BIG delays are expected on the A34 southbound today as the first of three 640-tonne transformers are taken away from Didcot Power Station.

Didcot A Power Station was disconnected from the National Grid in March after producing electricity for 43 years.

Power company npower has begun to decommission the site and demolition is to begin before the end of the year. The six 325ft cooling towers are to be blown up or dismantled next year.

As part of the process, three transformers – measuring 90m by 5m by 5m – are to be moved from the site to Avonmouth docks by Bristol in three separate loads over the next month. Police said the loads are being transported down the A34 to the junction with the M4 in a journey that could take four hours. This will start at 9am today. The other transformers will be moved from 6pm on Friday, November 15, and from 9am on Saturday, November 23.

The full route will see the transformers taken from the power plant along the A4130 to the Milton Interchange, down the A34 southbound to the M4 at Junction 13, and along the M4 westbound to Membury services.

Anyone with concerns can call the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and quote the unique reference number 754 31/10.