NStar Moves Massive Transformer Through Sudbury, Wayland, Framingham

Photo credit: NStar

A new 170 ton electrical transformer, essential to a major upgrade project NSTAR is undertaking to its electric system in MetroWest communities, is transported through through Framingham during the evening of Saturday, Nov. 1, and into Wayland and Sudbury overnight on Sunday, Nov. 2. The vehicle transporting the new transformer will
be traveling at very low speeds on its way to an NSTAR substation in Sudbury.

The massive transformer, which will arrive in Framingham by rail and be transferred to a 100 wheel trailer, will leave the Pearl Street rail yard Saturday at approximately 9 p.m. and travel onto Union Street, Concord Street and Old Connecticut Path, before parking for the day on Sealtest Drive around 5:30 a.m. The move will resume Sunday at 8:30 p.m., with the trailer heading north on Old Connecticut Path, onto Route 126 through Wayland and ending in Sudbury on Boston Post Road.

A convoy of vehicles and personnel will accompany the trailer on the move, including utility crews to lift overhead wires, as well as police and escort vehicles to help divert and direct traffic through intersections.

“With electricity use growing in the MetroWest area, upgrade projects like the work we’re doing in Sudbury are crucial,” said NSTAR Community Relations Representative JoAnne O’Leary. “The addition of the new transformer and upgraded equipment will ensure we’ll be able to continue to provide our local customers with a reliable, abundant source of electricity.”

The new transformer is the largest and most visible part of a major equipment upgrade NSTAR is undertaking to supplement the existing power supply currently running into its Sudbury substation. The upgrades and improvements are an important part of the company’s efforts to further increase reliability and continue to meet customer’s electricity needs in the area.

Article submitted by Rhiannon D’Angelo, NStar