TOP marks have been awarded to the National Highways team working on the massive A31 redevelopment project at Ringwood.

The £30m bridge replacement and lane widening scheme on the A31 at Ringwood has been rated excellent by an independent organisation aimed at raising standards within the construction industry.

Achieving a clean sweep of 45 out of 45, an independent assessor from the Considerate Constructors Scheme scored National Highways full marks in all three categories – respect the community, care for the environment and value the workforce.

Following the assessment, A31 project manager Daniel Kittredge said: “We’re delighted that our hard work to deliver this project with consideration has been recognised by the Considerate Constructor Scheme.

Bournemouth Echo: A31 bridge beam installation work at Ringwood in August, 2022. Picture: Derek MaidmentA31 bridge beam installation work at Ringwood in August, 2022. Picture: Derek Maidment

“We face a number of challenges in delivering this complex scheme. Not only are we working within a small site, on the edge of a busy market town, the river below us is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Well done to all the team on this great achievement.”

Work is progressing well on the A31, with the target of completion before the end of November still on track.

Following the recent completion of the new bridge beam installation in August, which saw two mega cranes move the near 45 metre steel beams from a lorry to their final resting place over the River Avon, attention has now turned to building the decks.

Crews started with the installation of a layer of fibreglass over the beams. They are now laying concrete to create the road’s foundations. Once this is complete, crews will waterproof and surface the new decks.

Bournemouth Echo: New bridge beams in place on A31 at Ringwood. Picture: Paddy ButlerNew bridge beams in place on A31 at Ringwood. Picture: Paddy Butler

Over the coming weeks they will connect the completed bridges to the new three lane section of the A31.

This work will all be carried out during the daytime with no upcoming overnight closures planned.

National Highways is also hosting an information event in the town for residents with queries or concerns about the development. Members of the team will be at the Greyfriars Community Centre between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday, September 8.

Visit nationalhighways.co.uk/a31ringwood for more information.