AN EXIT slip road will be closed on the A31 at Ringwood to allow for a barrier to be removed. 

The eastbound A31 will be reduced to one lane between the Verwood and Ringwood junctions from 8pm tonight (Thursday November 18) until 6am tomorrow (Friday November 19) to allow for the removal of a gantry across the road.

The eastbound exit slip road at Ringwood will also be closed during this time to lift out a section of existing barrier.

A signed diversion will be in place and traffic wanting to join the eastbound A31 at Ringwood can do so on the westbound carriageway and use the roundabout at Ashley Heath to turn around to head east.

November 19

Drivers are also advised the westbound A31 between Ringwood and Verwood will be fully closed from 8pm tomorrow (Friday November 19) until 6am on Saturday (November 20), to allow for the installation of a steel safety barrier.

A signed diversion will be in place from junction 1 on the M27. Escorted access to homes and businesses will be provided where needed.

November 21, 22 & 23

A31 eastbound will be closed and westbound reduced to one lane between Verwood and Ringwood junctions from 8pm to 6am.

Diversion via A338, A3060, A35 and A3060

The National Highways website says: "We will be closing the A31 eastbound and reducing to one lane westbound between the Verwood to Ringwood junctions overnight (8pm to 6am) from Sunday 21 November to Tuesday 23 November 2021, while we lift out a gantry over the eastbound carriage way. These closures are required to keep both road users and our team safe as we lift the gantry out."

Congestion expected 

National Highways says: "Congestion is expected, so drivers are advised to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys."

Widening project

The work is in preparation for the A31 road widening scheme.

This will see the A31 widened to three lanes at Ringwood, between the A31 junction for Ringwood town centre, the B3347 Mansfield Road and the B3081 Verwood Underpass.

Following feedback from Ringwood Town Council, local businesses and residents the closure of the slip road allowing vehicles to join the westbound A31 from the Ringwood roundabout has been postponed until January 4 January.

The closure had been due to start on Monday (November 15). 

The contraflow will now be in place by January 26, 2022.

Drainage work on the eastbound carriageway has been moved to November 2022.

For more information visit the National Highways website.