M3 Traffic Update: Vehicle Fire Causes 90-Minute Delays and Chaos (2026)

Morning commuters on the M3 faced a nightmare scenario on Wednesday, as a vehicle fire brought traffic to a standstill, causing massive delays. This incident, unfolding on the M3 eastbound between junctions J4A and J3, has significantly impacted travel plans.

At approximately 7:00 AM, National Highways reported that drivers were experiencing delays of up to 90 minutes beyond the usual travel time. Imagine sitting in your car, stuck for an extra hour and a half – a frustrating start to anyone's day!

Here's a breakdown of the unfolding events:

07:49: Updates from Astha Saxena: The latest reports indicate ongoing congestion.
Diversion Route: Road users are advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol. The suggested route involves exiting the M4 eastbound at J4, then taking the A331, A30, and A322 to rejoin the M3 at J3. This detour adds extra miles to your journey, so be sure to factor in the additional time.
07:48: Astha Saxena reports that police officers have arrived at the scene. This is a crucial step in managing the situation and ensuring safety.
07:40: Astha Saxena notes that The Daily Express has contacted Surrey Fire and Rescue Services for a comment. We're awaiting their response for more details on the fire.
07:25: Traffic officers are now on the scene, working to manage the flow of vehicles and mitigate the delays. Their presence is essential for maintaining some order amidst the chaos.
07:23: National Highways initially estimated delays of up to 60 minutes. However, this has since been updated to 90 minutes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
07:21: The M3 eastbound is closed between junctions J4A and J3.
07:15: Welcome to the live blog, where we're tracking the evolving situation on the M3.

The key takeaway here is the significant disruption to traffic flow.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Have you been affected by these delays? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!