FIVE days of resurfacing works is all that remains before a main road across the New Forest can fully reopen for the first time in months.

Contractors working on Hampshire County Council’s multi-million-pound A35 Holmsley Bridge project have completed the structural concrete works.

This “significant milestone” means Knights Brown’s workers can turn their attention to the demolition of the original and now defunct bridge structure.

To get the road reopen resurfacing work must take place, including the installation of cats eyes and white lines in the road.

This is due to start today, April 5, with it hoped that the road can be reopen for the early hours on Monday, April 11 - a couple of days later than initially planned.

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An update published by Knights Brown on the council’s website said: “The surfacing will take five days and requires dry conditions.

“Scheduled to begin on Tuesday 5 April, the works will continue into the weekend. If all goes to plan and the work is not delayed by wet weather, the A35 will reopen overnight on Sunday into Monday..

“The C10 Station Road will reopen at the same time albeit as a single lane with traffic managed under two-way traffic lights pending completion of the drainage works.

“We remain determined to complete the works to programme and meet expectations for the reopening of the road before the Easter weekend.

“Full completion is still scheduled for June. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

The A35 has been closed for months, forcing motorists to take length diversions and experience prolonged journeys at the same time as work stepped up on the A31 lane widening at Ringwood.

As reported, Knights Brown was able to temporarily suspend the road closure on the Christchurch side to allow easier access for customers visiting the Old Station Tea Rooms on Mother’s Day last month.

Daily Echo: Road closure on the C10 underneath the A35 Holmsley Bridge in the New Forest

Paul Jensen, owner of the tea rooms, told the Daily Echo communication from Knights Brown had improved in recent months having previously been left in the dark in the early stages of work on site.

While the A35 route between Christchurch and Lyndhurst is set to reopen next week, motorists have been warned that overnight closures might be needed and two-way traffic lights will be implemented to facilitate the remaining parts of the project.