M3 in Hampshire likely to be closed 'for several hours' after serious accident

The northbound side is closed between Chandler’s Ford and Winchester and the police and Highways Agency have said that traffic should avoid the area for the foreseeable future.

UPDATE: M3 to reopen

Those trapped in traffic queues have been asked to observe social distancing, as traffic officers start to turn round vehicles at the end of the tailbacks.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘We're currently dealing with a serious single vehicle collision on the M3. A closure is currently in place between junction 12 and 11, Chandler's Ford to Winchester, on the northbound carriageway.

‘We were called just after 11am. Please avoid if possible and thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident.’

A diversion has been set up – ‘solid diamond’ signs will lead traffic thathas been taken off the motorway at junction 12.

The instructions are:

Exit at J12 then take the second exit from the roundabout and cross over the M3. At the next roundabout take the first exit. At the mini-roundabout take the second exit on to Otterbourne Hill. Remain on this road to the roundabout with the A3090/B3335 then take the 3rd exit and follow the A3090 to J11 and re-join the M3