514-Tonne Abnormal Load on the M6, M42 and M1 This Weekend: Times, Route and Delays

Updated 14 Nov 2026, 06:47 · First published 14 Nov 2026

Drivers on the M6, M42, A42 and M1 are being warned of delays this weekend as a 514-tonne abnormal load carrying a giant transformer crawls north at just 8mph. The 81-metre-long convoy leaves Rugby at 9am on Saturday and is due to reach Goole in East Yorkshire on Sunday, with a police escort the whole way.

What time is the abnormal load on the M6 and M1?

The convoy sets off from Rugby at 9am on Saturday 14 November and is expected to join the M6 northbound at around 11am. It then heads up the M42 and A42 to junction 24 of the M1 near East Midlands Airport, where it will stop overnight.

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On Sunday 15 November it leaves junction 24 at 11am and travels north to junction 28, where it will wait for several hours before being escorted on to Goole via the M1, M18, M62 and A161.

Will there be road closures?

No full closures have been announced, but expect slow traffic around the convoy. Because of its 6.5-metre width it cannot be overtaken on the A42. On motorways, drivers may be able to pass it – but only slowly and carefully, following the instructions of the police escort.

The move has to take place in daylight so the drivers and escort team can see clearly as they steer the load past bridges, power lines, traffic signals and road signs.

National Highways advice

National Highways is urging drivers to allow extra time, consider alternative routes and travel at quieter times if they can. A similar load caused disruption on the same roads across the Midlands over the summer.

Sources: National Highways; police escort route information.