COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the first of many "super loads" moves through Ohio, spectators have been gathering in parking lots and near roads along the way to marvel at how the truck navigates through curves and through traffic lights.
The super load that began traveling through the state on Wednesday moves super slow because it’s carrying a single piece of wrapped steel that tips the scales at 390,000 pounds.
Arriving in Ohio by barge from the Ohio River in Adams County, it’s now safely parked and guarded at Rickebacker Airport before it continues its journey to Hebron in Licking County on Saturday.
For those who watched the semitrailer navigate the twists and turns of southern Ohio’s back roads it was a sight to behold.
“That driver was incredible. Mad respect,” said Vic Mogle who watched the super load arrive at Rickenbacker.
ODOT said it took about a year to plan this journey to ensure that the super load could squeeze under the traffic lights and electric lines.
Crews traveling ahead of it, would raise the lines to help keep the trip on schedule.
“The logistics just to get it this point is amazing.” said Chad Moros.
Because of the weight, which is nearly equivalent to hauling a 100 cars, the truck had to go as slow as 10 or 15 miles an hour.
When there was a dip in the road, the driver had to stop and put blocks under the semi to raise it, so it wouldn't scrape the road.
Behind the rig was another driver that would help steer it around corners similar to a fire truck.
Friday’s super load is one of the smallest. Some are as heavy as 900,000 pounds.
It’s one of two dozen that will make its way through central Ohio is the coming weeks and months. Other loads will end at the Intel plant near New Albany.
ODOT said due to St. Patrick's Day, the City of Columbus will not allow the second load to move through the city on Sunday, March 17, so it will remain at Rickenbacker Airport until Saturday, March 23. It is scheduled to reach Hebron on Monday, March 25.
ODOT said each oversized and overweight load will take approximately eight to 15 days to reach its destination. Rolling roadblocks will be necessary during transit, and drivers should plan ahead for long delays along the route.
The schedule of each of these loads will be checked against local events, like festivals and fairs, to further minimize impacts.
Notifications will be made in advance of each load leaving. Updates will be provided on ODOT’s X page as each load moves north toward central Ohio.