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At a glance

🕐 Last verified 18 Feb, 02:35

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StatusCleared
Severity (NH)Severe
RoadM3
DirectionWestbound (southbound / Southampton-bound)
RegionSouth East
CountySurrey
Category (NH)Vehicle Fire
ReportedTue 17 Feb, 21:27
ClearedWed 18 Feb, 02:35
Lasted5h 7m
Road typeMotorway
Speed limit70 mph (variable)
Weather☁️ Overcast
ReferenceREF-3184876
Views130

Times are UK time.

What National Highways say

M3 westbound (southbound / Southampton-bound) between J3 and J4 | Westbound | Vehicle Fire

Location : The M3 westbound between junctions J3 and J4 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 are closed. Reason : Vehicle fire. Status : Currently Active. Time To Clear : The event is expected to clear between 03:00 and 03:15 on 18 February 2026. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 02:45 and 03:00 on 18 February 2026. Lanes Closed : There are two of four lanes closed.

The official National Highways record of this incident, kept here after the road reopens.

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Also on the M3 today

M3 - Incident9h ago

Recent M3 incidents

85 incidents and roadworks logged on the M3 in the last 30 days, 32 of them serious or severe. Times are UK time.

M3 | Hampshire | Road Closure | Expect DelaysSat 18 Jul, 20:14 M3 westbound at the Fleet services between J4A and J5 | Westbound | RoadOrCarriagewayOrLaneManagementMon 29 Jun, 16:24 M3 J4A eastbound access | Eastbound | CongestionMon 22 Jun, 13:57 M3 westbound within J12 | Westbound | CongestionMon 22 Jun, 10:35 M3 J4 eastbound exit | Eastbound | CongestionMon 22 Jun, 07:47 link road from M3 J2 eastbound to M25 J12 anti-clockwise | Anti-Clockwise | CongestionSun 21 Jun, 17:05
Every M3 incident

Common questions

Is the M3 closed?

Not because of this vehicle fire. It cleared at 02:35 UK time on Wed 18 Feb. See the M3 right now.

What happened on the M3 on 17 Feb 2026?

Vehicle fire on the M3 westbound (southbound / Southampton-bound) J3 to J4 in Surrey, reported at 21:27 UK time on Tue 17 Feb. Cleared at 02:35 on Wed 18 Feb.

How long did it last?

5h 7m, from 21:27 UK time on Tue 17 Feb.

Where can I see everything else on the M3?

The M3 live page shows what is happening now, and the M3 archive has every incident on record.

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