THE SECOND of six massive spiral cases for the Snowy 2.0 power station has been transported 422 kilometres from Port Kembla to Lobs Hole in the Snowy Mountains.

Spread out over three nights, the drive time for each load is 20 hours. The latest spiral case reached its destination early on Monday morning.

Each spiral case weighs 153 tonnes and is more than 13 metres long, 7.5 metres wide and almost 3 metres high.

The total combined size of the truck and load is a huge 63 metres long, 7.5 metres wide and 4.4 metres high, weighing more than 306 tonnes.

Two prime movers are needed to pull, and a third to push the load on a 14 axle specifically built trailer.

The convoy communicated its approach to each roadway to assist with safe passage through the Transport network.

To safely shift the spiral cases through the road network, the prime movers have three police cars and three pilot vehicle escorts, a supervisor ahead to help navigate cornering, bridges and traffic control and a mechanical support vehicle on standby.

Transport for NSW worked with freight company Lampsons, Snowy 2.0 principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture, and NSW Police who helped facilitate the transfer, to identify a safe window to start moving the spiral cases.

A headcover was transported the weekend of 18 November, with the first spiral case transported over the weekend of 1 December.

The second spiral case is being transported this weekend, following the same route and itinerary. The remaining four cases will be transported in early 2024.

The spiral cases are essential components from Snowy 2.0 electromechanical subcontractor, Voith Hydro, to build pumped hydro units for Snowy Hydro’s underground power station at Lobs Hole.

NSW minister for regional transport and roads Jenny Aitchison said the safe and smooth transportation of these spiral cases is just one part of the freight operation for Snowy Hydro’s Snowy 2.0 project.

“It’s also another example of great team-work between Transport for NSW, NSW Police, the freight industry and the Snowy 2.0 team,” she said.

“While most of these spiral cases will be transported at night when there is minimal traffic on the roads, anyone who does see them being moved should slow down and obey all road rules and follow the directions of police and all other road users.”