A31 to remain closed as National Highways undertakes repairs following fire

National Highways has confirmed the A31 road closure will remain in place for repairs to be completed after a van fire ripped through heathland earlier this month.

The A31 between junction 2 of the M27 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood) will remain shut until “at least” August 20, while “significant repairs are carried out”.

This comes after a van fire erupted on the stretch of road near Ringwood at approximately 5.30pm on Sunday, August 9. The blaze spread to nearby healthland prompting a huge emergency response resulting in the main route to be closed ever since causing havoc for drivers.

Firefighters from across Hampshire have been at the scene since the fire broke out and have confirmed they will be reducing the resources, with some crews continuing to dampen down the area, checking for hotspots and preventing the fire from reigniting.

In an update, the New Forest District Council said: “National Highways has assessed the damage caused by the fire and expects the A31 to remain closed until at least Thursday 20 August while significant repairs are carried out.

“Repairs can only begin once it is safe for National Highways teams to access the affected areas.”

Repairs will include replacing boundary fencing to prevent animals entering the carriageway, repairing vehicle safety barriers and resurfacing sections of the road affected by the fire.

More updates to follow.