Alarm clocks rang early on Tuesday 8 April as the second ITER test convoy was completing the last leg of its 104-kilometre journey along the ITER Itinerary. But for many, it wasn't early enough: the convoy reached the ITER site nearly two hours ahead of schedule.
The last leg of the journey between the village of Meyrargues and the ITER site had gone smoothly. With the exception of the triple crossing of the A51 thruway, the 26-kilometre stretch doesn't present major difficulties or obstacles—only one roundabout to negotiate, no steep climb and no speed bumps.
As the two diesel power packs purred reassuringly, the trailer progressed at a good speed. Unlike the two first nights of the test campaign, no incident occurred to slow or stop the convoy. Expected at 6:00 a.m., it passed the ITER gates at 4:00 a.m.
For the second time in eight months, the 800 tonnes of trailer and mock load had been safely delivered to the ITER site.
"For the duration of this test campaign you have mastered uniquely complex logistics and overcome some serious technical difficulties," said ITER Director-General Osamu Motojima as he addressed those who had participated in the operation.