Traffic chaos as lorry overturns and sheds load of breeze blocks

A stretch of the A303^[1] in Somerset is closed after a lorry flipped and shed its load of breeze blocks this morning (August 24). Avon and Somerset Police^[2] say the closure near South Petherton could be in place for a further three hours.

At the time of writing (10.40am), one lane is closed heading eastbound between the A358 Southfields roundabout and the Hayes End roundabout. Police say that the Hayes End roundabout will need to be resurfaced following a diesel spill.

There are currently long delays on the A303 as a result of the closure. A live traffic map from the AA shows heavy congestion on the eastbound carriageway through South Petherton.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Due to the difficult location recovery will take longer and due to the diesel spillage, the roundabout will have to be re-surfaced. One lane is open but there are large tailbacks.

"This might take up to three hours."

Traffic monitoring site Inrix adds: "One lane closed and queueing traffic due to overturned lorry on A303 Eastbound from A358 (Southfields roundabout, Horton Cross) to Hayes End (Hayes End roundabout, South Petherton)."

For all of the latest traffic and travel updates from the A303, follow our live blog here.^[4]

References

1. ^{^} A303 (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Avon and Somerset Police (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^{^} A36 aircraft crash: 12-hour closure warning issued as investigation continues (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
4. ^{^} live blog here. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)