Wiltshire-Hampshire Border Road Closure Due to Water Main Repairs

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 6, 2026 2:44 AM ET

Wiltshire-Hampshire Border Road Closure Due to Water Main Repairs

Road users near the Wiltshire-Hampshire border are advised to brace for significant disruptions due to essential water main repairs on the A343. This initiative, overseen by Wessex Water, marks the second phase of a £250,000 investment aimed at improving the local water supply.

Details of the Wiltshire-Hampshire Border Road Closure

The closure is set to commence in early March and is anticipated to last for up to eight weeks. This affected section spans from Lopcombe Corner to Jacks Bush, following a safety assessment conducted after the previous phase of construction.

Reasons Behind the Road Closure

The initial phase of repairs took place between September and December 2023, where traffic management measures included temporary traffic lights and speed reductions. After consultations with Wiltshire Council, Wessex Water concluded that a full road closure was essential for the remaining work.

Proposed Diversion Routes

To facilitate smoother travel during the closure, Wessex Water has outlined several diversion routes:

Salisbury Road (A343)
Andover Bypass (A303)
Romsey Road/Leckford Lane (A3057)
Salisbury Hill/Stockbridge Road (A30)

Wessex Water is actively communicating with local residents and coordinating with bus operators to minimize public transport disruptions.

Wessex Water’s Commitment to Infrastructure Improvement

This ongoing water main replacement addresses aging infrastructure that has been prone to frequent bursts. The project aims to establish a more reliable water supply for residents.

Wessex Water invests approximately £16 million annually to manage leaks, renew systems, and maintain facilities essential for regional water distribution. The adherence to the timeline in the first phase underscores the significance of this second phase for ensuring long-term water reliability.

The utility has expressed its regret for any inconvenience this work may cause and emphasizes that safety is a top priority throughout this maintenance process.