Key A-road to close for months amid water main works

A key A-road will close to through-traffic for months as work to upgrade 1.5 miles (2.4km) of water main continues.

The final phase of the £250,000 investment to improve water supply on Wiltshire's border with Hampshire, the A343 between Salisbury and Andover, will shut for up to eight weeks from 2 March.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said the existing water main had been deteriorating, bursting and causing a loss of supply to customers.

They said road closures are "always a last resort" but it was needed to "ensure safety is maintained".

"We've again written to local customers across a wide surrounding area to advise them about this work and are also working with local bus providers to ensure they are aware of the impact on their routes. We apologise for any inconvenience caused," they added.

Wessex Water said the closure will be in place between Lopcombe Corner and Jacks Bush, with motorists diverted via Salisbury Road (A343), Andover Bypass (A303), Romsey Road/Leckford Lane (A3057) and Salisbury Hill/Stockbridge Road (A30).

The initial phase of the project, leading east from Lopcombe Corner towards Middle Wallop, was completed between September and December under a speed restriction and traffic lights.

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