Mechanical failures interrupt barn move

• Update February 5, 6:50 pm, 2014:  Both segments of the barn have now been successfully moved to Heritage Acres.  

Sections of Vogelaar barn on Highway 785 at Highway 3 intersection
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis

The planned move of the Vogelaar barn to Heritage Acres hit a snag today when mechanical problems forced a halt to the endeavour.  The barn is being moved in two pieces. The drive train on the semi truck towing the second part of the barn gave out, with both front and back axles broken.  A large agricultural tractor used to assist in the move was standing by but is not legally allowed to haul loads like this on the highways.  It was used to haul the section in question to a reasonable stopping point.

Vogelaar barn in two sections at original site.
The semi truck hauling the section to the right broke down mid-move

According to Heritage Acres General Manager Bill Kells, the damaged semi will have to be extricated and replaced.  That may prove to be a tricky situation, as both barns block all lanes of Highway 785, and the damaged semi truck is in the middle with limited ways to access and replace it.  Kells expressed optimism that the move will be completed by tomorrow, saying that the movers, Holmes Building Movers Ltd. of Stavely, have a great deal of experience in dealing with large moves such as this and the problems associated with them.

So, at last report  the two sections of barn were destined to spend the night blocking Highway 785 south of the Highway 3 intersection.  That is the east intersection in and out of Pincher Creek from Highway 3.  Highway 3 traffic has not been impacted.

Power outages of varying lengths and interruptions of Shaw's internet/cable/phone services were also results of the move.

It is unknown at this time when exactly the barn move will recommence.

Related story:
A time of growth for Heritage Acres