The A31 near the M27 has fully reopened after a woman’s body was discovered in Hampshire, with police concluding their investigation and traffic delays now easing following weekend disruption.
The westbound carriageway between the M27 and A338 at Ringwood had been partially closed this morning whilst Hampshire Police completed their investigation. National Highways South East confirmed via social media that all lanes have now reopened and delays should begin to subside.
The body of Yajaira Castro Mendez was discovered on Saturday evening (7 June) at 6pm beside the A31 westbound at Bolderwood in the New Forest, several miles from the M27 junction. Police erected screening to facilitate their scene examination, causing significant traffic disruption throughout the weekend.
A31 Lane Shut After Woman’s Body Found
Ms Castro Mendez, aged 46 and from Ilford in east London, had been reported missing since 31 May. On Friday, a man known to her appeared before magistrates charged with murder and was remanded in custody.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman stated: “Detectives investigating Yajaira Castro Mendez’s disappearance have tragically located a body. Whilst formal identification is pending, Yajaira’s family have been notified and remain under the care of specialist officers. Yajaira disappeared from Ilford on Thursday, 29 May.”
National Highways reported at 8.28am that approximately five miles of congestion remained during rush hour, with delays exceeding 45 minutes before the full reopening.
