Turbine blocks road

A major road in south west Scotland has been blocked after a lorry carrying a 106-tonne wind turbine got stuck. Dumfries and Galloway Police warned that the A75 was likely to remain shut for some time after the incident which took place shortly before 1100 GMT.

The vehicle went onto a grass verge near the Kinmount straight between Dumfries and Annan and because of its weight sank into the ground. Motorists were advised to expect delays and diversions have been put in place.

Sgt Campbell Moffat who was at the scene said it would take some time to clear the road. He said the lorry's rear trailer had left the road as it was travelling west towards Dumfries. As the vehicle continued to move forward it became stuck leaving a difficult recovery operation.
"The difficulty we have is the weight and length - it is 106-tonne, 52m in length and 4.3m wide," said Sgt Moffat. "It could take anything from four to six hours."

Diversions have been put in place via the B7020 to Lochmaben, and the A709 back towards Dumfries. Traffic has been reported as much heavier than normal on the A709 around Lochmaben.

A similar incident also blocked a road on the Isle of Skye earlier this year. Major disruption was caused on the A87 Kyle to Portree road in September when a lorry carrying a section of a wind turbine left the road.