Suffolk roads blocked as transformer moves up the A140

The transformer set off from Ipswich docks before dawn on Sunday. (Image: Suffolk Highways)

The huge piece of equipment had to travel at walking pace through Ipswich and needed part of the A14 between Claydon and Coddenham to be closed for a while as it was moved.

Part of the A14 was closed while the transformer moved from Claydon to Coddenham. (Image: Suffolk Highways)

But the most serious disruption was on the A140 where much of the road was closed for several hours while a bridge at Brockford was reinforced to allow the huge load to pass safely over it.

A bridge at Brockford had to be strengthened to allow the transformer to pass over it. (Image: Suffolk Highways)

This is the first of two road closures on the route - another day of disruption is planned for next week.

The transformer passed along Norwich Road in Ipswich at jogging speed. (Image: Paul Geater)

The closures cause serious problems for businesses on the route who lose custom because of the road closure, and neither Suffolk County Council nor hauliers Allelys offer any compensation for lost business.

At the Walnut Tree pub/restaurant on the A140 at Thwaite Sunday lunchtime - one of the busiest times of the week - was quieter than usual although some diners did get through.

Last year Jan Wise from the Walnut Tree at Thwaite spoke about her frustration at the closure of the A140 on some Sundays. (Image: Paul Geater)

Last year its proprietor, Jan Wise, spoke of the frustrations about the Sunday road closures when earlier equipment had been carried to a different site on Eye Airfield.

And petrol stations and other pubs on the A140 are also likely to have been seriously affected by the road closure.

The transformer finally reached its destination at Yaxley in the mid-afternoon.