Drivers face speed limit restrictions on busy route after two-week wildfire caused 'substantial' damage

The A31 has reopened following weeks of road chaos as fire services battled a wildfire, although drivers will continue to face restrictions.

National Highways has confirmed that the A31 in Hampshire reopened on Saturday (August 22) morning after teams completed repairs to the road.

The wildfire started after a lorry fire spread to the surrounding land, causing two weeks of chaos on the A31 between M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood).

At its peak, the wildfire had spread to the size of around 140 football pitches, prompting emergency work to ensure the road could be reopened to traffic.

Resurfacing of the carriageway has been completed, alongside 800 metres of new safety barriers and the replacement of 1,500 metres of boundary fencing.

While motorists will be able to use the road again, a 40mph speed limit will be in place on the eastbound carriageway, while lay-bys will remain closed.

A 50mph limit is installed for the westbound carriageway, while one lane will remain closed to allow fire services to safely exit.

Junction 9 of the M3 and several surrounding roads were closed over the weekend, in addition to the northbound A3 in Guildford.

Kat Saradinova, National Highways' head of scheme delivery, said: "With the fire raging for over a week, the repairs required were substantial and the conditions challenging.

"Our work to replace the damaged fencing to stop animals getting onto the A31 has been essential for the safe opening of the road.

"The New Forest is home to thousands of free-roaming animals, and a collision would put road users as well as livestock at risk."

New Forest District Council has also warned that the fire-affected land remains hazardous, with parts of the ground being hot.

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It instructed motorists and wanderers to avoid entering areas that are closed or remain cordoned off near the A31.

Forestry England estimated that more than 100 hectares of heathland have been damaged, including the destruction of vegetation, seed banks and ancient trees.

The service confirmed that specialist teams were planning restoration work to help the landscape by using previous heathland fires as examples.

Councillor Jill Cleary, leader of New Forest District Council, thanked everyone for their efforts to quell the fire and keep people safe.

The Conservative councillor for Ashley, Bashley & Fernhill also extended her thanks to those who "minimised the impact on our unique environment and wildlife".

She continued, saying: "The emergency services are continuing to work hard on the ground, supported by council teams, Forestry England, the National Park Authority, National Highways, and many others.

"This is a challenging situation, and the continued cooperation between all the organisations involved is hugely important.

"I am also grateful to our staff working behind the scenes to support the response and maintain essential council services, and I would also like to thank residents and those visiting the area for their patience and understanding while the response continues and we work to reduce any potential disruption to our services."