Motorists are currently experiencing significant disruptions on a busy motorway due to a major incident involving a lorry carrying lithium batteries catching fire.
Commuters have been advised 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.
According to Surrey Fire and Rescue services, the incident involves a 15-meter trailer transporting mixed electrical waste, including lithium batteries.
Drivers are instructed to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol indicated on road signs to navigate around the affected area. An AA travel alert reports road closures and heavy traffic congestion due to the truck fire, with a detour in operation using the Solid Diamond sign.
National Highways has announced that the M3 will remain closed for several hours as a complex operation is underway to safely remove the lithium batteries from the lorry fire.
The agency has highlighted the challenges posed by the presence of lithium batteries in the burning vehicle, emphasizing the need for a careful and time-consuming process to address the situation.
Motorists should expect delays of up to 45 minutes on the M3 eastbound in Surrey following the earlier lorry fire. The closure spans between junctions J4 and J3 on the motorway.
A spokesperson from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the presence of six pumps at the scene, reporting that the incident involves a trailer carrying various electrical waste, including lithium batteries.
Visibility on the M3 has been affected by the flames, leading to traffic being temporarily held back. National Highways have indicated that the incident clearance may extend until around 1 pm, with normal traffic conditions anticipated to resume by 2 pm.
Efforts are being made to redirect traffic and facilitate the movement of vehicles through alternative routes. The closure between J4 Farnborough and J3 Woking on the M3 eastbound has been put in place to manage the ongoing situation effectively.
The disruption has caused slow-moving traffic along the affected stretch of the motorway, with Google Maps showing the closure spanning from Bagshot to Camberley. Emergency services are actively responding to the situation, with Surrey Police overseeing the traffic diversion and managing the lengthy delays on the route.