A31 Closed Overnight For 5 Weeks
31 January 2011, 07:57 | Updated: 16 February 2011, 10:08
Work on two schemes to improve journeys on the A31 in Dorset and Hampshire starts tonight (mon Jan 31st).
The improvements between Roundhouse roundabout and Bere Regis roundabout, in Dorset, include resurfacing sections of the road, repainting of road markings, replacing cats-eyes, kerb improvements and drainage.
Work on the five week scheme, due to start on Monday 31 January, will involve overnight closures of the A31 between the roundabouts.
Work also starts on 31 January on a further scheme to install vehicle-activated electronic signs to give safety and information messages to drivers on the A31, both in this area, and at locations further east, between the Roundhouse roundabout and near Ringwood, Hampshire. Radars are also being installed.
Neil Andrew, Highways Agency route performance manager, said:
“The improvements and resurfacing are part of our commitment for safer and more reliable journeys for road users. The vehicle-activated electronic signs will advise road users of traffic conditions up ahead, with a view to improving traffic flow and safety on this stretch of road, and reducing the number of incidents.
"Radars will also be installed near Ringwood so traffic flows and driver behaviour can be monitored to help us identify any further improvements that can be made.
“This work has been carefully planned to minimise disruption; it will be carried out overnight, when traffic flows are lowest. However, we would advise road users affected by these schemes to leave extra time for their journeys.”
The A31 will be closed overnight east and westbound between Roundhouse Roundabout and Bere Regis Roundabout each night, Monday to Friday only, between 10pm and 5.30am.
During these overnight closures, one main diversion route around the closure and five secondary diversion routes, for local traffic, will be clearly signed. (See notes to editors)
While the A31 is closed, members of the public will still be able to cross the A31 at dedicated marshalling points. The marshals at these points will escort members of the public, across the road, when it is safe to do so.
While these closures are in place, two of the vehicle-activated signs will be installed between the roundabouts.
Eight more vehicle-activated signs are being installed at locations further along the A31, to just west of Ringwood. This work will be carried out mainly overnight, between 9pm and 5.30am, with lane closures as necessary.
In addition to these lane closures, the southbound exit slip road at Poulner Hill will be closed overnight while one of the radars to monitor traffic flow is installed. While this slip road is closed, a clearly signed diversion will be in place taking traffic to the next junction (the A338 Salisbury Road/B3347 Mansfield Road roundabout) and back along the A31.
The work to install the signs is expected to be complete within four weeks, with about three dates in each location.