A major traffic disruption has unfolded on one of the UK's busiest motorways after a serious early-morning crash involving heavy goods vehicles.

The eastbound carriageway of the M3 motorway near Bagshot has been shut, triggering long queues, diversions, and widespread delays for commuters and freight traffic.

Authorities have confirmed that the incident involved a fuel spill and significant debris, making the road unsafe for travel. Emergency services remain on-site, while drivers are being urged to avoid the affected stretch and follow official diversion routes.

M3 Closed Near Bagshot After HGV Crash

The eastbound section of the M3 motorway between Junction 3 and Junction 2 has been closed following a collision between two HGVs. The crash occurred in the early hours of March 19, leading to immediate safety concerns.

Officials confirmed that one of the lorries struck an overhead gantry, while the second vehicle sustained serious damage. Due to the scale of the incident, authorities had no option but to shut the motorway completely in this section.

This stretch is a key link to the M25 motorway, meaning the closure has disrupted both local commuters and long-distance traffic.

M3 Crash Traffic: Diversion Routes

To ease congestion, National Highways has implemented a diversion route for eastbound traffic. Drivers are advised to:

• Exit at Junction 3 of the M3 motorway
• Join the A322 towards Bracknell
• Merge onto the A30 London Road
• Continue via Sunningdale and Egham
• Join the M25 motorway at Junction 13
• Rejoin the M3 at Junction 12

While this route is clearly marked, traffic volumes have surged on these alternative roads. As a result, drivers should prepare for slower movement and possible bottlenecks along the diversion path.

M3 Traffic Delays & Regional Impact

The closure has caused significant knock-on effects across the wider Surrey road network. Long queues have formed on approach roads, with congestion stretching back towards Camberley and the surrounding areas.

The disruption has impacted:

• Daily commuters heading towards London
• Freight and logistics operations
• Local traffic using connecting routes

Even partial reopening of lanes near the M25 motorway junction has not fully eased congestion. The ripple effect is expected to continue throughout the day as diverted traffic increases pressure on nearby routes.

M3 Crash: Emergency Response & Official Statement

Emergency services responded quickly to the incident. Teams from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Police, and South East Coast Ambulance Service are working together at the scene.

A spokesperson said, "We received a call at 4 am to a road traffic collision on the M3 between junction 3 (Lightwater) and Junction 2 (Thorpe) - as you go onto the M25. We have four fire engines in attendance. As a result, the eastbound carriageways are closed. This is causing significant delays and traffic - we are expecting closures to be in place for some time due to debris. Please avoid the M3 eastbound until further notice. Both drivers are out of the vehicles and are being checked over by health partner colleagues."

Authorities are coordinating closely to manage traffic, secure the site, and begin recovery operations.

M3 Crash: When Will the M3 Reopen?

There is currently no confirmed timeline for reopening the affected stretch of the M3 motorway. Before reopening, officials must:

• Remove debris from the carriageway
• Recover the damaged vehicles
• Clean and treat the diesel spill
• Conduct safety inspections

Given the complexity of the cleanup, the closure may remain in place for several hours. Updates are expected as work progresses.

M3 Crash: What Caused It?

Initial reports indicate that the crash involved two HGVs, with one vehicle striking an overhead gantry. The second lorry suffered a ruptured fuel tank during the collision.