Fears of traffic chaos as busy slip road could close for year

Highways England is planning to build a third lane and widen the A31 at Ringwood.

The westbound on slip road onto the A31
Author: Jason BeckPublished 7th Apr 2021

Drivers are voicing their concerns about traffic chaos as a busy slip road onto the A31 in Ringwood could be closed for a year.

A £25m project will see the creation of a third lane on the main carriageway.

Highways England said the westbound on slip from Ringwood roundabout is due to close in November but have not yet finalised the details.

A31 project manager, Daniel Kittredge said: "We are working hard on the traffic management and diversion plans, including what they will look like and how long any closures will be needed for.

"We will report back to stakeholders and residents when we have finalised these plans."

The westbound on slip road is proposed to be closed from November in order to widen and re-build the carriageway so it is suitable for construction vehicles.

Work on the main A31 carriageway is due to start in January 2022, and this is when the full westbound closure starts and the contraflow is put in place.

Highways England said it would hold further public information events later this year to share the final plans, which will include traffic management plans and diversion details.