Drivers are facing continued A31 closures between Ringwood and the M27 after a vehicle fire spread to heathland, with diversions through Christchurch and Bournemouth while repairs continue into the weekend. A major A31 closure is continuing after a vehicle fire spread to heathland in Hampshire. The road is shut in both directions, with the westbound carriageway closed between M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood, and the eastbound side closed between the A338 and M27 junction 1 at Cadnam. National Highways says the fire has affected an estimated 165 acres, about 200 football pitc
A major A31 closure is continuing after a vehicle fire spread to heathland in Hampshire.
The road is shut in both directions, with the westbound carriageway closed between M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood, and the eastbound side closed between the A338 and M27 junction 1 at Cadnam.
National Highways says the fire has affected an estimated 165 acres, about 200 football pitches, and that "significant repairs are required", including at least 1,500 metres of boundary fencing, resurfacing and several hundred metres of vehicle restraint barrier.
Resurfacing has been completed and new safety barriers have been installed, but replacement fencing is continuing, with teams expecting work to run into the weekend after finding more damage than first assessed.
Drivers heading west are being diverted from the M27 at Ower via the A326, A35, Christchurch, A3060 and A338, while eastbound traffic is being sent from Ashley Heath towards Bournemouth and Christchurch before returning to the M27.
Road users are being told to "ignore Satnavs", follow the official diversion, allow extra time, keep enough fuel and carry extra water and essential medicines during the hot weather conditions.
