Roadworks widening the A31 at Ringwood on track to finish on 30th November
A MULTI-million-pound scheme to widen the A31 at Ringwood is on track to be completed by the end of November, National Highways has confirmed.
The project has included the widening of the road from two lanes to three between the Ringwood and Verwood junctions, providing much-needed road capacity and reducing congestion on the busy stretch.
The two bridges on the westbound carriageway have also been replaced and there have been improved safety and access measures for cyclists and walkers.
The investment forms part of the £15.2bn Road Investment Strategy to be delivered between 2020 and 2025.
Workers recently removed the contraflow system which meant westbound traffic travelled over the new bridges for the first time.
The outside lane westbound and the two outside lanes of the eastbound carriageway will remain closed to complete work in the central reserve including drainage, road surfacing and the installation of new safety barriers.
Project manager Dan Kittredge said: "I am pleased to confirm that the scheme is on track to be completed by 30th November as planned. We would like to thank the people of Ringwood and the surrounding area for their patience whilst we have delivered this challenging scheme.
"The A31 is one of the region's most important roads connecting Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset – a vital route every day for work journeys and home deliveries, visits to friends and family, and the movement of goods and services.
"The improved route will be more reliable, reducing journey times and providing capacity for future traffic growth."
As reported in the A&T there had been ongoing complaints that noise barriers have been left out of the plan.
A spokesperson for National Highways added: "Throughout the duration of the scheme National Highways has worked closely with local authorities and a number of community groups to ensure the benefits of this scheme are felt by all.
"The project team had been in dialogue over further suggested mitigation measures. However, with the scheme now close to completion these discussions have come to an end."
