Motorists are now able to travel along a key Hampshire road for the first time in nearly two weeks after crews completed “significant” repairs to the fire-damaged route, National Highways confirmed to ITV.

The A31 – which is the main route through the New Forest, in Hampshire – reopened to traffic on Saturday morning after it had been closed in both directions since 9 August following a van fire which spread to nearby heathland.

The blaze destroyed an area of around 100 hectares of the national park and caused damage to the road.

Highways crews spent much of this week resurfacing damaged sections of the eastbound carriageway, installing 800 metres of vehicle restraint barrier and replacing 1,500 metres of boundary fencing.

It comes after Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said earlier this week that it is no longer treating the fire as a major incident and is reducing its on-site presence.

In a statement Kat Saradinova, National Highways’ Head of Scheme Delivery, confirmed all repair works had been complete. She said the road would reopen with a 40mph temporary speed limit along the eastbound carriageway.

This will remain in place until crews are able to carry out permanent repairs to parapets and safety barriers, which were damaged by the fire. These will take place at a later date under overnight closures.

Lane 1 on the westbound carriageway will also continue to be closed with a 50mph speed limit so that fire service appliances can “safely exit their compound during their continued presence on site”.

Ms Saradinova said:

“Our work to replace the damaged fencing to stop animals getting on to the A31 has been essential for the safe opening of the road. The New Forest is home to thousands of free-roaming animals, and a collision would put road users as well as livestock at risk.”

(Picture: HIWFRS)