MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – Traffic slowed Thursday as a 615,000-pound piece of electrical equipment was transported along St. Lawrence County roads as part of a National Grid energy project.
The massive cube, called a phase angle regulator, measures 16 feet tall and is part of National Grid’s rebuild of a substation in Malone. The project is designed to improve reliability for customers in Franklin County.
“This piece of equipment is massive,” said Jared Paventi, strategic communications manager for National Grid. “The technology that is involved with the phase angle regulator helps us manage power flows and power controls and increase stability.”
The equipment was manufactured in the Netherlands, transported by boat and rail before being delivered by truck from Massena to Malone, passing through Potsdam along what officials determined was the optimal route for the unique load.
“We worked with the DOT, and we worked with local officials to be on roads that would be able to handle something that large,” Paventi said.
The truck was escorted by state police and traveled at approximately 8 miles per hour, causing traffic delays along the route.
Caleb Haggett was on his way to work when he stopped for gas and saw the equipment pass by.
“For it to go down 56, one of the busiest streets in St. Lawrence, it was interesting to see how it would work out, and they did a good job,” Haggett said.
Chloe Kelly was heading to get breakfast at Cafe 56 when she encountered the convoy.
“I didn’t hear about it until today, but it’s ginormous. I heard it was 615,000 pounds. That’s a lot to carry. I thought it was pretty cool,” Kelly said.
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