Day 4, Melter 2: The journey ends

The second and final 125-ton melter assembly that will be staged in the Low-Activity Waste Vitrification (LAW) Facility arrived at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant construction site at approximately noon today.

The assembly traveled on a specially configured heavy-haul transporter from Ogden, Utah, to the construction site, approximately 25 miles north of Richland, Wash., in just four days. …

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Day 3, Melter #2: Back down Cabbage Hill

The 190-foot-long transporter carrying the second melter assembly departed from Marsing, Idaho, at 7:30 a.m. The weather was clear, and the temperature averaged at approximately 37 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day.

The transport performed three rolling slow downs during its journey today, allowing it to clear overhead obstructions. Rolling slow downs involve holding all lanes of traffic within …

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Day 2, Melter #2: Made it to Marsing

The melter assembly departed from Moreland, Idaho, at 7:00 a.m. It traveled nearly 300 miles and reached Marsing, Idaho, by 5:20 p.m. The caravan experienced a touch of snowfall just west of Arco, Idaho, but it did not impact travel. The melter assembly was able to proceed slowly and safely through the area.

Weather, including snow, ice, rain, …

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Day 1, Melter #2 (continued): Return to Moreland

The second melter assembly began its journey at 9:30 a.m. and continued to follow in the tire tracks of the first assembly. (It arrived at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant construction site on November 5.) The caravan, complete with lead vehicles, transporter and follow vehicles, began its trek at the manufacturer's in Ogden, Utah, and completed its first day …

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Day 1, Melter #2: On the road again

Today, the second 125-ton melter assembly began its 800-mile journey from Ogden, Utah, to the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant construction site, just north of Richland, Wash. The caravan, including the 190-foot-long transporter was on the road by 9:30 a.m.

A media release announcing the departure of the second melter assembly was issued this afternoon.

Check …

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Day 5: First melter assembly delivered!

Today, the melter assembly caravan continued its journey to the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) construction site, pulling out of Richland at 9:00 a.m. It made a brief stop at a media event, which featured an interview with WTP Project Director Frank Russo and a special certificate presentation by Federal Area Project Manager for the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility …

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Day 4 (continued): Into Richland

Night had fallen by the time the melter assembly pulled away from the Washington-Oregon border at 6:30 p.m. But even under the cover of darkness, it was quite a parade. A state patrol car was in the lead; pilot and follow vehicle lights were flashing; and the giant melter, consuming almost two lanes of traffic, advanced down the freeway …

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Day 4: The melter assembly arrives in Washington

The melter assembly arrived at the Washington border today, where it was weighed and inspected. It will arrive at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant construction site tomorrow.

The trailer carrying the melter assembly sits less than nine inches above the ground. (View larger image.)

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Watch the melter assembly being loaded

The video provided above shows the first of the two Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Vitrification Facility melter assemblies being loaded for delivery at Petersen, Inc., in Ogden, Utah. The assembly departed Utah on Monday, November 1 and is expected to arrive later this week.

Day 3: Blazing the Oregon trail

This morning, departure from Marsing was delayed an hour due to fog, but the melter assembly caravan quickly made up time and traveled 205 miles today! Keep in mind that it can travel no more than 45 miles per hour.

At around noon, the caravan crossed the state line into Oregon and continued its journey with a state-required …

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Media release issued

A media release announcing the departure of the first melter assembly was issued today.

Check back later for more updates!

Day 2: The road through Idaho

The first 125-ton melter assembly continued its journey from Ogden, Utah, to the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant construction site today. Traveling on a 190-foot specially configured heavy-haul transporter, the melter caravan traveled 300 miles through the state of Idaho! Keep checking back for more updates.

Starting point: Moreland, Idaho
Ending point: Marsing, Idaho
Miles traveled: 300

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Day 1: The journey begins

Today, the first of two 125-ton melter assemblies that will be installed in the Low-Activity Waste Vitrification (LAW) Facility began its nearly 800-mile route to the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant (WTP). The assembly will travel from the manufacturer Petersen, Inc., in Ogden, Utah, to the WTP construction site, 25 miles north of Richland, Wash.

Starting point: Ogden, Utah

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