BUILDING work has started on the foundations for the new A31 bridge supports ahead of demolition works.

Started on Tuesday, April 12, and due to last for around six weeks, National Highways are building the foundations for the new bridge supports and installing retaining walls on the A31 at Ringwood.

Road crews have begun preparatory piling works on the two bridges carrying the A31 westbound carriageway over the Bickerley Millstream and River Avon. The works will take place between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays.

Retaining walls, known as sheet piling, will be installed and crews will also be drilling boreholes which will be filled with concrete to create the foundation supports.

Bournemouth Echo: A31 bridge demolition works at RingwoodA31 bridge demolition works at Ringwood

Large specialist drills and cranes will be used to help create the retaining walls by pushing piles into the ground using a vibratory piling technique. This uses vibrations to sink the retaining walls into the ground.

Crews began early phases of these works on March 28 to clear vegetation and other preparatory activities.

A piling rig is currently on site and is used to drill the large holes that will become the piles which will ultimately support the new bridges.

The full bridge demolition will start in early May and will be evident by the arrival of a large crane that will be used to lift out sections of the old bridges. It can take up to eight days to set up the crane.

The demolition and eventual reconstruction are the two main activities over the coming months towards the end of summer.

Bournemouth Echo: A31 bridge demolition works at RingwoodA31 bridge demolition works at Ringwood

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We will be doing this during the day, and some of the work may be noisy. We’re sorry for any disturbance this may cause. We will be monitoring noise and vibration levels, and are working with the local environmental health team at the council.

“We are in regular contact with Ringwood Town Council to discuss concerns raised by local retailers and residents. We also meet with the Hampshire and Dorset County Council highways teams to minimise the impact of roadworks on local journeys.

“We have added signs advising drivers of the pedestrian crossing on the slip road from Ringwood onto the A31 towards Poulner Hill and have also reduced the speed limit.”