The “supermove” of an electric transformer to the Deerfield substation hasn’t proved very super after the specialized carrier broke down on Route 43 Tuesday afternoon.
The 515,000-pound machine, which changes the voltage of electric current so it can be transmitted by various types of power lines, was being carried at about 10 mph from a rail yard in Manchester to the Eversource substation on an 18-axle motorized trailer. The trailer is designed to transfer extremely heavy loads, spreading out the weight so it doesn’t damage the roadway, but it broke down not far from the Deerfield Fairgrounds.
The cause of the breakdown was not clear. The machine is owned and operated by Edwards Moving and Rigging of Kentucky. A similar trailer moved another half-million-pound transformer to the same substation earlier this year.
The trailer and machine have been moved off the highway until the trailer’s replacement or repairs can be made.
David Brooks