Drivers face severe delays today after the sudden closure of the A3 tunnel due to a serious electrical fault with the tunnel's camera system, compounded by over-running overnight roadworks.

Highways England confirmed the fault and the ongoing roadworks, which have shut the A3 from Liss to Liphook and between the A333 at Hindhead and the A283 at Milford.

Northbound traffic jams on the A3 caused by the closure of the Hindhead Tunnel on March 26.
Traffic gridlock caused by the closure of the A3 tunnel on March 26. (Tindle)

National Highways is working to reopen a lane in each direction through the Hindhead Tunnel as soon as possible but warned that the closure will continue through this morning’s peak travel period.

Signed diversions are in place: northbound traffic should follow the ‘hollow diamond’ symbol from Longmoor using the A325 and A31, while southbound traffic should follow the ‘solid triangle’ symbol from the Stag Hill interchange via the A31 and A325.

The unexpected closure caused gridlock on local roads as traffic was diverted through surrounding villages.

Thursley Parish Council wrote on Facebook: “As a parish council, we are hugely frustrated by the continuing problems with the tunnel; poor communications, inadequate signage etc. We will again be taking this up with Highways England and other stakeholders.”

Drivers are being advised to check traffic conditions before setting out and to delay their journey or use an alternative route where possible.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.