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164-tonne transformer to be moved through Ipswich on Sunday

News

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.

Council tax in Ipswich set to rise by 5% under new budget plans

News

Suffolk County Council has proposed a 5% council tax increase as part of its £803.7 million budget for 2025/26.

Why it matters: The unwelcome tax hike will further eat into the disposable incomes of Ipswich families already contending with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The big picture: The council's net budget is set to rise by 6.7%, from £752.9 million to £803.7 million, with significant increases allocated to adult care (an extra £35.2 million) and an extra £18.1 million for children's services.

This follows the government's decision not to award Suffolk any funding from the new £600 million Recovery Grant despite what the council describes as "significant deprivation levels" in the county.

Picture of the front of Endeavour House, the Suffolk County Council office building
Suffolk County Council has proposed a 5% council tax increase as part of its £803.7 million budget for 2025/26Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: Council tax will increase by 4.99%, with 2.99% allocated to general council tax plus an extra 2% for adult care.

  • Council tax for Band B properties (the most common in Suffolk) will increase to £24.67 per week, costing households an additional £61 per year.

  • Band D properties will increase to £31.72 per week, costing households an additional £79 per year.

What's next: The budget proposals will be discussed at a Scrutiny Meeting on Tuesday, 14 January, before being debated and voted on at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, 13 February. Residents can watch the budget scrutiny meeting live on the council's YouTube channel, with relevant papers available on the council's committee minutes website.

The bottom line: While the council says the tax rise is necessary to protect vital services, Ipswich households will be paying their highest-ever council tax rates, adding further pressure to household budgets during challenging economic times.

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