National Highways set to start work on package of safety improvements on A31

National Highways is set to make journeys safer on one of the main routes to the South West by delivering a package of safety improvements on the busy A31 in Dorset.

The improvements include extensive safety barrier and lighting column replacements. To enable safe delivery of this work, road users in the area are being advised of a series of upcoming overnight closures.

The first closures start this Saturday, on the A31 between Lake Gates and Canford Botton near Wimborne, and will continue for around six weeks. This will allow replacement of the safety barrier along the verge of the A31. The road will be closed in both directions between the Lake Gates and Merley roundabouts on Saturday and Sunday nights from 9pm to 6am starting Saturday 18 February 2023.

Drivers will be diverted via B3074 Blandford Road and A349 to join at Merely. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be diverted via A350 from the Roundhouse roundabout.

Further closures – also for safety barrier replacement – start on Monday 20 February. Overnight weeknight closures will be in place between the Merley and Canford Bottom roundabouts from 9pm to 6am, for approximately three weeks.

To carry out this work, temporary traffic lights will be installed at this period without the need for a diversion. A narrow lane and a 30mph speed limit will be in place in sections where the barrier has been temporarily removed to keep drivers safe, so take extra care when driving.

National Highways will also be replacing some of the lighting columns at the A31 Bere Regis junction to improve visibility and make journeys safer. To facilitate the start of the work, temporary traffic lights will be in place from Monday 20 February until Monday 20 March 2023, while vegetation clearance and survey work takes place. There will be road closures in the future when the main construction work starts.

People wishing to find out more can visit the website https://highwaysengland.co.uk/se-maintenance or the regional Twitter feed: @HighwaysSEAST