Massive De-Methanizer Begins Week-Long Journey from Edmonton

A colossal de-methanizer pressure vessel is set to embark on a remarkable week-long journey from Edmonton to the Fort McMurray area, starting Sunday night. Measuring 104 metres in length and weighing 529,000 kilograms (approximately 583 tons), this massive piece of equipment is essential for processing natural gas and is too large to be transported by conventional truck or train.

To manage the shipment, the vessel will be placed on specialized trailers equipped with a total of 352 wheels, allowing it to navigate the roadways. The journey will commence from Thermo Design Engineering in south Edmonton, with an anticipated route that includes significant highways and thoroughfares.

Detailed Itinerary and Traffic Management

Due to the vessel’s considerable size, the Government of Alberta has issued warnings regarding traffic disruptions along the route. The vehicle will be escorted by guides, and its speed will not exceed 50 km/h at any point, significantly extending the duration of the journey to a full week. The load will occupy all highway lanes and shoulders, necessitating occasional traffic stoppages and the use of counterflow lanes.

The detailed itinerary for the transport is as follows:

– **Day 1 (November 3, 2025)**: Depart from Edmonton, traveling westbound on 70 Avenue, then south on 17 Street and east on Whitemud Drive before proceeding south on Highway 216.
– **Day 2 (November 4, 2025)**: Move northbound on Highway 36, then east on Highway 45, parking at the Two Hills Scale.
– **Day 3 (November 5, 2025)**: Continue east on Highway 45, north on Highway 36, then east on Highway 29, before returning north on Highway 36 and west on Highway 28, parking at the Radway Scale.
– **Day 4 (November 6, 2025)**: Travel west on Highway 28 and north on Highway 63, stopping at the May Tower South Rest Area.
– **Day 5 (November 7, 2025)**: Proceed north on Highway 63, parking at a point of entry 35 km south of Fort McMurray.
– **Day 6 (November 8, 2025)**: Begin early morning travel at 12:15 a.m. on Highway 63, using ramps in Fort McMurray to avoid overpasses, and park at a point of entry 12 km north of the city.
– **Day 7 (November 9, 2025)**: Complete the journey with an early morning move at midnight, continuing north on Highway 63, then west on Voyageur Road, and south on Aostra Road to the final site.

As this significant transport operation unfolds, motorists in the region are advised to plan their travel accordingly to mitigate delays. The size and scale of this shipment highlight the logistical challenges associated with transporting large industrial equipment, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.

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