Vale prepares for slow haul to Long Harbour

Crews were preparing Tuesday to start moving tonnes of materials to one of the largest industrial operations in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Vale is arranging to move hundreds trusses — massive steel frames that were assembled in Argentia — to the Long Harbour site where construction has started on a nickel processing facility.

The route is just 45 kilometres, but each trip is expected to take more than four hours.

"There are times of the day when people want to get to the post office or get out of town, and they'll find themselves slowed down a little bit by this traffic," said Bob Carter, Vale's manager of corporate and public affairs.

The trucking operation will go on for about five months.

Vale has delivered a copy of its moving schedule to every household in the region.

Greer Hunt, who is in charge of the transportation effort, said if the move goes well it may lead to other projects.

"It showcases what you can do here," said Hunt. "Once we start this, there's lots of other projects with Hebron and things, and hopefully some of it will come down this way."