Giant Industrial Transport Set to Traverse Alberta Highways
Albertans should prepare for significant travel disruptions over the coming days as an enormous industrial load begins its journey across the province. Starting November 19, 2025, a massive wet flare drum will travel from Innisfail to the Shell Scotford upgrader plant near Fort Saskatchewan in a complex three-day operation that will impact multiple highways.
What is This Massive Load?
The transport features staggering dimensions that will command attention on Alberta roadways. The wet flare drum measures 57.6 metres long, 8.8 metres wide, and 8.5 metres high, riding on an impressive 186 wheels. This critical industrial component plays a vital safety role in flare systems, enabling controlled venting of flammable gases while minimizing risks to personnel, equipment, and the environment.
Due to its extraordinary size and weight, the transport will move at a maximum speed of just 50 km/h, well below normal highway speeds. The operation will require the entire width of the roadway, including shoulders, and will occasionally involve traveling against traffic flow with lanes blocked off for safety.
Safety Measures and Traffic Impacts
Alberta Transportation has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for this complex move. The load will be accompanied by four guide vehicles and flag people, with police escorts deployed at critical points along the route. Drivers are urged to remain extremely vigilant for the escort vehicles and prepared for unexpected traffic patterns.
The three-day journey will follow this detailed route plan:
Day 1: The transport will travel from Innisfail along Highway 54 (northbound and westbound), Highway 761 (northbound), and Highway 11 (westbound at Rocky Mountain House).
Day 2: Impacts will affect Highway 11 (westbound), Highway 22 (northbound), Highway 39 (eastbound), Highway 60 (northbound), Highways 19 and 625 (eastbound), Highway 21 (northbound), and Highway 14 (eastbound).
Day 3 (Final Day): The route will utilize Highway 14 (eastbound), Highway 834 (northbound), Highway 15 (westbound), and Range Road 220 (northbound) before reaching the Shell Scotford plant destination.
Planning Your Travel
Commuters and commercial drivers should anticipate significant delays and consider alternative routes during the transport operation. For real-time updates on traffic conditions and specific timing of delays, Alberta Transportation recommends calling 511 for the latest road information.
This carefully coordinated transport operation highlights the ongoing industrial activity in Alberta's energy sector while demonstrating the extensive planning required to move oversized equipment safely through the province's transportation network.
