Major road set to remain closed for another week after devastating wildfire

Motorists are being warned that a critical road in Hampshire will remain closed for the next week as firefighters continue to battle a huge wildfire.

A vehicle fire on Sunday, August 9, prompted the A31 in Hampshire to close, leading the fire to spread rapidly to the surrounding heathland.

The wildfire is estimated to have spread across 165 acres, which is roughly the size of 200 football pitches.

National Highways has closed the westbound carriageway between the M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood), while the eastbound is shut between the A338 and M27 J1 (Cadnam).

National Highways has warned that the closure will remain in place until at least Thursday, August 20.

Teams from the transport organisation have assessed the damage caused by the fire and the significant repairs required to the highway infrastructure.

This will involve replacing at least 1,000 metres of boundary fencing, road resurfacing and several hundred metres of vehicle restraint barrier.

Road users are advised to follow signposted diversion routes, with National Highways telling people to ignore their satellite navigation systems.

Motorists have also been reminded to stick to the speed limits on local roads as livestock around the New Forest are able to roam freely.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "We're entering our fifth night of tackling the New Forest wildfire.

"Firefighters continue to work in challenging conditions, with shifting winds causing smoke to drift in different directions across the area. Crews are working to stop further spread of the fire, whilst tackling hot spots as they flare up.

"We're very grateful to everyone who has offered support and refreshments for our firefighters. We are being supported by the Rapid Relief Team who have been doing an amazing job providing food and drink to help fuel our firefighters."

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Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the below diversion route (not symbol led)

• Exit the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A326 towards Ashurst Bridge
• Join the A35 and head southbound on the A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch
• At the Iford roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3060 towards the Cooper Dean roundabout
• At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A338
• Continue northbound on the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout to re-join the A31

Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the below diversion route (not signposted)

• Exit the A31 at Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338
• Continue south on the A338 towards Bournemouth
• At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A3060
• Continue on the A3060 to the Iford roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A35
• Continue on the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst until you reach the A326
• Head northbound on the A326 to re-join the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange)