A massive steam turbine made slow but steady progress across central Fife over the weekend, although most residents probably wouldn’t have batted an eyelid.
Most Fifers will have been in bed as the 213-tonne turbine made its way between Methil Docks and Markinch papermaker Tullis Russell’s site in the early hours of Sunday, as part of the company’s plans to build a biomass plant.
The abnormal load was transported by a 5.7m wide and 40m long flat top trailer and tractor unit, which travelled at a maximum speed of just 12mph. The operation began at around 10pm on Saturday and went on until around 8am on Sunday to try to minimise disruption to motorists.
An agreed route was also drawn up to take account of the size and weight of the load, meaning the convoy of vehicles involved left Methil Docks and travelled along the A955, B932, A915 and A911 before turning North on to the A92 after the Preston footbridge at Glenrothes.
The configuration of the trailer also meant the deck on the A911 West Mill footbridge had to be removed completely for a short time.
The turbine had been due to be moved in the middle of December, but that was rescheduled.
Police accompanied the load throughout its journey and provided directions for motorists as and when necessary.
Photo David Wardle