Drivers face traffic misery on the M3 this morning after a lorry crash in Hampshire, which has closed a stretch of the motorway.
A chunk of the motorway remains closed eastbound between junctions J9 Winnal Intercharge and the Popham Junction A303 following the overnight crash.
It is spelling a difficult rush hour for motorists in the area, with congestion on approach snarling back for miles.
National Highways warned of around 35-minute delays and four miles of congestion on approach.
The road was forced to shut after the HGV smashed into the central reservation and ruptured its fuel tank.
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Around 300 litres of diesel gushed out across the carriageway.
National Highways said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Metro has approached the emergency services for a comment.
Diversion route
A diversion route has been set up to bypass the closure.
Motorists should exit at J9 eastbound and follow the route marked with a solid diamond symbol on local roads.
From the roundabout, use the second exit and join the A34 to Newbury, and stay on the road for around eight miles until A303 Bullington Cross Interchange.
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