THE M27 has reopened after being shut this morning following a concern for welfare call.

The stretch between junction three at Nursling past Rownhams services and junction five near Eastleigh had been closed due to a welfare call concerning someone on the bridge over the motorway.

Road chiefs shut the M3 southbound at junction 14 where it meets the M3.

All roads have now reopened but there is still a huge amount of traffic in the area.

It was also reported that the road beneath the motorway, the A3057, Romsey road has been closed in both directions.

The incident has sparked traffic chaos across Southampton, Eastleigh and North Baddesley as drivers are diverted and seek alternative routes.

Motorists are also facing delays of more than an hour on the M3 and the M27 as a result of the closure.

Southampton motorists are being urged to avoid Bassett Avenue and Winchester Road where the incident is having a significant impact according to the city council. 

Bus operator Bluestar has reported significant delays to the majority of its services due to congestion.

According to the bus company all of its Barton Peveril College routes have been impacted. 

Traffic coming along the M27 is facing a half hour delay before being diverted up the M3 while drivers coming down the M3 towards the M27 are being taken off through Eastleigh.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) are currently on the scene supporting police.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police, said: "We have closed the M27 westbound between junctions 4 and 3 following a concern for welfare call regarding somebody on the bridge over the motorway.

"This has also required us to close the M3 southbound at junction 14, where it meets the M27.

"We know that this will cause a big issue for those travelling during the rush hour this morning but we hope that you will understand why we are doing this.

"We are working to ensure the road is reopened as soon as possible.

"Thanks for your patience while we deal with this."

Posting on social media, Hampshire Police said: "We've closed #M27 WB btwn juct 4 & 3 due to a concern for welfare call on the bridge over the motorway. #M3 SB juct 14 also closed, where it meets M27. Apologises for the inconvenience but we hope you'll understand. We're working to get it open asap. Thanks for your patience."

A statement released by Highways England gave details of diversions that are in place.

It said:  “The M27 in Hampshire is closed westbound between J4 (M3) and J3 (M271) due to a police led incident. Highways England Traffic Officers are on the scene assisting with traffic management.

“M27 westbound traffic is being diverted and should follow the hollow square symbol.

"Exit the M27 at J5 and take the 1st exit on to the A335 towards Southampton.

"Turn right on to the A27 and continue west via Chilworth and North Baddesley to Ashfield. At the roundabout turn left and travel south on the A3057 to rejoin the M27 at J3.

“M3 southbound motorsits exit at J14 and at the roundabout take the third exit to travel west on the A27. Hollow square route as above.

"Again continue west via Chilworth and North Baddesley to Ashfield. At the roundabout turn left and travel south on the A3057 ro rejoin the M27 at J3.”

A spokesperson for SCAS, said: "We’re supporting Hampshire Police at a concern for welfare incident. No patients currently."

Posting on social media a Bluestar spokesperson said: "#TravelAlert #Barton Peveril Due to M27 accident. Traffic in and around Eastleigh is almost at a stand still. This will effect all Barton Peveril college routes, including pick up and drop off times.Sorry for the inconvenience.^jmc"

More to follow...