A3 closed: Hindhead tunnel technology breaks down and causes closure of London to Portsmouth road

The A3 between London and Portsmouth was closed in both directions on Wednesday morning after technology in the Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey broke down. It caused three miles of queues northbound and just under a mile southbound.

A message from National Highways South East said the road is closed between the A283 for Milford and the A333, the turn off for Hindhead. It was reopened shortly after midday on Wednesday.

The Highways Agency brought in the following diversion.

Northbound

• From the A3 Longmoor off slip take the 1st exit from RBT A325.
• Follow the A325 along its entire length to the A31 / A325 RBT at Farnham.
• Take 3rd exit A31 towards Farnham. Follow to the Shepherd and Flock roundabout.
• At the roundabout, use the 3rd exit and continue for approximately 7 miles, on the A31 towards Guildford.
• On the approach to the A3, use the lane marked for the A3 (London) to rejoin the A3 northbound.

Southbound

• From the A3 Southbound, leave at the Stag Hill interchange (Hogs Back) and join the A31 towards Farnham.
• Continue for approximately 7 miles, to the Shepherd and Flock roundabout.
• Use the 1st exit and continue on the A31 Farnham Bypass. Continue to the B3001 junction.
• Cross over this junction to RBT A31/ A325. Take the 1st exit A325 and follow it along its entire length to the Longmoor Interchange.
• Cross over the RBT joining the A3 Southbound Longmoor on slip.

The 1.14-mile tunnel was opened in 2011 to bypass the village of Hindhead and keep traffic away from the Devil's Punch Bowl, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It was the final part of the A3 to become a dual carriageway.