When will the A31 open? What National Highways has said after New Forest fire closed major road

THE A31 has been closed all week after a van fire spread into the nearby New Forest. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) received more than 160 emergency calls reporting a vehicle fire on the eastbound A31 at around 5:24pm on Sunday August 9. The A31 has been shut since Sunday 9 August after a van fire Credit: Alamy Live News. An area spanning roughly 1.6 kilometres has been affected by the fire Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire The flames spread to the central reservation before reaching heathland that forms part of the New Forest. The road has remained since Sunday, causing lengthy diversions and delays for drivers – here’s what we know about when it will reopen. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! When will the A31 open? According to National Highways, the A31 is unlikely to re-open until at least Thursday, August 20, due to ongoing repair works. A statement from HIWFRS read: “Alongside colleagues from other fire services, we have been using various different techniques to support firefighting efforts, including mulching and tree felling. “Specialists in a technique known has backburning have been brought in to purposefully burn away strips of heathland, in a controlled way, in order to remove available fuels, creating a fire break which helps to prevent the blaze from spreading further.” Repair works will only get underway once National Highways have been given clearance from the HIWFRS to access the area. The statement continued: “Wind is blowing smoke from the fire into the direction of Roger Penny Way, so we ask that you drive with caution in that particular area. “Our teams continue to make good progress, but we still expect to be on the scene for the next few days, with the A31 remaining closed.” Most read in The Sun Due to the road closure, drivers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys while ensuring they have enough fuel and water. An area spanning roughly 1.6 kilometres has been affected by the fire, meaning repairs are required on 1,000 metres of boundary fencing. What is the A31 diversion route? National Highways has urged drivers not to follow their satnavs and to use the official local diversion instead. It has also asked motorists to stick to speed limits on local roads and watch out for the New Forest’s livestock, which roams freely. Westbound motorists should leave the M27 at junction 2 (Ower Interchange) and use the A326 and A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch. National Highways has urged drivers not to follow their satnavs and to use the official local diversion Credit: Alamy Live News. At the Iford roundabout they should take the third exit onto the A3060, then the third exit at the Cooper Dean roundabout onto the A338, travelling north to rejoin the A31 at Ashley Heath. Eastbound drivers should leave the A31 at the Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338 and continue south towards Bournemouth. At the Cooper Dean roundabout they should take the first exit onto the A3060, then the first exit at the Iford roundabout onto the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst, before heading north on the A326 to rejoin the M27 at junction 2. Comment now