A31 reopens after devastating fire - but speed restrictions are in place
The major route has finally reopened after being closed for almost two weeks
A major Hampshire route has reopened in both directions this a morning after the devastating fire which has decimated parts of the New Forest - but speed restrictions are in place.
One lane remains closed on the westbound carriageway of the A31 for the Fire and Rescue Service to provide an access and egress point for their new control point. A temporary 50mph speed limit is active on the westbound carriageway.
On the eastbound carriageway, narrower lanes and a 40mph speed limit will remain in place due to the temporary vehicle restraint system currently installed.
It follows the fire which started after a van caught fire on August 9 which quickly spread into the nearby heathland of the New Forest National Park following the recent heatwave and dry spell of weather.
Resurfacing of the carriageway has been completed, 800 metres of new safety barriers installed and 1,500 metres of boundary fencing replaced to allow the route to reopen. But permanent repairs are scheduled to take place in September.
It is a major route along the south coast across Hampshire and towards Dorset and Cornwall, with road around the New Forest near Ringwood being in gridlock for almost two weeks as a result of drivers seeking alternative routes.
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.”
The news coincides with the M3 junction 9 roundabout and several surrounding roads being closed this weekend, along with the northbound A3 in Guildford.
More information regarding the re-opening of the A31 can be found via the link here - https://nationalhighways.co.uk/press/a31-to-reopen-following-completion-of-wildfire-repairs/