JOHN DAY – Motorists should expect delays on various highways and local roads between the Port of Morrow and the Idaho border through the summer. A series of 31 oversized loads, also know as “superloads,” is scheduled for transport beginning today. Schedules for the remaining loads are flexible and subject to change.
The freight contains no hazardous materials, fuels or liquids. The shipments are expected to travel 10 to 30 mph along segments of U.S. 730, OR 37, Interstate 84 in Pendleton, U.S. 395, U.S. 26, and OR 201. Each will exit Oregon into Idaho via OR 201 south of Adrian. (Map of route).
Oversized loads will travel from the Port of Morrow through Pilot Rock during nighttime hours and continue from Pilot Rock to the Idaho border during both daytime and nighttime hours. The loads will be parked off the roadway when not traveling. The size of each shipment will require the use of both travel lanes on two-lane highways, resulting in delays. Traffic will be stopped at regular intervals with pilot cars guiding the loads. They pull over at designated sites to let waiting vehicles pass.
To prepare for these loads, contractors will be in John Day on Friday, June 20, to raise the traffic signals. Beginning at 7 a.m. the signals will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic. This work is expected to last most of the day. Raising the signals allows loads to pass through John Day without the need to stop and adjust the signals for each trip. The signals will be lowered at the end of summer when transports are complete.
We encourage motorists to be especially aware when they see a pilot vehicle escorting an oversize and/or overweight load.
Superloads require special permits and traffic plans to help ensure the safety of everyone along the route. A superload is a category of oversized loads and in Oregon, the term superload is designated for oversized loads which exceed one or more of the following:
- Over 16 feet wide on the Interstate.
- Over 14 feet wide on any state two-lane highway. This does not include mobiles with a 14 foot box or less and up to a 12 inch eave.
- Over 17 feet high on any highway.
- Mobile with a box width over 14 feet wide and/or overall width greater than 15 feet.
- Overall length greater than 150 feet.