Police Incident Closes M3 Westbound Near Eastleigh

A police incident has forced the closure of the westbound M3 motorway at Junction 12 in Eastleigh, Hampshire, causing severe congestion and delays of up to 45 minutes. Motorists face slow-moving traffic as authorities divert vehicles through the junction's entry and exit slip roads while police activity continues.

Traffic cameras show substantial queues building along the affected section. According to traffic updates, average speeds have fallen to just five mph, while congestion has extended toward Southampton Airport and Junction 9 near Winchester.

The AA reported that the closure affected the M3 southbound carriageway at Junction 12, connecting with the A335 in Eastleigh. Its traffic information also identified congestion extending to Junction 9, around the Winnall Roundabout and Winchester North, with traffic moving in both directions affected as drivers encountered the disruption.

An AA spokesperson described the closure and its immediate impact on motorists.

"Road closed and long delays due to police incident on M3 Southbound at J12 A335 (Eastleigh). Congestion to J9 (Winnal Roundabout / Winchester North) S. Diversion in operation - via the slip roads. Affecting traffic Northbound as they look over." said an AA spokesperson.

Traffic management measures remain in place, with vehicles directed through the junction's slip roads. Motorway camera footage shows extensive queues and slow-moving traffic across the affected area.

National Highways issued a statement on the disruption, while traffic updates continued to report severe delays. Motorists were warned to allow additional time for their journeys because of the closure and ongoing police activity.

The westbound M3 remains closed within Junction 12 at Eastleigh, according to the latest update in the source report. Congestion continues toward Junction 10, with the wider disruption affecting traffic approaching Winchester and Southampton.