Overturned lorry prompts major road closure as emergency services deal with recovery and diesel spill
Drivers are facing long delays on the A303 this morning after a heavy goods vehicle overturned, causing havoc in Wiltshire.
The A303 remains closed in both directions after an overturned lorry forced the roads to close between the A350 at Chicklade and the B3092 at Mere.
National Highways reported the incident at 7.11am when the lorry, which was carrying fruit and vegetables, overturned on the road.
The vehicle struck the nearside barrier before coming to rest on its side across the carriageway, blocking the road for motorists.
All emergency services are on the scene, while traffic officers from National Highways are assisting with road management.
Police and fire teams will ensure the scene is safe for responders and the public before any recovery work can begin.
The transport organisation highlighted how this will include assessing the stability of the overturned lorry, securing the area and managing traffic.
Once this safety phase is completed, specialist recovery teams will be required, which could take a long time.
National Highways warned that the recovery process would be complex and take a long time
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Given the size and position of the lorry, heavy lifting equipment, including cranes, will be required to remove it from the carriageway.
National Highways stated: “After the lorry has been recovered, attention will turn to the condition of the road itself.
“A diesel spill has been reported, which will need to be treated.
“Diesel can weaken or damage road surfaces, so the carriageway will also be inspected to ensure it is safe before traffic can be allowed back through.”
A crane may be needed to recover the overturned lorry from the A303
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Normal traffic conditions on the A303 are not expected to return until this afternoon
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The damaged roadside barrier will also need to be assessed and immediate repairs will be carried out.
National Highways stated that the road cannot reopen until it is safe for drivers, with the organisation describing it as an “important part of the process”.
Current traffic maps data suggest that normal traffic conditions are expected to return at around 1.30pm, although this is likely to change again.
A diversion route has been set out to help drivers navigate around the area without using the A303.
The roadside barrier will also need to be assessed before the road can be reopened
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