Night closures for A31 near Ringwood as National Highways announces need for vegetation ‘thinning’

STRETCHES of the A31 near Ringwood are shutting overnight – nearly 18 months after the conclusion of a £30m project which caused traffic chaos.

National Highways has announced a post-opening review found “minor changes to the planting” need to be carried out following the scheme to widen the dual carriageway.

As reported in the A&T, multiple closures and disruption ensued in the major works, which lasted from March 2021 to November 2022.

These included the replacement and widening of two bridges on the westbound carriageway, which cross the River Avon and the Bickerley Millstream.

A new third lane was also created between the Ringwood and Verwood junctions.

Announcing the new work, a National Highways spokesperson explained: “This is to minimise the need for future routine maintenance as our review showed that some of the current planting might obstruct signs as it matures, so it is being thinned out at this time.”

Contractors will first cover the westbound carriageway from today (Tuesday) to Thursday 9th May, before moving on to the eastbound on Friday.

The closures will be in place between 9pm and 6am, when the authority believes there will be less disruption to the travelling public.

Road users will be diverted between the A338 Ashley Heath Roundabout and the M27 junction at Cadnam via the A338, A3060, A35 and A337, or reverse.

“Given the works will be taking place at night, we will use hand-tools wherever possible and the use of power tools and plant will be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbance,” the spokesperson continued.

“We apologise for any disturbance experienced due to these works and thank you for your understanding.”