Manitoba Hydro is getting ready to move a nearly 200-ton transformer on a 132-kilometre journey that will take three days.

Starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, the transformer will travel a carefully planned route from Winnipeg to Manitoba Hydro’s Riel Converter Station east of the city. 

Manitoba Hydro says that the transformer is part of the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project (MMTP). The MMTP is a new transmission line between Manitoba and the United States currently under construction. Two other transformers will be added at a later date.

Manitoba Hydro is using a giant self-propelled trailer that does not use a truck to pull it. Instead, it is operated by remote control with a single operator. The trailer has 320 tires, and moves at a maximum speed of 8 km/h, but travels at an average of 5 km/h. The trailer is 34 metres long (112 ft.) and 7.5 metres (25 ft.) wide, and extends over two lanes of traffic.

Manitoba Hydro says that "All other means of transportation have been thoroughly investigated and the over‐the‐road solution is the only feasible option available to safely move the transformers to the Riel station.

"Motorists are urged to reduce speed and drive carefully along the route as the transformer is being moved."

Hydro says it worked closely with Manitoba Infrastructure to minimize damage to roadways, including bridges and overpasses.

The route

The first transformer will be moved from PTI Transformers at 101 Rockman Street in Winnipeg and continue on a route south around the city to Riel. It will be escorted by police and Manitoba Hydro staff.

East on Rockman Street, south on Pembina Highway, west on Clarence Avenue, north on Waverley Street and west on McGillivray Boulevard. It continues west on PTH 3, south on MacDonald Road, west on PTH 2, west on PTH 3, south on PR 332, east on PR 305, south on PR 330/PR305, east on PR 305, north on PTH 75, east on PR 210, north on PTH 59, east on PTH 100, east on PTH 1 and north on Deacon Road (PR 207) to Riel.

map of route1