‘Super oversize’ load’s journey to South Portland taking longer than expected

Massive Steam Generator From Jay to South Portland Delayed, Journey to Continue for Another Week

By Maine News Now

A gigantic heat‑recovery steam generator—roughly 220 feet long, 20 feet wide, and weighing more than 683,000 pounds—has begun a long‑haul journey from the former Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill in Jay to a destination in South Portland. What was expected to arrive by Thursday morning has been pushed back to next Tuesday, with the load moving one segment each night through the Androscoggin and Kennebec counties.

The Load and the Route

The generator, a “super oversize” piece of industrial equipment, is being transported in a specialized convoy overseen by Barnhart Crane & Rigging. The vehicle will span two lanes of traffic and has required the temporary removal of an electric line to allow it to pass under a power pole near Riley Road in Jay. A utility worker in a bucket truck lifted the line to clear the path.

The route takes the generator past several small communities:

• Wednesday night – from Turner to Oxford, crossing Jumper Bridge.
• Thursday night – from Oxford to Gray, a stretch that will trigger traffic delays on Route 26 in Mechanic Falls and Poland.
• Weekend – the load will be staged in Gray.
• Sunday night – a move to Buxton.
• Monday night – a final push northward to South Portland, where it is scheduled to arrive the next morning.

The convoy is accompanied by law‑enforcement officers, utility crews and other personnel to manage the load and keep traffic flowing.

Why the Delay?

Originally the generator was slated to be in South Portland by 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. However, progress has been slower than anticipated. According to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, each night the convoy moves a short distance, but the cumulative delay has pushed the expected arrival to next Tuesday morning.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) has confirmed that the delay will affect the timetable for this particular load but has not yet indicated whether it will ripple through the schedules of the other eight oversize loads planned for the same corridor. A MDOT spokesman said no definitive impact could be confirmed at the time of writing.

A Barnhart Crane & Rigging representative did not immediately respond to requests for additional details.

Community Impact

The generator’s size means it occupies the width of two travel lanes, which can significantly impede traffic flow. Residents and businesses along the route have been asked to avoid parking during the load’s passage to prevent obstruction. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time when traveling on Route 26, especially between Mechanic Falls and Poland.

The move is part of a larger project: this is the first of nine oversize loads slated to travel the same corridor. The full schedule for the remaining eight loads will be released once the current load has completed its run.

Final Push and Next Steps

Monday night is the final segment before the generator reaches its destination in South Portland. Once the convoy arrives, the equipment will be installed at its new location, likely for use at an industrial facility or power plant, although the specific purpose has not been publicly disclosed.

Law‑enforcement and utility crews will continue to monitor the convoy’s progress. Updates are being issued nightly by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office. Residents in the affected towns should stay tuned to local news and official advisories for the most up‑to‑date information.

The journey of this 683,000‑pound generator underscores the logistical challenges of moving oversized freight through rural Maine. While the delay has inconvenienced drivers and local businesses, the coordinated effort among transportation officials, law enforcement and utility crews has kept traffic moving and ensured the safety of the operation.