The A31 in Hampshire is expected to be closed till at least Thursday 20th August, National Highways has announced.
The closure follows a vehicle fire on Sunday 9 August which spread to nearby heathland, affecting an estimated 165 acres, an area described as approximately the size of 200 football pitches.
Westbound traffic is unable to use the road between the M27 at Junction 2 near Ower and the A338 at Ringwood, while the eastbound closure runs from the A338 Salisbury Road to M27 Junction 1 at Cadnam.
National Highways teams have now examined the affected stretch and say “significant repairs are required” before the road can reopen safely following the fire and its spread into the surrounding area.
The work includes replacing at least 1,000 metres of boundary fencing, resurfacing damaged sections of road and renewing several hundred metres of vehicle restraint barrier along the route.
The current reopening estimate means the main route between Hampshire and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will stay unavailable for at least another week while repairs are completed.
Diversion Route
Road users are advised to follow the below diversion route and ignore Satnavs. They are also reminded to stick to the speed limits on local roads and be aware of the New Forest’s livestock, which can roam freely.
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the below diversion route – not symbol led.
- Exit the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A326 towards Ashurst Bridge.
- Join the A35 and head southbound on the A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch.
- At the Iford roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3060 towards the Cooper Dean roundabout.
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A338.
- Continue northbound on the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout to re-join the A31.
Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the below diversion route – not symbol led.
- Exit the A31 at Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338.
- Continue south on the A338 towards Bournemouth.
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A3060.
- Continue on the A3060 to the Iford roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A35.
- Continue on the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst until you reach the A326.
- Head northbound on the A326 to re-join the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange).
