State police temporarily shut down Interstate 293 southbound at mile marker 11 in Hooksett, New Hampshire, on Sunday afternoon after a vehicle fire was reported. The closure affected traffic moving toward the city of Manchester and prompted officials to advise motorists to use alternate routes and anticipate possible delays.
Closure and reopening timeline
The incident occurred early Sunday, leading officers to close the highway to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to address the blaze. Drivers were directed to avoid the affected stretch and to follow signage for detours. At 1:38 p.m., after the fire was extinguished and the roadway inspected, state police announced that all lanes on I-293 southbound were reopened to traffic.
Impact on commuters
Commuters traveling south on I-293 were advised to consider alternate routes, such as using US‑3 or local roads, while the closure was in effect. The temporary disruption was expected to cause minor delays, particularly for those heading to work in Manchester or connecting to I-93.
Safety reminders
State police reminded drivers to stay alert for official traffic updates and to obey any posted signs or instructions from law‑enforcement personnel. In situations involving vehicle fires or other emergencies on the highway, the priority is to protect motorists and first‑responders before restoring normal traffic flow.
What’s next?
Authorities will continue to monitor the I-293 corridor for any further incidents and will provide updates as needed. Motorists are encouraged to check local news outlets or the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s website for real‑time traffic information.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
