Delays Expected on The Northbound M3 in Hampshire – Drivers Advised to Leave Extra Time for Their Journeys

Drivers are warned to expect delays for the rest of the day and overnight due to lane closures on the M3 northbound at junction 11 (South Winchester) due to emergency bridge work. This will also affect traffic on the eastbound M27 and the westbound A31.  

Drivers should either avoid this area or look to use alternative routes.  

Lanes 1 and 2 are currently closed between junction 12 (Eastleigh) and junction 11 (Winchester) to repair an infrastructure defect on the Shawford railway bridge, Lane 3 will remain open. 

Work to repair the defect is ongoing and engineers are working hard to get the equipment, specialist contractors and materials required to the scene in order to repair the bridge. 

Rob Bell, South East Network Operations Manager for National Highways, said:  

“We thank people for their patience while we repair the defect and reopen the road. The defect was identified during a routine inspection of the bridge and for your safety we established the defect posed a risk to the travelling public so took immediate steps to close the lanes affected.  

“In the meantime, drivers should leave extra time for their journeys or find an alternative route. The road is expected to fully reopen as soon as possible.” 

National Highways provides live traffic information via its website (www.nationalhighways.co.uk/traffic), local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps.      Local Twitter services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST.