National Highways tells us…
(All words and photographs from National Highways).
| The A31 will reopen to motorists tomorrow (Saturday) morning, 22nd August, following completion of repairs by National Highways. |
| Resurfacing of the carriageway has been completed, 800 metres of new safety barriers installed and 1,500 metres of boundary fencing replaced. |
Note: National Highways also advises… “We cannot provide a specific time when the road closure will be lifted. This is due to the extensive operation to clear the site.”
Kat Saradinova, National Highways’ Head of Scheme Delivery, said: “With the fire raging for over a week, the repairs required were substantial and the conditions challenging.
“Our work to replace the damaged fencing to stop animals getting on to the A31 has been essential for the safe opening of the road. The New Forest is home to thousands of free-roaming animals, and a collision would put road users as well as livestock at risk.”
Temporary protection remains around parapets and safety barriers that were damaged by the fire, and a 40mph speed limit will be in place on the eastbound carriageway. Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date under overnight closures.
In addition, Lane 1 will remain closed on the westbound carriageway with a 50mph speed limit to allow fire services to safely exit their compound during their continued presence on site. Lay-bys currently remain closed.
Drivers are reminded that the M3 junction 9 roundabout and several surrounding roads will be closed this weekend along with the northbound A3 in Guildford.
About National Highways
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the website https://
