A31, Dorset and Hampshire – Temporary Road Closures

national highways
A31 TRUNK ROAD
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

Notice is hereby given that National Highways intends to make an Order on the A31 Trunk Road in the County of Hampshire and the Unitary Authorities of Bournemouth and Poole, and of Dorset, under Sections 14(1)(a) and 14(1)(c) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 because works are proposed to be executed on, or in the vicinity of, the road.

The effect of the Order would be to:–
1. authorise the phased overnight closure of –
(a) both carriageways of the A31 between its junction with the M27 at Junction 1 and Bere Regis roundabout (A35), and all slip/link roads leading to and from those carriageways;
(b) the roundabouts within the length of carriageway described in (a) above;
(c) any side roads at junction with the carriageways described in (a) above;
(d) any lay-by and bus stop adjacent to the carriageways described in (a) above; and
(e) any gaps in the central reservation between the carriageways described in (a) above.

2. impose, in sections as required, an overnight ban on overtaking on both carriageways of the A31 where it is currently permitted on the lengths of carriageway described in 1. (a) above (where single carriageway).

These measures would be in the interests of road safety while contractors undertake maintenance and renewal work of a cyclical nature and A31 project works.

The duration and scope of each closure would vary depending on the nature of the maintenance work being undertaken on each occasion. The programme of works would start on or after 2nd January 2026. The overnight closures would be in operation between 21:00 and 06:00 (maximum period).

Planned maintenance work would be scheduled to avoid disruption during known peak periods, although essential maintenance may be necessary during these periods to prevent the need for emergency works. Please see National Highways website for specific details on any upcoming closures.

The Order would come into force on 2nd January 2026 and remain in force until 24th December 2026.

During the closures above, traffic affected would be diverted using other junctions of the A31, or the A326, A35, A3060, A338, A347, B3073, A348, A337, A341, A350, A349, and A341 as appropriate. The diversion in operation would vary according to the closure in force, and the roads listed above are the agreed routes, but these may change depending on local conditions.

Access to and from premises accessible from, and only from, the lengths of carriageway to be closed would be permitted.

The closures, overtaking ban, and diversion routes would be clearly indicated by traffic signs when they are in operation during the works periods.

I Rosendaal, an Official of National Highways Ltd.
Ref: NH/SE/2026/A31/RNO

National Highways, (Company No. 9346363).
Registered Office: Bridge House, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4LZ. A company registered in England and Wales.

For enquiries, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or info@nationalhighways.co.uk
www.nationalhighways.co.uk