DRIVERS were warned to expect delays of around an hour on Thursday morning after the motorway was closed eastbound due to a "serious injury incident".

As previously reported, the M3 closed between Junction 6 at Basingstoke and Junction 5. 
In a statement, National Highways said: "The M3 is closed eastbound between J6 Basingstoke and J5 Farnham due to an incident.

"Please allow extra time if travelling in the area as there are currently delays of 60 mins and approx. six miles of congestion on approach to the closure."

A diversion route was in place, with details available at: nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/travel-alerts/m3-hampshire-eastbound-incident-carriageway-closure.

Posting to Twitter, Hampshire Roads Policing Unit wrote: "We’re dealing with a serious injury incident on the M3 northbound at Junction 5.

"Two lanes are closed leading from junction 6 to 5, in addition the off-slip at Junction 5 and the on-slip at Junction 6 are closed. Please consider other routes before travelling."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson added: "We are currently in attendance at a serious collision, which happened around 6.30am today.

"Two lanes and the slip roads from junctions six to five have been closed."

All lanes reopened by 2.45pm.

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