A BOMB disposal unit was called to a Hampshire motorway.
Emergency services rushed to the M3 near Winchester following the incident, which happened at about 3.50am on Saturday.
Motorists were left stranded in their vehicles for up to 11 hours before both carriageways of the road were reopened.
Police have yet to explain why the road was shut, other than to say that there was "potentially hazardous material" in the carriageway.
The Daily Echo ran a live blog covering the ongoing incident, which you can read by clicking HERE.
A Hampshire Constabulary statement says: "Our officers are working alongside partners from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to establish exactly what it is.
"Nobody has been hurt in the incident.
"The road is still closed at this time, and we will endeavour to get the material cleared as soon as possible."
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