A31 Ringwood mains diversion

A31 Ringwood mains diversion

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In order for Highways England to make improvements to the A31 at Ringwood between the A338/B3347 (Ringwood) junction and the B3081 (Verwood) junction with road widening, we are required to divert a section of water main which currently runs along the carriageway.

We are installing a new 450mm pipe instead of the current two 12-inch pipes to help to reduce any impact the work has on residents. Although we have not experienced issues with this section of network historically, the new pipe will also make the section more resilient to failures.

We set up our site compound at the Furlong Shopping Centre car park on Monday 7 June 2021, ahead of starting the construction work on Monday 14 June 2021. Construction activities are due to be completed in February 2022.

While we must carry out this work so Highways England can complete their scheme, we will do our best to minimise any disruption to local residents.

Here you can find a programme of work and Q&A to provide more information on our works, both of which will be updated throughout the scheme.

You can find out more about the work being done by Highways England by visiting https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/a31-ringwood-road-widening/

Programme of work

Date  Activity 
7 June 2021

Setting up site compound at the Furlong Shopping Centre car park

14 June 2021 Construction begins
June-September 2021 Pipelaying through Bickerley Common and western section in the fields
August-September 2021 Road closure in Bickerley Gardens
September-December 2021 Temporary traffic lights in Mansfield Road
November-December 2021 Work in Furlong car park
January-February 2022 Commissioning stage

Q&A

Last updated 28 July 2021.

Q. What’s happening on the A31 at Ringwood and why?

A. In order for Highways England to make improvements to the A31 at Ringwood, we are required to divert a section of water main which currently runs along the carriageway.

While we must carry out this work so Highways England can complete their scheme, we will do our best to minimise any disruption to local residents.

Q. When will this work start, and how long will it last?

A. We will be setting up our site compound at the Furlong Shopping Centre Car Park on Monday 7 June 2021, ahead of starting the construction work on Monday 14 June 2021.

Construction activities are due to be completed in February 2022.

Q. How are you doing this work?

A. We will be installing a new 450mm pipe instead of the current two 12-inch pipes to help to reduce any impact the work has on residents.

Although we have not experienced issues with this section of network historically, the new pipe will also make the section more resilient to failures.

Q. What road closures or traffic management will be in place?

A.  Initially the work will start with pipelaying through Bickerley Common. This will be followed by a road closure on Bickerley Gardens in August and September 2021. We will work with residents to maintain access for them.

Two, three and four-way temporary traffic lights will be used to manage the traffic on Mansfield Road as pipelaying progresses south towards the Mansfield Road/Christchurch Road junction in September to December 2021.

Further traffic lights will be required in November and December 2021 at the Furlong and Mansfield Road/Christchurch Road junction.

Q. Where will the new water pipe be going?

A. The Google map image below shows the route of the new pipework. Please note this is indicative only.

Q. What impact will this have on the surrounding SSSI land?

A. While we are aware some surrounding land is classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), this is the only route option available. Full ecology, tree and archaeology surveys have been completed.

Q. Will the work on ‘this field’ affect the Ringwood Carnival?

A. No. We are working with the Ringwood Carnival Society to ensure our work does not impact their event.

Q. Will the work be noisy?

A. There will be some noise generated by the works, however, noise impact assessments will be carried out to mitigate these effects and we will look to complete all work with minimal disruption to local residents.

Q. Will the work affect access to properties and businesses?

A. Local businesses have been contacted and access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times.

Q. Will I have to go without water at any point during this work?

A. There will be no interruption to water supplies whilst the works are completed.

Q. What impact will this work have on local businesses?

A. All businesses will remain open with pedestrian and vehicle access. We will be displaying ‘open for business’ signage and we urge you to support your local traders during our work.

Q. What improvements are Highways England making?

A. You can find out about the work being done by Highways England by visiting https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/a31-ringwood-road-widening/

Q. Where can I find more information?

A: We will be communicating regularly with affected residents and businesses.

Should you require further advice or assistance, please contact our Services Helpline on 01202 590 059. Lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am-2pm on Saturdays.