Huge crane weight on road led to long A11 closure

Part of the A11 was closed for about 15 hours after an eight to 10 tonne crane ballast weight came loose and fell on to the road, police have revealed.

Norfolk Police said a "large metal object" came off a lorry by the Mundford Roundabout, near Thetford, at about 13:50 BST on Tuesday.

Due to the size and weight of the object, it said specialist recovery teams were required to safely remove the load.

National Highways said "extensive damage" had been caused to the surface, which needed emergency repairs.

On X, National Highways said the road was reopened just before 05:00 on Wednesday.

The police force said the crane ballast weight was an "extremely large counterweight" used to stabilise cranes.

It said: "We know yesterday's closure southbound between the A134 and Brandon Road caused significant disruption.

"Safety risks meant keeping the road closed for several hours while the vehicle was recovered and the damage repaired properly.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding."

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