Super Load Creeping Closer to Longview Plant

LONGVIEW — That super load continues its slow movement to Longview. Crews say it was like a parade as the transporter made its way through Tatum in Rusk County where residents lined the side of the highway as if watching a parade. And it sort of was, with all of the utility, law enforcement, and other vehicles escorting the load. The convoy hit the road just after 6:00am, and reached its stopping point for the day on State Highway 149 in Longview at 9:30am. The convoy is three days ahead of its original Sunday arrival date with less than 10 miles left on its journey through parts of Texas and Louisiana.

The convoy’s route will take it on into Longview on State Highway 149 turning right onto Hill Street just past Walmart before taking another right onto the Interstate Highway 20 South Frontage Road and into the plant at the Eastman gate. Not only will it be a very slow drive, the route also includes some difficult turns so motorists are reminded to use other routes to avoid delays. It was slated to reach the plant by early afternoon. Law enforcement in Longview will be assisting the convoy on the final leg. TxDOT personnel will also continue to monitor its movement through the area to ensure roadways are clear and that no maintenance issues develop from the heavy load.

The load is being transported from the Port of Shreveport to a Longview chemical plant by a convoy that consists of one truck pulling and one truck pushing the combined weight of 611,000 lbs. Company spokesman Kyler McAfee said the trip has gone well thus far and if travel remains at the current rate, the load, measuring 275 feet long by 25 feet high and 18 feet wide, should reach the Eastman Chemical Plant in Longview on Thursday. The convoy has been traveling at a maximum speed of 5 mph.

Here is the revised route and timeline as of day 7:

Day 7, Thursday, July 23, 2015
6:00AM – Transport begins on SH 149 and crosses under high voltage cables at Knox Lee Power Plant
8:00AM – Transporter will turn right onto SH 149/Hill Street just past Walmart
9:00AM – Transporter will turn right onto I-20 S Frontage Road
10:00AM – Transporter will turn right onto Callahan Road at I-20
Early afternoon – Transporter arrives at Eastman gate