Huge machine press scheduled to move through Metro-Atlanta

The Georgia Department of Transportation recently approved the planned movement of a machine press through the Metro-Atlanta area.

The press is being transported on a 250-foot-long, 16-foot-wide, and 14-foot-tall rig. On July 27, the 638,000-pound machine press began to travel on Interstate 20 westbound. On July 29, at 7 p.m., the press will make a tactical route to White, Georgia. Traffic will be temporarily stopped during the night while the load stops in Newton County. The press will continue its travels at 8 p.m.

The load is estimated to reach its final destination, which is located in Bartow County, on July 30. The press will travel through Dekalb County on I-20 west. It will navigate Fulton and Cobb counties using northbound I-75.

These routes were chosen because of the size and weight of the large load, and also because this route avoids utilities, bridges and traffic signal clearance issues.

While the press crosses narrow bridges, the escorts will control whether other vehicles pass the large load. There will also be moving message boards that will warn drivers about traffic interruptions at important intersections and bridges.

Because of the transportation, the normal travel speed of 45 miles per hour will be slowed to five miles per hour when drivers travel across specific bridge structures.