Driver Dies After Lorry Plunges From M3 Bridge Onto Road Below
A driver died when a lorry crashed through a bridge barrier and fell onto Chestnut Avenue. The incident caused significant closures on the M3 southbound carriageway and surrounding roads in Hampshire.
Key takeaways
- A driver died after his lorry fell from an M3 bridge onto Chestnut Avenue on August 11.
- The incident led to the closure of M3 southbound lanes and Chestnut Avenue.
- Structural engineers are assessing and repairing significant damage to the bridge barrier.
- Traffic disruptions and delays are expected to continue due to the ongoing investigation and repairs.

What Happened
A serious collision occurred on the M3 southbound carriageway near Eastleigh, Hampshire, when a lorry crashed through a bridge barrier and fell onto Chestnut Avenue below. The incident happened on August 11, around 10:00 PM BST. The driver of the lorry, who was in his 20s, died at the scene. His family has been notified.
Why It Matters
The crash resulted in substantial traffic disruptions. The two left lanes of the M3 southbound carriageway leading to the M27 westbound slip road were closed. Chestnut Avenue, the road running under the slip road, was also closed between Nightingale Avenue and Falkland Road. Structural engineers assessed and are undertaking repairs to the damaged bridge barrier. National Highways advised motorists to seek alternative routes and warned of continuing delays.
Background
Emergency services responded promptly to the collision. Police conducted initial investigations at the scene during the early hours of the morning. The closures are expected to remain in place for a significant period to allow for the completion of investigations and essential repair work to ensure the road's safety.
Key Facts
- A lorry crashed through a bridge barrier and fell onto Chestnut Avenue on the M3 southbound carriageway near Eastleigh, Hampshire.
- The incident occurred on August 11 at approximately 10:00 PM BST.
- The driver of the lorry, a man in his 20s, died at the scene.
- The left lanes of the M3 southbound leading to the M27 westbound slip road were closed.
- Chestnut Avenue was closed between Nightingale Avenue and Falkland Road.
- Structural engineers are on-site to repair the damaged bridge barrier.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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