Local businesses brace for gigantic cargo moves starting next week
Heavy equipment deliveries for a $10 billion natural gas-fueled power plant and hyperscale data center project outside Homer City, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, are set to begin next week. These "superloads," weighing up to 380 tons, will traverse local roads, prompting anxiety among businesses in towns like Leechburg about traffic disruptions and potential sales loss through January. The moves are part of the construction of what is described as the largest combination data center and power plant in the U.S.
Local businesses in western Pennsylvania are preparing for significant disruptions as "superloads" of heavy equipment, some weighing up to 380 tons, are scheduled to begin traveling through their towns next week. These massive shipments are destined for a $10 billion combination data center and 4.4-gigawatt natural gas-fueled power plant project located on a hilltop outside Homer City in Indiana County. Construction on this facility, described as the largest of its kind in the U.S., commenced earlier this year, with above-ground work starting in April following extensive foundation efforts.
The equipment, including parts for a heat recovery steam generator, arrived via barge at Armstrong Terminal in Gilpin’s Schenley section, having traveled waterways from Mobile, Alabama. Edwards Moving and Rigging, a Kentucky-based company, is managing the ground transport, which will follow routes 66 and 22 through towns such as Gilpin, Leechburg, Delmont, Salem Township, New Alexandria, and Blairsville. PennDOT spokesperson Tina Gibbs confirmed that approximately 50 such shipments are expected to continue six days a week through January, pending superload permit approval.
Business owners in Leechburg, particularly along Market Street, express dismay over the scheduled daytime transports. Nikki Saxion of Coco Coffeehouse voiced frustration over the chosen route and timing, fearing a deterrent effect on customers. Karen Heilman, co-owner of Friendship Donut Co., learned about the moves via Facebook and is concerned about a significant dip in sales during the crucial September-to-December period, as people might avoid the area. Florist Carissa Suveges of Leechburg Floral Co. anticipates challenges with timely deliveries and daily routines.
Willie Sanford, large project manager for Edwards Moving and Rigging, stated that the chosen route was the result of over a year of planning with PennDOT. He assured that the weight of the loads is distributed over many axles, not exceeding road limitations, and that no bonding of state or county roads is required. PennDOT is still finalizing the permit, which will outline responsibilities for potential road damage. The super-loads are also expected to affect a Route 66 pavement preservation project already underway.