Motorists are experiencing significant disruptions on a busy motorway due to a major incident involving a lorry carrying lithium batteries catching fire.
Drivers have been cautioned that it will take several hours for normal traffic conditions to resume on the M3 eastbound between junctions J4 and J3 in Surrey. The motorway remains closed, leading to extensive delays in the area.
According to Surrey Fire and Rescue services, the incident revolved around a 15-meter trailer transporting mixed electrical waste, including lithium batteries.
To assist drivers seeking to travel eastbound on the M3, a diversion route has been implemented with Solid Diamond symbols on road signs for guidance.
National Highways has announced that the M3 closure is expected to last for “several hours” as a complex operation is underway to safely remove the lithium batteries from the burnt lorry.
The agency highlighted the challenges posed by the lorry fire containing lithium batteries, emphasizing the need for a meticulous and time-consuming process to ensure safe cargo removal.
Motorists are advised to expect delays of around 45 minutes on the M3 eastbound following the morning lorry fire in Surrey.
The closure of the M3 eastbound between junctions J4 and J3 has impacted traffic flow, prompting drivers to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service officials have confirmed ongoing efforts at the scene, stating that while the third lane has reopened for traffic, delays persist due to residual smoke and traffic issues.
National Highways reported reduced visibility on the M3 due to the flames, resulting in traffic being released past the scene in a controlled manner.
The M3 closure is anticipated to continue until approximately 1 pm, with normal traffic conditions forecasted to resume later in the afternoon.
National Highways is actively managing traffic near the closure point to facilitate the safe release of vehicles, acknowledging potential delays due to the volume of traffic.
Further updates from National Highways provided additional details on the incident, describing the sequence of events that led to the full closure of the motorway.
The exact timeframe for the road reopening remains uncertain, with ongoing efforts to resolve the situation and manage traffic disruptions effectively.
Google Maps displays the extensive road closure on the M3 affecting the eastbound carriage between Bagshot and Camberley, causing slow-moving traffic along the affected stretch.
Emergency services responded to a lorry fire on the M3 early in the morning, prompting a swift intervention to extinguish the blaze and manage the aftermath.
Surrey Police are present at the scene, coordinating diversion routes and addressing the prolonged delays affecting motorists on the motorway.
In an update from National Highways, travelers were informed of the latest developments regarding the incident on the M3 this morning.