," the Gloucestershire police urged.
Anyone planning to travel through Gloucestershire on the affected dates has also been urged to allow extra time for their journey, check traffic updates before setting off, and consider alternative routes.
The operation is expected to take several hours each evening, with National Highways stating the delays could spread across the wider road network.