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WINNIPEG — A nearly 200-ton transformer is taking a three-day journey around the outskirts of Winnipeg beginning Thursday.

Manitoba Hydro is transporting the massive transformer from PTI Transformers on Rockman Street in Winnipeg to the Riel Converter Station east of the city.

The 132-kilometre route was carefully planned with Manitoba Infrastructure to minimize risk to bridges, overpasses and traffic control. RCMP and Hydro staff will escort the piece of equipment.

The transformer is the first of three to be moved as part of the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project — a new 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Manitoba and the United States currently under construction. Manitoba Hydro says the transformers will allow the MMTP to connect to its transmission grid, which operates at 230 kV.

The vehicle carrying the transformer has 320 tires and is operated by one person with a remote control. It can travel at a maximum speed of 8 km/h, but averages about 5 km/h. It’s 112 feet long and 25 feet wide, extending over two lanes of traffic.

“All other means of transportation have been thoroughly investigated and the over?the?road solution is the only feasible option available to safely move the transformers to the Riel station,” Manitoba Hydro said in a release.

Hydro used the same self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) in 2012 while transporting a transformer. See video below.

Thursday’s move will begin at 8 p.m. and take the following route:

The route Manitoba Hydro will take to move a massive transformer around Winnipeg. (GOOGLE MAPS / HANDOUT)

East on Rockman Street, south on Pembina Highway, west on Clarence Avenue, north on Waverley Street and west on McGillivray Boulevard. It continues west on PTH 3, south on MacDonald Road, west on PTH 2, west on PTH 3, south on PR 332, east on PR 305, south on PR 330/PR305, east on PR 305, north on PTH 75, east on PR 210, north on PTH 59, east on PTH 100, east on PTH 1 and north on Deacon Road (PR 207) to Riel.