Traffic diverted around huge straw bale lorry fire

A lorry carrying straw bales has burst into flames on the A303, forcing emergency services to close the road this morning. Long delays are being reported in the area while fire crews tackle the blaze. The road is currently shut in both directions between the A350 near Warminster and the A36 in Deptford.

National Highways said: "Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Police are working to bring the blaze from this lorry fire near Chicklade under control. "The lorry is carrying straw bales and continues to burn with the road being closed in both directions to provide a safe working environment for the emergency services. Police Officers at scene confirm that there is no traffic caught within the closures."

Follow our ongoing live blog for more updates on this story.[1] Photos taken at the scene show a large lorry, carrying numerous bales of straw smoking and smoldering in the road. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the incident is causing "significant traffic delays".

"We are currently dealing with a large vehicle fire on the #A303[2] #Deverills[3] Back, #Chicklade[4]," the fire service said, posting to social media. "This is causing significant traffic delays as the road is closed in both directions. Please find alternative routes." Drivers are being diverted around the incident via the A350 and A36.

Motorists heading into Wiltshire are asked to follow the solid triangle sign, while those heading towards Somerset are asked to follow the solid circle.

A303 eastbound diversion route

• Exit the A303 at the junction with the A350 for Shaftesbury.
• Turn right onto the A350 northbound towards Warminster
• Continue on the A350 for approximately 6 miles, passing through Longbridge Deverill, until the roundabout with the A36 at Warminster.
• Take the third exit onto the A36 eastbound towards Salisbury.
• Remain on the A36 for approximately 10 miles, passing through Codford and Heyyesbury, to the junction with the A303 at Deptford and continue your journey.

A303 westbound diversion route

• Exit the A303 at the junction with the A36 at Deptford
• Keep left on the exit slip (for Salisbury/Warminster)
• Further up the slip/link exit on the left for Bath/Warminster to join the A36 westbound.
• Travel along the A36 for approximately 10 miles, passing through Codford and Heyyesbury, to reach the roundabout with the A350 at Warminster.
• Take the first exit onto the A350 southbound towards Poole/Blandford.
• Remain on the A350 for approximately 6 miles, passing through Longbridge Deverill, to the junction with the A303 to continue your journey

References

1. ^ Follow our ongoing live blog for more updates on this story. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ #A303 (x.com)
3. ^ #Deverills (x.com)
4. ^ #Chicklade (x.com)