A huge electricity transformer will be transported through Kent this evening on its way to Germany for repairs.

The massive bit of equipment, the size of a house, will be moved from Sellindge substation to Dover Docks.

Specialist haulage contractors will be moving the transformer with a police escort along the A20 and M20.

The part will be moved on a special vehicle more than 75m long and 5.6m wide at 9pm.

Roads will be closed around the port in Dover as the convoy makes its way into the town.

To enable the load to get into the docks, the A20 will be closed at the B2011 junction to the York Street roundabout.

Motorists travelling coastbound on the M20 and A20 to Dover have been warned to allow extra time for their journeys or to use alternative routes.

"The transformer needs essential maintenance which can only be done at the specialist facility in Germany." Project engineer James Sheridan

The transformer will travel at approximately 12mph.

It is expected to arrive in Dover at around 1am on Tuesday but the closure from the B2011 to York Street in Dover will be in place from 9pm to 5am.

A signed diversion will be in place for drivers via the B2011 and York Street and residents in Old Folkestone Road will be diverted up South Military Road.

After leaving Dover, the transformer will be shipped on to Nuremburg in southern Germany where inspection and repair work will be carried out.

The route will be from the substation along Church Lane in Sellindge along the A20 to junction 10 of the M20 at Ashford leaving the motorway at junction 13 at Folkestone before making its way along the A259 (Churchill Avenue), A260 Canterbury Road and joining the A20 before entering the Dover Docks at the Union Street roundabout.

Project engineer James Sheridan said: "We’ve carefully planned the route with our specialist haulage contractors and local highway authorities to ensure it has as little effect on people as possible.

"The transformer needs essential maintenance which can only be done at the specialist facility in Germany.

"This work will ensure the transformer will be able to play its vital role in helping to ensure the UK continues to enjoy safe and reliable electricity supplies."

People with any questions regarding the delivery can call the Community Relations Team on 0800 731 1231 or email info@communityrelations.co.uk

If you see the convoy on its way through the county send your pictures in to kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk