'Large pressure vessel' coming through Emporia Tuesday | Free | emporiagazette.com

Oct 15, 2024

News and Online Editor

Residents of Emporia are in for a unique sight tomorrow morning as a massive "superload" is scheduled to pass through the city. This behemoth of a load, described as a "pressure vessel," is noteworthy not only for its size but also for the intricate logistics involved in its transit.

"We process superloads through town on a very regular basis," City Engineer Jim Ubert said. "This one's just probably the largest that we've processed since I've been here."

The pressure vessel, nearly 22 feet tall, 22 feet wide, and approximately 210 feet long, is being transported from Oklahoma to California. The exact origin and destination are managed by the private moving company, which regularly moves large loads through Emporia. Ubert indicated that the route, which includes K-99, is chosen for its minimal height restrictions and suitability for wide loads.

"The reason for this extensive process is to ensure the load's weight is distributed across enough axles, making it a legal load on the pavement as it travels," Ubert said.

The transport process requires coordination with multiple authorities. The Kansas Department of Transportation issues the initial permit, followed by permits from individual towns along the route. Emporia is one of these towns.

Local preparations are also essential. The city’s traffic department has adjusted signals to accommodate the superload's height, and some utility companies will temporarily raise their wires as the load passes.

The company pays for the raising and lowering of the stoplights, as well as police escort through town.

Significant traffic disruptions are now underway associated with the load.

As of Monday morning, the intersection at 12th Avenue and Merchant Street is a four-way stop. Northbound traffic is open at this time. Northbound traffic is expected to close Merchant Street and will be detoured to Burlingame Road once the superload comes through Emporia around 8 a.m. Tuesday. This detour will be effective through Tuesday, June 25.

For the latest updates and additional information, residents can visit the City of Emporia’s official website or contact the Public Works Department directly.

Ubert said Emporians may remember when wind turbine blades frequently moved through the city. At the peak, hundreds of such loads were processed annually for nearby wind farms.

Despite any minor inconveniences, the superload’s journey through Emporia is anticipated to be an impressive sight.

"It will be interesting," Ubert said.

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