Drivers warned of traffic delays as car fire prompts closure of tunnel used by thousands daily

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves, 


Published: 18/04/2026

- 09:20

Updated: 18/04/2026

- 09:59

Around 43,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel every day

Motorists are being warned of long delays on the road this morning following a car fire near a tunnel used by thousands of people every day.

National Highways is reporting that the Hindhead Tunnel on the A3 has been closed in both directions between the A283 (Milford) and the A333 (Hindhead).


While the northbound tunnel has been reopened, the southbound carriageway remains closed for recovery and clear-up.

Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue and traffic officers from National Highways are on the scene.

The emergency services and traffic officers are working with contractors to clear the scene to allow traffic to return.

GB News has contacted the emergency services for a comment.

Traffic maps from National Highways show the 1.14-mile stretch of the Hindhead Tunnel closed to vehicle access.

Hindhead Tunnel

Hindhead Tunnel remains closed following a vehicle fire on the A3

|

PA

Current estimates suggest that the event is expected to clear by 10am, with normal traffic conditions returning at a similar time.

However, these estimates could be extended further as the clear-up operation could take longer than initially believed.

Delays are building up further north on the A3 between the A320 and A31 near Guildford, with stationary traffic seen on National Highways maps.

\u200bNational Highways is warning of long delays on the A3 this morning

National Highways is warning of long delays on the A3 this morning

|

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

A diversion route has been launched by National Highways, although this will require road users to exit the A3 before the closure points.

The transport organisation stated: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

"Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Hindhead Tunnel

Hindhead Tunnel was officially opened in 2011

|

PA

Drivers should follow the route marked with a solid triangle symbol on local road signs

  • Exit the A3 onto the A31 (Hogs Back) westbound at Stag Hill, near Guildford
  • Continue to the roundabout with the A325 at Farnham
  • Take the first exit onto the A325
  • Continue to the Longmoor Interchange with the A3
  • Take the second exit on the roundabout to re-join the A3 Southbound