Drivers warned of 'abnormal loads' passing through the city centre

Road users in Sunderland are advised that they may face delays as slow-moving HGVs pass through the city centre on Wednesday, transporting 'abnormal loads' of almost 112ft long to the Port of Sunderland.

Three lorries will be passing through the city centre on Wednesday 23 August as crane sections are moved from manufacturer Liebherr in Deptford to the port to be exported.

The loads are up to 34 metres (111.5ft) long, up to 5.6 metres (18ft) wide and weigh up to 115tonnes.

The abnormal loads will travel under police escorts, and to avoid peak journey times they are due to start travelling after 9.30am and be finished before 3pm.

City centre drivers may face delays as the sections are transported along Deptford Terrace, A1231 Silksworth Row, St Mary's Boulevard, A1018 West Wear Street and High Street East.

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Dynamic City, Councillor Kevin Johnston, said: "While the movement of these cranes may cause some delays on city centre roads, it is impressive to see this example of goods manufactured here in Sunderland moving to the Port of Sunderland as they prepare to be exported.

"The movement has been programmed to cause minimal disruption, and we appreciate road users' patience while these abnormal loads are transported to the port."