Major works to begin on A31 near Bournemouth this week

The works are expected to last for three months.

Works to renew the safety barrier and street lighting on the A31 are to begin today (Wednesday 9th September), with disruption expected to last for three months.

It will see the road closed overnight in both directions between Ferndown and St Leonards's, as well as narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit introduced.

Most closures will take place between 9pm and 6am, Monday to Friday.

The stretch of the A31 between Ferndown and St Leonards will be closed overnight to allow essential work to take place Credit: National Highways

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead if travelling at night - though there will be diversions in place.

The work is set to be completed on Friday the 17th of December and will be completed in three phases.

Phase 1:

The eastbound A31 will be closed overnight between Canford Bottom to the Boundary Lane roundabout from Friday 10 September to Wednesday 20 October Monday between 9pm and 6am. The westbound A31 will also be closed during this time from Palmersford roundabout to Canford Bottom.

Eastbound traffic will be diverted via Wimborne Road West/East, A347 Ringwood Road, A347 New Road, Whitelegg Way, Castle Lane West, then the A338 north to head back to the A31. The westbound diversion will be the same in reverse.

Phase 2:

The A31 will be closed overnight in both directions from Thursday 21 October to Friday 3 December, Monday to Friday between 9pm and 6am, between the Woolsbridge roundabout and the Palmersford roundabout.

Eastbound traffic will be diverted via A347 Ringwood Road, A347 New Road, Whitelegg Way, Castle Lane West, then the A338 north to head back to the A31. The westbound diversion will be the same in reverse.

Phase 3:

There will be night time closures of the A31 in both directions from Monday 6 December to Friday 17 December, Monday to Friday, between 9pm and 6am between the Ameysford roundabout and the Azalea roundabout.

Eastbound traffic will be diverted via Cobham Rd,  Wimborne Road East, A347 Ringwood Road, A347 New Road, Whitelegg Way, Castle Lane West, then the A338 north to head back to the A31. The westbound diversion will be the same in reverse.