M3 traffic: Drivers face motorway chaos after lorry crash spills 300 litres of diesel across road

It comes after a heavy goods vehicle struck the central reservation overnight, resulting in its fuel tank becoming ruptured.

This caused approximately 300 litres of diesel to be spilled across the carriageway, National Highways outlined.

While the HGV was recovered at around 3am this morning, a full resurfacing of the road is required following the diesel spill.

The transport organisation warned that the M3 "is likely to remain closed through the morning peak period whilst this is carried out".

In its latest update, the South-East division of National Highways confirmed on social media site X that the road remains closed during the morning peak.

Drivers face traffic chaos as the M3 remains closed following an accident

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Drivers are currently facing 35 minutes of delays on the approach, in addition to four miles of congestion, as resurfacing works continue.

National Highways added: "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."

A diversion route has been installed for drivers on the M3, with motorists encouraged to exit at Junction 9.

Drivers near Winchester and Basingstoke are facing long delays on the M3 this morning

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Road users are advised to 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 eight 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