Skip to main contentEnter
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

164-tonne transformer to be moved through Ipswich on Sunday

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

Today's supporter

Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

View upcomnig gigs

Suffolk to roll out 6,000 EV chargepoints from Summer 2025

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council has partnered with operator Believ to deliver around 6,000 new public electric vehicle chargepoints across the county, starting next summer.

Why it matters: 25% of Suffolk households don't have a driveway and park on their street, creating a significant barrier for residents considering electric vehicle ownership.

The big picture: The rollout aims to provide residents without driveways access to a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk.

Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of Believ
Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of BelievBeliev

By the numbers:

  • £5.3 million secured from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund

  • An additional £16 million provided by operator Believ

  • Nearly 140,000 tons of emissions forecast to be removed by late 2026

The details: The majority of new units will be bollard-style chargers at the kerbside, suitable for long-stay or overnight charging. Drivers will benefit from an overnight off-peak tariff and a dedicated resident's tariff with discounted charging at all times.

Public car parks will also see rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoint installations for quicker charging options.

What they're saying: "We are providing a solution by installing chargepoints on their street, or very nearby. Our ambition is to provide them with a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk or wheel," said Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to rollout such a significant number of chargepoints across Suffolk. It will make a real difference to local EV drivers and give others the confidence to go electric, helping to support our mission to deliver cleaner air for all."

What's next: In advance of all on-street chargepoint installations, local residents will receive letters with details of the work due to take place, including information on timescales.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council is the first local authority in England to both award their LEVI main funding tender and subsequently sign a contract with an operator, allowing installations to begin at pace to help meet the county's target of 5,400 public chargepoints by 2030.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

Load next article