M3 and M6 Motorway Closures Set to Disrupt Weekend Travel
This weekend, drivers face serious delays as M3 and M6 motorway closures go into effect. Planned roadworks will impact both routes across multiple nights, requiring diversions and extra travel time.
Motorists are advised to check live updates and plan ahead to avoid being caught in unexpected traffic.
M3 Motorway Closures: Key Details and Diversions
When and Where?
The M3 motorway will be closed overnight between junctions 6 (Black Dam) and 7 (Dummer).
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Start Time: 9 PM on Sunday, April 6
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End Time: 6 AM on Monday, April 7
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Purpose: Electrical signage maintenance
Diversion Route
Traffic will be rerouted via M3 junction 5 Spur Road, A30 Ringway, and A30 Winchester Road.
Expect heavy congestion, especially with the Easter holiday rush and better weather encouraging more drivers onto the road.
M6 Motorway Closures: Maintenance Work in Cumbria
When and Where?
The M6 motorway northbound will shut between junctions 39 and 40, affecting Cumbria and the Lake District region.
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Dates: Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6
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Time: 10 PM to 6 AM
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Work Involved: Part of a £9 million bridge renovation over the River Lowther
Alternative Route
All traffic will divert via the nearby A6.
From Monday, April 7, the northbound carriageway reopens with two lanes and a 40 mph speed limit.
The southbound side faces the same closure pattern on April 12 and 13.
How the M3 and M6 Motorway Closures Impact Drivers
The M3 carries about 130,000 vehicles daily, and the M6 is a key route to the North West. These closures will significantly impact freight drivers, commuters, and holiday travellers.
National Highways confirms the works are essential for long-term road safety and performance.
Drivers should:
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Leave early
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Use diversion routes
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Follow updates on sites like National Highways or Traffic England
Sussex Road Closures: A23 and A27 Disruption
Beyond the M3 and M6 motorway closures, Sussex will also see local roadwork-related closures:
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A23 northbound near Hickstead:
Closed 8 PM April 4 to 6 AM April 5 -
A27 (A270 to Patcham, including Falmer entry slip):
Closed Saturday and Sunday nights, 8 PM to 6 AM
These works are part of a wider effort to improve road quality and ensure safer driving conditions in the region.
What You Should Do Before You Travel
Here’s how to prepare and minimize travel stress during the M3 and M6 motorway closures:
Check Live Traffic Updates
Use reliable sources like:
Plan Alternate Routes
Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or TomTom to find and follow real-time detours.
Leave Early
Add at least 30–60 extra minutes to your travel time if using affected routes.
Stay Informed and Stay Moving
The M3 and M6 motorway closures are temporary but necessary. Delays are likely, but with preparation and awareness, you can avoid the worst of it.
Monitor traffic alerts, follow diversion signs, and always drive safely through work zones.
