A34 WHITCHURCH TO LITCHFIELD NORTHBOUND GETS A FACELIFT

7 Sep 2004 04:45 PM

A second phase of major maintenance works to improve the A34 between Whitchurch and Litchfield is due to start on 13 September. The scheme involves resurfacing the northbound carriageway, and is due to last for eight weeks.

Drivers will benefit from new quieter surfacing and continue to enjoy a safe and serviceable route between Southampton and Oxford.

In the first phase of works earlier this year, the southbound carriageway was fully reconstructed and finished early to enable holiday traffic to use this busy route during the summer vacation without disruption.

In the second phase, the work on the northbound carriageway is being carried out overnight to minimise disruption to motorists and two lanes will be kept available during peak hours. During the day, some traffic management will be used to segregate traffic and a 40 mph speed limit will be in place 24 hours a day on the southbound carriageway and overnight on the northbound carriageway for the safety of drivers and the workforce.

Work will take place between 8.30pm and 6.00am from Monday to Thursdays, between 10.00pm and 6.00am Fridays to Saturdays, 8.30pm to 12 noon Saturdays to Sundays, and between 10.00pm to 6.00am Sundays to Mondays. The scheme is due to be completed by November 6.

Overnight a contraflow will be in place, with one lane open southbound and one lane open northbound.

Some overnight closures of the northbound carriageway and slip roads will be required, and diversions will be in place. These closures and diversions will change as the works progress.

* For drivers using the A34 starting on 13 September to the end of September an overnight diversion route will be in place due to the closure of the exit slip roads at the Tufton Interchange and the contraflow in place on the A34 northbound carriageway. Vehicles heading northbound along the A34 towards Whitchurch and Tufton will continue along the A34 and be diverted to Dunley Turn Junction. They will turn back to Whitchurch or Tufton via Larks Barrow Hill. The diversion will add eight miles to journeys so drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

* From mid-October to late October, the exit slip road at the Dunley Turn junction on the northbound A34 will be closed overnight. Vehicles heading northbound for Litchfield or Dunley will continue to Beacon Hill junction, then back to Litchfield via the A34 southbound. The exit from the southbound carriageway will be at the Dunley Turn interchange. This route will add 6 miles to road users' journeys.

* From mid-October and to the completion of works in November, the northbound entry slip at Dunley Turn interchange will be closed overnight. Vehicles aiming to go north on the A34 from Litchfield and Dunley, will be diverted down the A34 southbound to Bullington Cross the junction with the A303 and then return on the A34 northbound.

This diversion is 14 miles and should add 30 minutes to their journeys. A contraflow will be in operation on the southbound carriageway.

Peter Scott, Highways Agency project manager, said:

"During the works, we will be keeping as many lanes as possible open to drivers. The works are planned to take place overnight to minimise disruption to peak hour traffic. A contraflow will be in place at night, but will be lifted during the day, and a 40 mph speed limit will be enforced 24 hours a day on the southbound carriageway and overnight on the northbound carriageway for the safety of drivers and the workforce.

"We advise drivers to allow a little extra time for their journeys due to the contraflow and the reduced speed limit.

"This is the second phase of works on the A34. This work on the northbound carriageway will keep the A34 in line with current standards. It will also provide drivers and local people with a quieter surface."

Anyone requiring further information can call 08457 50 40 30

Notes for editors:
1.The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport. More information is available at www.highways.gov.uk

2.Information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030, and the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gov.uk

3. Safe driving at roadworks
Drivers approaching roadworks are advised to:
* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
* Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.