THE A31 was closed eastbound for several hours today after a pedestrian was hit by a lorry in a layby just after the Burley turn-off.

The air ambulance was called and both lanes closed between the A338 in Ringwood and the M27.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene to treat the pedestrian who is a woman aged in her seventies. Police say they have no details of her injuries.

A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that they were called to the scene at 7.56am.

One officer, a specialist paramedic, an ambulance and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance were sent to the crash.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson advised motorists to avoid the area if possible and thanked the public for their patience while they deal with the incident.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “Eastbound traffic is advised to leave the A31 at the Ringwood junction and take the A338 northbound towards Salisbury. Motorists should then take the A36 southbound to join the M27 at J2.

“Road users are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their journeys.”

The road was partially re-opened just after 11am, with traffic using the central reservation to pass the scene.

Large vehicles were urged to use the diversion along the A338 northbound towards Salisbury.

The road was then fully re-opened eastbound just after 12noon with reports heavy traffic on the A31 and in the wider area.

Many of the stranded motorists were out of their cars and sitting on the side of the road.