M3 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | |
Part of  E05 |
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| Length | 58.6 mi (94.3 km) |
| Existed | 1971–present |
| History | Constructed 1971–95 |
| Major junctions | |
| From | Sunbury-on-Thames (A316) 51°25′00″N 0°25′26″W / 51.4166°N 0.4240°W |
  J2 → M25 motorway Junction 12   J14 → M27 motorway Junction 4 |
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| To | Southampton (M27) 50°57′16″N 1°24′29″W / 50.9545°N 1.4081°W |
| Location | |
| Primary destinations: |
Staines-upon-Thames Bracknell Basingstoke Winchester Southampton |
| Road network | |
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The M3 motorway is a very important road in England. It's a special type of road called a motorway. Motorways are designed for fast and safe travel over long distances. The M3 connects the town of Sunbury-on-Thames near London to the big port city of Southampton.
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What is the M3 Motorway?
The M3 is one of the main motorways in the United Kingdom. It helps people travel between the capital city, London, and the south coast of England. Think of it as a super-highway that makes journeys quicker and smoother. It's built so cars can travel at higher speeds safely, without needing to stop for traffic lights or cross-traffic.
Where Does the M3 Go?
The M3 motorway starts in Sunbury-on-Thames, which is just outside London. From there, it heads southwest, passing by several interesting towns and cities.
- It goes past Staines-upon-Thames, a historic town on the River Thames.
- Next, it's near Bracknell, a modern town known for its business parks.
- Then, it reaches Basingstoke, a large market town in Hampshire.
- Further along, you'll find Winchester, which used to be the capital of England!
- Finally, the M3 ends in Southampton, a major port city where many cruise ships depart.
How Long is the M3?
The M3 motorway is about 58.6 miles (or 94.3 kilometers) long. That's a pretty long drive! It takes about an hour and a half to drive the whole length without any stops, depending on traffic. This long road helps millions of people and goods move across the country every year.
When Was the M3 Built?
Building a motorway is a huge project! The M3 was built in different sections over many years. The first parts of the M3 were opened in 1971. The entire motorway was completed in 1995. This means it took over 20 years to finish the whole road. Each section was carefully planned and constructed to make sure it was safe and efficient for drivers.
Images for kids
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A map showing the route of the M3 motorway in the UK.
