Breaking News: M3 Motorway Closure - A Major Disruption!
A critical incident on the M3 has led to a full motorway closure, causing significant traffic disruptions and a swarm of emergency services.
The M3, a vital artery connecting key UK regions, is currently shut down, with all lanes blocked between Junctions 4 and 3 in Surrey. This closure is expected to last for hours, impacting morning traffic and causing a ripple effect on nearby roads.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the exact nature of the incident remains undisclosed, the involvement of police and paramedics suggests a serious situation. National Highways has confirmed that the road will likely remain closed throughout the morning, causing a major headache for commuters and travelers.
And this is the part most people miss... The closure has led to a complex diversion route being implemented. Drivers are advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol, which will guide them through a series of roundabouts and local roads, adding significant time to their journeys.
Traffic England predicts the M3 won't reopen until at least 9.45 am, and possibly as late as 10 am. This means the morning rush hour will be severely impacted, with potential knock-on effects on local businesses and services.
So, what do you think? Is this an overreaction to the incident, or a necessary precaution? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow this developing story.
Live Blog: M3 Incident and Closure
08:28, Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Normal Traffic Conditions Expected Around 11 am
National Highways reports that traffic is slowly being released from the back of the queue. While the road remains closed, they've begun the process of turning vehicles around, with normal conditions expected between 11 am and 11:15 am.
Diversion Routes Recap
For those unfamiliar with the area, here's a quick recap of the diversion route:
- Exit the M4 eastbound at J4 and take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A331 towards Reading/Wokingham.
- Continue to the next roundabout (The Meadows) and take the fourth 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 third exit to join Grove End and then follow the A322 south.
- Remain on the A322 south to reach J3 of the M3 and continue your journey.
Emergency Services Update
Surrey Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service are still on the scene, with National Highways traffic officers providing support.
Road Closure Update
National Highways confirms that the road is likely to remain closed throughout the morning, with no estimated time of reopening.
National Highways Statement in Full
"The M3 in Surrey is closed eastbound between J4 (near Farnborough) and J3 (near Bracknell) due to a Police-Led Incident. Surrey Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene to assist with traffic management. Due to the nature of the incident, the road is expected to remain closed throughout the morning."
Diversion Route in Place
As a reminder, all lanes on the M3 in Surrey eastbound between J4 and J3 are currently closed. National Highways has implemented a diversion route, which drivers should follow as directed by road signs.
Road Expected to Remain Closed for Hours
Traffic England warns that the M3 stretch is not expected to reopen before 9.45 am and 10 am. This means the closure will significantly impact morning traffic and cause delays for commuters and travelers.
Welcome to Our Live Blog
We'll keep you updated with the latest developments on this major motorway closure and incident. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
