MAJOR roadworks affecting all motorists and bus passengers travelling on the A31 will begin tomorrow.

The westbound slip road will close on Tuesday, January 4, followed by major bridge improvements in the same area lasting until the Winter of 2022.

The multi-million-pound improvement scheme will see the A31 at Ringwood widened to three lanes and bridges that carry traffic over the river and Bickerley Millstream replaced.

According to National Highways, the project will cost between £25 million and £30 million. 

On Tuesday the Ringwood westbound entry and exit slips and a lane on the westbound carriageway will be closed from 8pm to 6am the following morning.

The westbound entry slip will remain closed until the improvements are finished in November 2022. 

From then, the Ringwood westbound entry slip will be closed 24-hours a-day.

To join the A31 westbound at Ringwood, follow the diversion via the A31 eastbound to Poulner Hill where you can join the A31 westbound.

Later in the month the A31 will be fully closed between Ringwood and Verwood.

READ MORE: Dates for A31 roadworks in January 2022

Bus timetables completely revised

Bus routes operating in the Ringwood area will also be updating as a result of the roadworks and changes will be in place until winter 2022.

MoreBus routes X3, X6 and 38 will have completely revised timetables on Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Ringo will see minor timing changes to buses on Mondays to Fridays and Saturdays - the 09.05 journey moves forward to 09.00 and the 09.45 journey moves back to 09.50.

Visit www.morebus.co.uk/A31-roadworks to see the fully updated Ringwood bus timetables.

READ MORE: National Highways pictures show A31 bridge replacement work