A LORRY fire near a major interchange is causing disruption this rush hour near Winchester.

The incident happened on the southbound M3 near to junction 9 at Winnall.

Southbound traffic is building up back more than a mile towards Kings Worthy with delays expected until mid-morning.

The fire that damaged the vehicle is now out but recovery of the vehicle is awaited.

Junction 9 is the main junction between the M3 and the A34.

National Highways has stated it expects traffic conditions on the M3 to return to normal at around 10:30am.

It is reporting: "The event is expected to clear between 10:15 and 10:30 on 1 February 2024.

"Return To Normal Normal traffic conditions are expected between 10:15 and 10:30 on 1 February 2024."

AA Traffic News reported that an exist slip road on the M3 is partially blocked at junction 9 due to the impact of the lorry fire.

It is reporting: "Truck Fire, lanes closed and the exit slip road is partially blocked, heavy Traffic.

"One lane closed and the exit slip road is partially blocked and heavy traffic due to truck fire on M3 Southbound at J9 A34 (Winnal roundabout / Winchester North).

"Cameras show lane one (of two) is closed."

A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fareham and Hightown firefighters were called at 8am this morning (1 Feb) following reports of excessive smoke coming from a vehicle travelling on the M3, between junction 8 and 9.

"The crew inspected the double decker bus before determining that the alarm was caused by an overheated engine. 

"The stop message was received at 08:24 and the incident was handed over to the Highways Agency."