A SECTION of the A31 has reopened after a closure lasting several hours, caused by a ruptured gas main during works.

Emergency crews closed the A31 in both directions between Ferndown and Canford Bottom Roundabout.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 11.13pm on Friday by workmen who believed they had hit a gas main during work on the eastbound carriageway between the Palmersford and Ameysford Roundabouts.

Six crews attended from Ringwood, Redhill Park, Ferndown, Springbourne, Poole and Wimborne.

The fire service contacted the gas board with fire crews remaining on standby until 6.18am on Saturday morning.

The gas board carried out repairs to the ruptured gas main and a 100-metre cordon was put in place, as well as a plea for drivers to avoid the area.

Overnight, a section of the road was closed westbound for planned works until 6.00am.

The closure caused long traffic queues as far back as the Wimborne Bypass towards the Ameysford Roundabout.

Crews originally projected that the road would reopen at 12pm, however it reopened more than four hours later at approximately 4.10pm.