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164-tonne transformer to be moved through Ipswich on Sunday

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A massive transformer will be transported from Ipswich Docks to Yaxley on Sunday, causing road closures and traffic disruptions. The 71-metre-long vehicle carrying the load will depart at 6am.

Why it matters: The abnormal load will impact traffic and travel for Ipswich residents and those using the A140 and A14 on Sunday.

The big picture: This is the second attempt to move this transformer after a previous postponement. The operation involves coordination between multiple agencies to ensure safety and minimise disruption.

Key details:

  • The 164-tonne transformer is being moved for Conrad Energy and National Grid

  • The A140 will be closed for several hours from late morning

  • A temporary overbridge will be installed at Brockford

  • The A14 eastbound will face a rolling roadblock mid-morning

What to watch:

  • Departure from Ipswich Docks: Around 6am

  • A14 eastbound rolling roadblock: Approximately 10-10:30am

  • A140 closure: Expected 11am to 6pm (subject to change)

Road restrictions:

  • Parking and weight limit restrictions along the route

  • Suspension of double yellow lines

  • Closure of Derby Road, Tomline Road, and St Matthews Street subway in Ipswich

  • Parking restrictions on Old Norwich Road in Ipswich and Whitton as a contingency

Be smart: To minimize disruption, avoid the affected areas if possible. Depending on the abnormal load's position, small vehicles may be allowed to cross the A140 between A14 and A1120.

What they're saying: Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "It is good news that Suffolk Highways has been able to facilitate the rescheduled abnormal load move. The team will continue to support future abnormal loads ensuring these are carried out safely and with minimal impact on Suffolk's residents."

The bottom line: Residents and travellers should plan ahead and avoid the A140 and A14 if possible on Sunday.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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