ASYLUM TOWNSHIP -- It was a challenging morning for crews in this part of Bradford County. The task was getting a heavy transformer positioned properly to cross over the Susquehanna River bridge near Wysox.
There were a few issues at first, but it wasn't long before it was hauled across the usually busy bridge.
PennDOT says all together the truck and the transformer weigh nearly 675,000 pounds. A PennDOT official says the transformer itself weighs about 480,000 pounds.
PennDOT says they're keeping the bridge closed to the public at least for the next few days.
"A lot of people are a little upset about it. They think that their timing is off because here we are in the dead of winter, and most people here work in Towanda," Asylum Township supervisor Lee Allyn said.
PennDOT officials closed the bridge along Route 187 so the transformers can be hauled across the bridge. The transformers are going to the future natural gas power plant that is being built.
PennDOT officials say the recommended detour around the bridge is 27 miles.
According to a PennDOT news release, the bridge will be closed for a maximum of 14 days.
"This morning I needed some parts and I had to go around and come back through Wysox. I thought this, well it is a bit of a pain," Allyn said.
People like Chuck Chilson worry that a long detour will make for difficult times in this already snowy and icy February.
"Especially now with the ice and everything on the roads. I hope it's not closed for two weeks. Two to three days tops, I hope," Chilson said.
According to PennDOT, the second and final oversize load is scheduled to cross the bridge on Tuesday.
Once the transformer crosses the bridge a final bridge inspection will begin immediately. Officials say the final bridge inspection is expected to take three to five days depending on weather conditions.
PennDOT says if there is no damage on the bridge, it will be reopened to traffic.