Final 500-tonne load closes A47 again

An abnormal load linked to the construction of an offshore wind farm will make its way through Norfolk this weekend, causing a road closure.

The 500-tonne load will close the A47 on Sunday 06:30 GMT, as the last of nine transformers gets moved from the Port of King's Lynn to the Orsted Onshore Converter Station in Swardeston, near Norwich.

The load will be escorted by Norfolk Police and will travel at a maximum speed of 10mph (16km/h ), which is why the road is due to be closed most of the day.

Hornsea Three, located 74 miles (120km) off the Norfolk coast, will generate enough green electricity to power more than three million homes. It is expected to be the largest in the world.

Since December, eight transformers for the substation have been transported from the King's Lynn to Swardeston, with this one the ninth and last to be transported.

A transformer was due to be moved to the Converter Station in July, but it was delayed due to overlaps with other planned works in the area.

Orsted has previously said the transport of the equipment has taken place on Sundays to reduce the impact on other traffic and to maintain safe operating conditions.

The windfarm has the possibility of producing 2.9 gigawatts of energy and was granted permission in December 2021 by former Energy Secretary Alok Sharma.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.