M3 closed after lorry ploughs into central reservation & spills 300 litres of diesel – as road to remain shut for hours

A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close after a lorry ploughed into the central reservation and spilled 300 litres of diesel on the road.

Commuters have been warned the M3 will remain shut throughout the “morning peak period” after the crash near Winchester, Hampshire.

Recovery crews have been scrambled to repair the damage after the eastbound smash in the early hours of this morning.

The HGV struck the central barrier between Junction 9, for the Winnall Interchange, and Junction 8, for the Popham Junction, at around 1am.

Some 300 litres of diesel then spilled across the busy route as the lorry’s fuel tank ruptured during the smash.

Teams managed to recover the HGV two hours later, but drivers have been warned a “full resurfacing” is required on the road.

Eastbound diversion

Road users are advised to exit at J9 and follow the route marked with a solid diamond symbol on local road signs

From the M3 eastbound, leave at junction 9.
At the roundabout, use the 2nd exit and join the A34 towards Newbury.
Follow the A34 for approximately 8 miles to the A303 Bullington Cross Interchange.
Leave the A34 using the second slip road and continue to the roundabout.
At the roundabout use the first exit and join the A303 eastbound towards Basingstoke.
Follow the A303 for approximately 7.5 miles to the M3 junction 8 interchange, at which point the A303/M3 merges with the M3 eastbound.

“A Heavy Goods Vehicle struck the central reservation at approximately 01:00 resulting in its fuel tank becoming ruptured.

“As a result, there is a large amount (300 litres approximately) of diesel now spilt across the carriageway.

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“The Heavy Goods Vehicle was recovered at 03:00.

“A full resurfacing of the road is required and therefore the M3 is likely to remain closed through the morning peak period whilst this is carried out.

“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

Tuesday 15 September

Genoa