It is the size of a small bungalow.

And a major 170-tonne supergrid electricity transformer has left Lowestoft on its way to a new electricity substation at Leiston via the A12.

National Grid is advising motorists that there are likely to be delays as the electricity transformer makes its way along Suffolk's roads today (Saturday, October 1) and heads for the substation near Sizewell.

The electricity transformer left Belvedere Road in Lowestoft at 8.30am this morning (Saturday). The size of a small bungalow, the heavy load is being flanked by police outriders with Highways staff dealing with any signage and street furniture that may need moving along the route.

Witnesses described the departure from Lowestoft this morning as being 'quite a sight' as photographers and keen onlookers turned out to see the departure as the electrictity transformer was transported on a 20-axle trailer by a specialist haulage team. The heavy load will have a maximum speed of 12mph and the 26-mile journey could take up to six hours to complete.

Motorists are being urged to bear this in mind when planning journeys in the area today. National Grid project manager Jim Lewis said: 'We are sorry for any delays and disruption the delivery might cause but it is essential that the journey is trouble free.'