PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Drivers in the Portsmouth area should brace for major delays Tuesday as an oversized “super load” transport makes its way through the city, according to the Portsmouth city government.
The load will travel south on State Route 23 before turning west onto State Route 73 toward West Portsmouth on Nov. 3, with a second move expected on a date yet to be determined the following week, the city said in a social media post.
Because of its size, the transport will need to use oncoming traffic lanes along the route and will be escorted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the city said. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area while the move is underway, warning of major traffic delays.
Loads of this kind, known in the trucking industry as “superloads,” exceed Ohio’s standard limits for oversize and overweight vehicles — typically wider than 14 feet, taller than 14 feet, 6 inches, or heavier than 120,000 pounds. Loads wider than 16 feet require a law enforcement escort under state rules, and troopers can halt a move entirely if road, weather or traffic conditions make the route unsafe.
Exact timing for either move was not released. The city said additional information would be shared as the transport dates approach.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Portsmouth city government.
