A huge transformer – the size of a bungalow – has been transported down Suffolk coast on the A12 and delivered to a new electricity substation.

Ipswich Star: 170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewell - by Philip Jones170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewell - by Philip Jones (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

It left Lowestoft Docks on Saturday morning before making its way along the to the new substation at Leiston.

Flanked by police outriders and transported on a 20-axle trailer by a specialist haulage team, the load had maximum speed of 12 mph, meaning the 26-mile journey took around six hours to complete.

The transformer will now be installed at a new National Grid electricity substation near Leiston and will help take renewable, green electricity generated by the new Galloper offshore wind farm to thousands of homes and businesses.

National Grid and its partners in the move, heavy-load specialists Collet and Sons Ltd, co-ordinated the huge task with “military precision” to keep traffic disruption and public inconvenience to a minimum.

Ipswich Star: 170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewell - by Philip Jones170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewell - by Philip Jones (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

National Grid project manager Jim Lewis said: “We are sorry for any delays and disruption the delivery caused but it was essential that the journey was trouble free.

“The transformer is a vital piece of equipment that will allow electricity generated by the new Galloper offshore wind farm to reach homes and business.”

Ipswich Star: 170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewel - by Philip Jones170-tonne transformer on the move from Lowestoft to Greater Gabbard�Sizewel - by Philip Jones (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)