UPDATE: The A31 has reopened in both direction. 

A Tweet from National Highways said: "The #A31 in #Hampshire is now open in both directions following the earlier serious collision. Thank you for your patience, have safe onward journey."

THE A31 is closed in both directions after a serious crash this evening (Friday January 14).

Police are dealing with the serious collison on the A31 near Rufus Stone services.

The National Highways website said: "The A31 in Hampshire is closed in both directions between the M27 J2 (Ower Interchange) and the A338 at Ringwood due to a serious collision involving a car which has collided with a barrier.

"Emergency services including Hampshire Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also providing assistance with traffic management on scene. Due to the nature of the incident, the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable amount of time."

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.

An earlier post on the Hampshire Constabulary Facebook page said: "We are currently dealing with a serious collision on the A31 nearby Rufus Stone services.

"As a result, the A31 is currently closed in both directions and emergency services remain on-scene.

"The road is likely to be closed for the foreseeable, please avoid the area if possible."

Diversion routes are in place. For full details visit the National Highways website.

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