THE M3 has reopened between junctions eight and nine after an overturned lorry blocking the southbound road, causing miles of tailbacks.

Emergency services recovered the lorry at around 3pm this afternoon, with the road now reopened. However, there are warnings of residual delays of up to half an hour.

The incident occurred at around 10am this morning, with police and traffic officers attending the scene to assist with the recovery, which caused severe delays on the motorways and surrounding A-roads following the incident.

There were queues of up to four miles, according to Highways England and the AA, as traffic is diverted onto other routes.

There was an official diversion in place, with traffic leaving the M3 at Junction 8 towards the A303.

Merging with the A303, drivers continue for approximately six miles to the A34 Bullington Cross interchange. Here, they should leave th3e A303 and follow it to a T-junction, and turn left. At the roundabout, they should then use the second exit and head southbound on the A34 towards Winchester. They then rejoin the M3 at junction nine.

This diversion caused heavy delays on the A34 southbound, with delays of up to 34 minutes being reported by the AA.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead and take alternative routes if they can.