MORE dates have been announced to showcase plans for the A31 at Ringwood to the public due to "high demand".

National Highways’ is holding public events to provide more information on the scheme with both in-person and webinars scheduled.

New dates added

The new A31 public information events will take place on Microsoft Teams:

  • Wednesday September 22: 6pm – 7.30pm 
  • Wednesday September 29:11am – 12.30pm 
  • Friday October 1: 2pm – 3.30pm 

Previously announced dates

  • Tuesday September 21, 2pm-3.30pm on Microsoft Teams
  • Thursday September 23, 1pm-5pm at Ringwood Town Council by appointment only
  • Monday September 27, 1pm-5pm at Verwood Hub by appointment only
  • Tuesday September 28, 2pm-3.30pm on Microsoft Teams
  • Thursday September 30, 11am-12.30pm on Microsoft Teams

What will be discussed

The information events will provide details of the planned work and timelines, including when a number of slip roads will be closed, and planned diversion routes.

National Highways assistant project manager Raluca Mitu said:  “We are delighted that there has been so much interest in attending our events and are keen to share as much information as possible with the local community and road users before we start work.

“I am really pleased to be able to add these new dates to the schedule. We want to be available to speak with as many people as possible and provide an opportunity for them to ask any questions they have.”

The plans

Under the plans, the two bridges on the westbound carriageway over the River Avon and Bickerley Millstream will be replaced, with the westbound carriageway being widened from two lanes to three between the Ringwood and Verwood junctions.

This, National Highways says, will provide much needed road capacity and considerably reducing congestion on this stretch of road.  

Changes will also be made to improve facilities for walkers and cyclists in the local area and link with routes in and around the area.

The A31 at Ringwood was identified as an area needing investment, and forms part of the Government’s £15.2bn Road Investment Strategy to be delivered between 2020 to 2025.

How to attend

Anyone interested in attending can book a place by emailing a31ringwood@highwaysengland.co.uk stating which session they would like to attend. National Highways will confirm successful bookings and provide details on how to join.

For anyone unable to make the events the team will also be available for one to one telephone appointments using this email address.

Places will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

A full list of event dates and times are available here.

 

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