Currently a 656,000-pound shipment sits off Interstate 20 at the Columbia County Scales awaiting a tactical route to Alabama starting at 7 p.m. tomorrow night.

The 261-foot long, 19-foot wide and 14-foot tall rig configuration, carrying a machine press, is under the supervision of hauler Hansa Meyer and should complete its journey during the early morning hours Wednesday.

East Central and West Central Georgia traffic will be slow or even stopped at some points due to the excessive size of the shipment. Georgia State Patrol officers and other escorts with blue lights and marked cars will be accompanying the load to pace traffic, when so warranted by the traffic control. The mega load will also feature moving message boards warning of traffic interruptions at key bridges and/or intersections.

Normal travel speed is 45 mph but slows to 5 mph when crossing certain bridge structures. Narrow bridge locations will require escorts to restrict the passing of other vehicles, while the permit vehicle is crossing.

The mega load will travel on I-20 westbound out of Columbia County Tuesday, Jan. 31. Motorists should exercise extreme caution in its vicinity and follow instructions from the law enforcement escorts. 

Citizens should monitor 511ga.org or download the App to stay current on all upcoming lane closures. Georgia DOT East on Facebook and @GDOTEastTraffic on Twitter also provide daily updates.