A31 Reopens August 22 With 40mph Limit After 2-Week New Forest Wildfire Closure
Updated
Updated · Bournemouth Echo · Aug 22
A31 Reopens August 22 With 40mph Limit After 2-Week New Forest Wildfire Closure
3 articles · Updated · Bournemouth Echo · Aug 22
Summary
National Highways said the A31 will reopen on August 22 after being shut for nearly two weeks by the New Forest wildfire, with exact timing still to be confirmed.
Speed limits will be cut to 40mph eastbound and 50mph westbound, while one westbound lane stays closed so firefighters can safely leave their compound as emergency work continues.
Lay-bys on the affected stretch will remain shut, and authorities warned drivers and the public to avoid cordoned areas because some fire-hit ground is still extremely hot and hazardous.
The blaze began near the A31 on August 9, with Hampshire Fire and Rescue leading the response and National Highways handling road repairs.