WINCHESTER, Hampshire — Drivers are facing major delays on the M3 today after a lorry crashed into the central reservation near Winchester, rupturing its fuel tank and spilling around 300 litres of diesel. The incident has forced a major closure, caused four-mile queues and left crews carrying out full resurfacing work during the morning rush hour.
Major UK motorway closed with four-mile queues after massive diesel spillhttps://t.co/5FxXGGdk8b pic.twitter.com/Hd2ODKy5x8
— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) September 15, 2026
The HGV crashed at around 1am on Tuesday, September 15, between Junction 9 at Winnall Interchange and Junction 8 at Popham, where the M3 connects with the A303. Both carriageways were initially affected following the collision.
The lorry was recovered at around 3am, but the motorway could not immediately reopen. National Highways said the diesel-contaminated carriageway required full resurfacing, extending the disruption into the morning peak.
Four-mile queues build near Winchester
National Highways reported queues of around four miles as motorists encountered the closure. Wider traffic disruption was also reported from Junction 9 back towards Junction 13 around Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton.
The affected section is an important route for traffic between Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke, as well as longer-distance journeys towards London. Closing it during the morning commute can also put additional pressure on the A34, A303 and surrounding roads.
Motorists have faced similar disruption during other recent overnight incidents, including the M4 closure between Maidenhead and Reading, where a crash caused lengthy delays.
300 litres of diesel spilled after HGV crash
The HGV struck the central reservation at approximately 1am, causing its fuel tank to rupture and releasing an estimated 300 litres of diesel across the motorway.
Recovery teams removed the vehicle roughly two hours later. However, the fuel spill meant crews still had substantial work to complete before the affected carriageway could safely reopen.
National Highways said a full resurfacing was necessary. That explains why the closure continued even after the crashed lorry had been removed.
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Official M3 diversion via A34 and A303
Drivers are being told to leave the M3 at Junction 9 and follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on road signs.
- Leave the M3 at Junction 9.
- Take the second exit onto the A34 towards Newbury.
- Follow the A34 for approximately eight miles to Bullington Cross.
- Leave using the second slip road and continue to the roundabout.
- Take the first exit onto the A303 eastbound towards Basingstoke.
- Continue for approximately 7.5 miles and rejoin the M3 at Junction 8.
Drivers should expect additional journey time because diverted motorway traffic may also increase congestion on the A34 and A303.
M3 closure timeline
Around 1am: The HGV crashes into the central reservation between J9 and J8, rupturing its fuel tank.
Around 3am: The damaged lorry is recovered, but resurfacing is required because of the diesel spill.
Morning rush hour: Queues reach approximately four miles, with wider disruption reported towards Chandler’s Ford.
Morning peak: Motorists are diverted via the A34 and A303 while resurfacing continues.
Drivers warned to allow extra time
National Highways warned that the closure was likely to remain in place through the morning peak and advised motorists to plan ahead, allow extra time, reroute or delay their journeys where possible.
Drivers can check the latest closure information through the official National Highways travel updates before setting off.
Other motorists are also dealing with significant disruption elsewhere, including long delays following an M61 crash between Chorley and Horwich.
No firm reopening time was given in the morning information. Drivers approaching Winchester should therefore check conditions before travelling and follow official diversion signs rather than relying on shortcuts through local roads.
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