Busy A3(M) Shut After Man Spotted ‘Wrong Side’ of Bridge
Motorway chaos as man strays onto dangerous bridge spot
The A3(M) ground to a halt yesterday afternoon after a man was seen on the wrong side of a footbridge overlooking the motorway. Both carriageways between Horndean and Clanfield (Junctions 1 and 2) were slammed shut at 3pm on Sunday as emergency crews raced to the scene.
Footbridge and motorway closed for safety
The footbridge crossing the A3(M), which you can reach from Portsmouth Road, was also shut off. The drama lasted around 40 minutes with all roads reopening shortly after 3.40pm once the man was secured and taken to safety.
Police confirm man safe and receiving help
“We’re pleased to tell you the carriageways and bridge are now reopen. We had been responding to a concern for welfare report after a man was spotted on the wrong side of the bridge barrier. He is now safe and receiving support,” a police spokesperson said.
Traffic chaos as drivers diverted onto country lanes
Pictures captured queues stretching back as motorists were forced off the A3(M) and onto nearby narrow country roads, causing heavy congestion in the surrounding area for the duration of the closure.