Town notified of oversized transformer move through Braintree; MassDOT permit in place

The Braintree Town Council was informed on Jan. 6 that Bay Crane will move a large transformer from Holbrook through Braintree as part of a two-phase transport authorized by MassDOT.

According to correspondence read into the record, MassDOT issued the overall transport permit covering the transformer’s move from Holbrook to the Quincy shipyard. The notice said Phase 1 would take the transformer from Holbrook to Braintree and include repositioning the equipment at the Armstrong Cork property before a second phase moves it on to Quincy. “Bay Crane has noted that they will force state police escorts and 2 utility bucket trucks accompanying them during the move,” the presiding officer read.

Town departments have reviewed insurance and permit coverage for the transport, and the notice said the town’s Department of Public Works and emergency teams have coordinated to support the move. The correspondence specified that the Phase 1 convoy and supporting vehicles were scheduled to get underway around 10:00 p.m.; Phase 2 was tentatively scheduled for Sunday night, Jan. 11, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.

The announcement directed no formal action by the council; it served as public notice of traffic disruption and interagency coordination. The presiding officer said the town had been in communication with Bay Crane and that MassDOT’s permit covered the completed move.

No further logistical details, such as specific road closures or expected duration of lane restrictions, were provided in the meeting notice. The council did not take a vote on the item; it was presented as correspondence from Mayor Joyce and entered into the record.