A34 reopens after 24hour closure between M3 and A303 following overturned lorry

Update: 05:30am - Thursday 21 September

The A34 has fully reopened after a lorry overturned and crossed the central reservation.

There was heavy traffic through Winchester city centre for rush hour yesterday as the closure of the A34 caused tailbacks.

During a major recovery operation, the driver was extracted from the vehicle, and taken to hospital with an arm injury.

However another stretch of the road has been closed near to the M4, following a vehicle leaving the carriageway.

Motorists are being warned that a major route in Hampshire has been closed this morning due to an overturned lorry.

The A34 has been shut between the M3 near Winchester and the A303 due to the incident.

It is likely to remain closed for 'much of the day', Hampshire Police said. This is due to the complex recovery work and the need to resurface the road.

National Highways confirmed emergency services are on scene. Work has taken place to extract the driver from the vehicle.

The lorry has come to a rest across both carriageways and a significant amount of diesel and oil has been spilt.

In a statement Hampshire Police said: "We are currently at the scene of a collision on the A34 northbound, close to the M3 junction, involving a HGV.

"The road is closed in both directions and a diversion is in place. We expect the road to be closed for the majority of the day and ask road users to please avoid the area wherever possible and allow extra time for your journey.

"The driver of the HGV has sustained an injury to his arm and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"We apologise for any disruption while we deal with this incident and ensure that the road is safely cleared, and we thank you for your patience."

In a statement, National Highways said: "It was reported through to National Highways at approximately 03:50 that a Artic Lorry has overturned and come to rest across both carriageways. 

"Fire Services are on scene to extract the driver out of the vehicle, and ambulance services also remain on scene.

"It was also reported that a significant amount of diesel and oil has spread across the carriageway, so emergency clear up crews will also be required to attend the scene once the vehicle is recovered.

"National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management. Traffic within the closure will be released as soon as possible."

Traffic is already building through Winchester, with delays of 30 minutes reported on major roads.

The one way system in the city is already is queuing as drivers try to divert. Badger Farm Road and Andover Road are also queuing.

Motorists are also queuing on Otterbourne Road heading towards Winchester from Otterbourne and also on routes through Twyford.

Bus operator, Stagecoach, warned local and long distance services which serve Winchester will be disrupted whilst the closure remains in place.

An official diversion route has been put in place. Drivers should utilise these where possible.

Northbound:

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol visible on local road signs. 

• From the M3 northbound at junction 9, continue northbound and follow to junction 7.

• Circumnavigate the roundabout and use the 4th exit. Rejoin the M3 southbound. Initially use the nearside lanes and continue to junction 8.

• Join the link road to the A303 westbound. Merging with the A303 westbound, continue for approximately 6 miles and leave at the A34 Bullington Cross interchange.

• Continue to a T junction. Turn right at the T junction and pass beneath the A303 and A34, to a roundabout beyond. Use the 1st exit to rejoin the A34 northbound.

Southbound:

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid traingle diversion symbol visible on local road signs. 

• From the A34 southbound, leave at the Bullington Cross interchange.

• At the roundabout, use the 1st exit and join a link road. Follow to a roundabout, passing beneath the A303 and A34 between.

• Use the 2nd exit and join the A303 eastbound. Continue on the A303 for approximately 6 miles, joining the M3 at junction 8. Continue on the M3 and follow to junction 7.

• Circumnavigate the roundabout and use the 4th exit. Rejoin the M3 southbound. Initially use the offside lanes and continue to junction 9 at Winchester.

• Continue on the M3 southbound to complete the diversion route.

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