Giant generator transport rescheduled, traffic disruption expected

Why it matters: This rescheduled operation will impact local traffic and require extensive road management measures on a new date.

The big picture: The generator is part of a project to enhance grid stability in the region, but its transportation poses logistical challenges.

Key details:

• The 356-tonne generator, 81m in length, will now be moved on August 18

• It will depart from Ipswich Docks at approximately 6am

• A second planned move of a 164-tonne electrical transformer has been postponed, with the new date yet to be confirmed

• The A140 will be temporarily closed between A14 and A1120 for several hours from late morning

• A temporary overbridge will be installed at Brockford to protect roads and structures

Traffic impacts:

• A14 eastbound traffic will be temporarily held between 10am and 10:30am while the load travels the wrong way between junctions 53 and 52

• The A140 closure is expected from about 11am until 6pm, subject to change

• Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place along the route

• The St Matthews Street subway in Ipswich will be closed

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "Our teams continue to support the moving of abnormal loads through the county, ensuring these are done safely and with minimum impact on residents. Thank you to all those who have worked hard on this complex operation to ensure it runs smoothly."

What's next: Road users are advised to avoid the area if possible during the transport times. Suffolk Highways will provide updates on social media at key points during the move.

The bottom line: While this rescheduled operation will cause short-term disruption, it's a necessary step in improving energy infrastructure in the region.

Full details

Planned route

1. Exit Ipswich Docks, Cliff Quay 

2. Negotiate Duke Street to Fore Hamlet

3. Negotiate Fore Hamlet to Derby Road, travelling along Felixstowe Road

4. Negotiate Derby Road to Foxhall Road via Tomline Road

5. Negotiate St Helens Street, St Margarets Street, Crown Street to St Matthews Street roundabout

6. Negotiate St Matthews Street, Norwich Road to Bury Road/Old Norwich Road junction

7. Negotiate A140 to Synchronous Condenser Plant in Yaxley.

Suspension of double yellow lines

• B1458 Cliff Road, Ipswich (from Toller Road to Ship Launch Road)

• B1458 Duke Street, Ipswich (from John Street to A1214)

• A1156 Fore Hamlet, Ipswich

• A1156 Bishops Hill, Ipswich

• A1156 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich (from Bishops Hill to Derby Road)

• B1075/59 Tomline Road, Ipswich

• B1075 Foxhall Road, Ipswich (from Tomline Road to Newton Road and from Ruskin Road junction to Grove Lane, Ipswich)

• B1075 Grove Lane, Ipswich

• A1156 St Helens Street, Ipswich (from Grove Lane junction for 60 metres west and from Regent Street to St Margarets Street, Ipswich)

• A1156 St Margarets Street, Ipswich

• A1156 Crown Street, Ipswich

• A1156 St Matthews Street, Ipswich

• A1156 Norwich Road, Ipswich (St Matthews Street to Cumberland Street, Ipswich, from Wellington Street for a further 30 metres northbound and from Anglesea Road to Old Norwich Road, Ipswich)

Temporary parking restrictions (with no exceptions)

• B1458 Cliff Road, Ipswich

• B1458 Duke Street, Ipswich

• A1156 Fore Hamlet, Ipswich

• A1156 Bishops Hill, Ipswich

• A1156 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich (from Bishops Hill to Derby Road)

• Derby Road, Ipswich (from Felixstowe Road to 40 metres south of Tomline Road junction)

• B1075/59 Tomline Road, Ipswich

• B1075 Foxhall Road, Ipswich

• B1075 Grove Lane, Ipswich

• A1156 St Helens Street, Ipswich

• A1156 St Margarets Street, Ipswich

• A1156 Crown Street, Ipswich

• A1156 St Matthews Street, Ipswich

• A1156 Norwich Road, Ipswich

• A140 Ipswich Road, Yaxley

• A140 Ipswich Road, Eye

• A140 Norwich Road, Mendlesham (layby only)

 Suspension of overnight 7.5-tonne weight restriction

• A1156 Fore Hamlet, Ipswich

• A1156 Bishops Hill, Ipswich

• A1156 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich (from Bishops Hill to Derby Road)

• A1156 Norwich Road, Ipswich (from A1214 to Bury Road, Ipswich)

• A1156 Bury Road, Ipswich (from Goddard Road East roundabout to Norwich Road)

Road closures

• A140 Norwich Road, Coddenham (from A14 roundabout to Norwich Road, Creeting St Mary)

• A140 Norwich Road, Creeting St Mary

• A140 Norwich Road, Earl Stonham

• A140 Angel Hill, Earl Stonham

• A140 Norwich Road, Stonham Aspal

• A140 Pains Hill, Stonham Parva

• A140 Turnpike, Stonham Parva

• A140 Norwich Road, Stonham Parva

• A140 Norwich Road, Mendlesham (including A140 layby).

• A140 Norwich Road, Wetheringsett cum Brockford

• A140 The Street, Wetheringsett cum Brockford

• A140 Norwich Road, Thwaite

• A140 Norwich Road, Stoke Ash

• A140 Ipswich Road, Stoke Ash

• A140 Norwich Road, Braiseworth

• A140 Ipswich Road, Thornham Parva

• A140 Ipswich Road, Yaxley

• A140 Ipswich Road, Eye

• A140 Norwich Road, Thrandeston

• B1059 Tomline Road and Derby Road, Ipswich 11 and 18 August 2024