Warning as 178 tonne abnormal load to snake its way from Ipswich docks to Bramford, including on A14, at the start of the new year
A 178 tonne, 63 metre long abnormal load is set to snake its way through Suffolk at the start of the new year.
Suffolk Highways has warned that a huge electrical transformer will travel from Ipswich Docks to Bullen Lane, Bramford, on January 5.
It is set to leave Ipswich waterfront at 8am and is expected to arrive at National Grid’s substation at 3pm.
Allelys has been working with Suffolk Highways, National Highways and Suffolk Police to schedule its movement.
Suffolk Highways teams will be leading and following the vehicles to prepare the route and street furniture will be placed and removed along the journey.
The Orwell Bridge will also be shut in both directions while the load travels across, which is scheduled for 9am to 10am.
Where possible signage will be placed up to two weeks in advance.
The abnormal load will use the following route:
► Cliff Road
► Toller Road
► Holywells Road
► Landseer Road
► Nacton Road
► Nacton Interchange
► A14 eastbound
► Seven Hills Interchange
► A14 westbound
► Copdock Interchange
► London Road
► A1071
► B1113
► Bullen Lane, Bramford
Parking restrictions will be in place in Cliff Road and Toller Road, in Ipswich; High Street and Bramford Road, Sproughton; and Loraine Way, Bramford, 24 hours a day on January 4 and 5.
In addition, the 7.5 tonne weight limit will be suspended along High Street and Bramford Road, in Sproughton, as well as Landseer Road and Nacton Road, in Ipswich, for 24 hours on January 5.
Cllr Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said the authority would work to keep disruption to a minimum.
He added: “Our teams continue to support the moving of abnormal loads through the county, ensuring these are done safely and with minimum impact on residents.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have worked hard to execute this complex operation, ensuring it runs smoothly, and residents for their understanding and patience as we do appreciate these operations can be a nuisance and inconvenient for local people.
“Whilst the restrictions and road closures are in place, I encourage road users to avoid the area where possible to allow the load to travel through safely.”
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