Emergency repairs on the M3 have triggered major delays across Hampshire.
Long tailbacks have been reported through Winchester, Twyford, Colden Common, and Hursley as drivers avoid a full southbound closure of the M3 between Junctions 12 and 13.
National Highways closed the route near Eastleigh at around 2.40pm on Monday, January 19, after first restricting traffic to a single lane at 10.30am due to what it described as an "infrastructure defect."
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Live: Drivers face more delays on M3 due to emergency bridge repairs
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Three lanes closed on M3 as National Highways deal with emergency bridge repairs
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Emergency bridge repairs force M3 closure - here’s the full diversion route
A spokesman for National Highways said: "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.
"Specialist service providers are currently in attendance, working to carry out the required repairs."
By 5.30pm drivers faced delays of up to 90 minutes on the M3, with queues stretching as far back as Junction 9 in Winchester.
The knock-on effect has led to significant congestion on surrounding routes, including the B3335 through Twyford, the A335 towards Eastleigh, and the A3090 towards Hursley.
Within Winchester itself, roads such as Garnier Road, St Cross Road, Romsey Road, and Chilbolton Avenue were all reported to be heavily congested as traffic diverted away from the motorway closure.
The following diversion has been put in place:
- Exit the M3 at J12 and at the roundabout, take the second exit on to Allbrook Way.
- At the following roundabout, take the second exit on to Twyford Road
- At the next roundabout, take the third exit on to Romsey Road/Leigh Road.
- Continue to re-join the M3 at J13
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