A pub landlord on the A140 in Suffolk says she may lose £2,000 a day when the key road closes for three Sundays for three 500-tonne convoys to be transported across the county.
The road is set to be closed on October 22, November 5, and November 26 for three abnormal loads – a generator, turbine, and transformer – to be transported from Ipswich docks to the Progress Power Station at Eye airfield.
Originally, the loads were set to take place over three Sundays in October, but there is now a new contingency plan for six Sundays, which will also impact October 29, November 19, and December 3.
However, Suffolk County Council has confirmed that the A140 will only be shut for three Sundays at the A14 and Castleton Way, Eye junctions, as originally planned.
An alternative route option has been made for the second half of the move, suggested by Drax and Allelys, and recently gained approval from National Highways.
The moves will depart from Ipswich Docks in early hours of each morning, escorted by police, and the A140 closure could be in place for several hours from midday on each day.
When the first load reaches Bury Road/Old Norwich Road, Ipswich on October 22, the second half of the journey will be reviewed and will only continue to Eye Airfield if safe to do so.
A decision will be made by Suffolk Police based on safety and daylight hours restrictions, as to whether the load stops at Old Ipswich Road, Claydon (at the bus section south of Hill View Business Park) or continues along A14.
If it is deemed unsafe to continue, the second half of the journey will continue on October 29 through Claydon and Coddenham.
If it is deemed safe to continue along A14, traffic will be managed by police to allow for the loads to travel safely to the A140 (junction 51), leaving and rejoining at Claydon (junction 52) to allow traffic flow.
The load will travel in the wrong direction and a rolling roadblock will be in place with traffic being held temporarily.
Vaida Lapene, landlady of the Magpie pub in Little Stonham, next to Stowmarket, said: “We are concerned because most of the people come on Sundays. We have been operating eight years and we know Sunday is the busiest day.
“Most people drive here. You can go around, but it will take another 45 minutes or so to get here. We get people travelling from London, Colchester, Yarmouth, Norwich. It’s a good meeting place between Essex and Norfolk.
“We take around £2,000 a day on Saturday and Sunday, sometimes more and sometimes less. Why can’t they do it on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when people are at work and it’s not our busiest day? Someone is making money, and someone is losing.”
A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council said: "A great deal of careful planning and joint working goes into an operation such as this one.
"I am confident that those involved will ensure the safe and successful delivery of parts on behalf of Drax Group.
"I want to thank communities that may be affected by this move for their understanding and cooperation."
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