10:38am Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Chris Gregory
MOTORISTS faced a hellish commute into Basingstoke this morning after roadworks caused massive tailbacks.
Hampshire County Council kept a small section of the northbound A339 closed this morning after overnight work to replace the joints on the Eastrop Flyover.
A diversion took traffic heading north on the A339 onto Churchill Way East, up to the Eastrop Roundabout, and then back along Churchill Way East and back on to the A339.
The resulting tailback caused queues back to junction five and seven from junction six of the M3 during the rush hour period.
There were also reports of congestion on other parts of the ring road and around Basingstoke, including the A30 near Hook.
The A339 reopened at 10.30am.
James Royston, 25, set off for work in Basingstoke from his home in Potbridge Road, near Odiham, at 8.15am this morning, but was still stuck in traffic by 10.20am between junction six and five of the southbound M3.
His journey to his office at Devlin Electronics, in Grafton Way, West Ham, normally takes 20 minutes.
He said: “The slow lane is just queued up to get into Basingstoke and the middle and fast lanes are moving very slowly. It’s ridiculous.
“I do not know what is going on – there’s been no communication.”
* Were you stuck in the traffic chaos this morning? Did you have prior warning about the roadworks? To tell your story, call The Gazette on 01256 337414 or email newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk
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