Duke Energy transports 460K-pound transformer through 3 counties

CHARLOTTE — Duke Energy moved a massive transformer to the Cowans Ford Dam overnight Wednesday.

It was a major undertaking and officials set aside hours to complete the transfer.

The massive 16-foot tall, 24-foot wide, 460,000-pound transformer was transported from northwest Charlotte to the Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Plant near Lake Norman. This impacted the N.C. Highway 73 and N.C. Highway 16 commute during the overnight ride Wednesday.

Officials estimated it could take up to eight hours to travel 35 miles through three counties.

Around 9 p.m., crews started the process of moving the transformer from the CSX railyard starting at Hovis Road off Rozzelles Ferry Road in northwest Charlotte.

The route included turning onto Brookshire Boulevard from Hoskins Road, traveling northwest into Gaston and Lincoln counties before turning right onto Highway 73 and entering the electric station.

Ultimately, the entire operation was completed around 2 a.m. Thursday.

VIDEO: CHOPPER 9: 800K pound transformer headed to McGuire Nuclear Station

CHOPPER 9: 800K pound transformer headed to McGuire Nuclear Station Bird's eye view of a 800K pound transformer on it's way to McGuire Nuclear Station.

©2025 Cox Media Group