Morning commuters on the M3 faced a nightmare scenario on Wednesday, as a vehicle fire brought traffic to a standstill. This incident triggered significant delays, turning the morning commute into a test of patience. Let's break down what happened.
The chaos unfolded on the M3 eastbound, specifically between junctions J4A and J3. The initial reports, as of 7:00 AM, indicated delays of up to 90 minutes beyond the usual travel time, according to National Highways.
But here's where it gets controversial... how quickly can these situations be resolved?
Here's a timeline of events, updated in real-time:
- 07:49: The latest update, just 9 minutes ago, informs us of the diversion route. If you're heading that way, here's what you need to know:
- Exit the M4 eastbound at J4.
- Take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto the A331 towards Reading/Wokingham.
- Continue to the next roundabout (The Meadows) and take the 4th exit to join the A30/London Road towards Staines/Cameberley.
- Remain on the A30 for approximately 5 miles to the roundabout with "Grove End" at Windlesham.
- Take the 3rd exit to join Grove End and then follow round to join the A322 south.
- Remain on the A322 south to reach J3 of the M3 and continue your journey.
- 07:48: Police officers have arrived at the scene. (Updated 10 minutes ago)
- 07:40: The Daily Express is awaiting a response from Surrey Fire and Rescue Services. (Updated 18 minutes ago)
- 07:25: Traffic officers are on-site, managing the flow of vehicles. (Updated 33 minutes ago)
- 07:23: Motorists were initially facing delays of up to 60 minutes. (Updated 35 minutes ago)
- 07:21: The M3 eastbound is closed between junctions J4A and J3. (Updated 37 minutes ago)
- 07:15: Welcome to the live blog, bringing you the latest updates on the M3 delays. (Updated 43 minutes ago)
The key takeaway? If you're in the area, be prepared for significant delays and consider the suggested diversion route.
What do you think? Were you affected by these delays? Share your experience in the comments below!
