Overview
- The moves begin with the first two-day convoy leaving Avonmouth at 6pm on Wednesday 30 September, with the second and third convoys scheduled to depart on 8 October (10am) and 11 October (8:30am) respectively.
- Each movement is split over two days so the loads travel first from Avonmouth to M5 junction 8 and then from junction 8 to junction 2, with West Midlands Police escorting the J8–J2 leg from 4am on the second days (2, 9 and 12 October).
- The specialist firm Alleys is reported to be carrying three silos of up to 25 tonnes each in slow convoys that will move at 20–25mph, leave only one overtaking lane northbound, and stop to lower loads at structures when needed.
- National Highways warns northbound delays of about 60–90 minutes while traffic is held for safety and motorists are advised to plan journeys, allow extra time, or use different travel times on the listed dates.
- The operation reflects normal abnormal-load planning: route checks, structural clearances and designated pull-over points are being used to protect bridges and keep traffic moving where possible, but local congestion and knock-on delays on nearby roads are likely during the movements.