A MAJOR motorway has been closed in both directions due to a police incident.
Motorists travelling on the M23 have been warned of hour-long delays near Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, this morning.
Emergency crews were scrambled to Junction 8, for Redhill, and Junction 10, for Gatwick, just after 6am.
Northbound traffic was halted by cops while the southbound carriageway remains completely closed off.
Surrey Police confirmed the busy route had been shut due to “safety concerns”.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police were called to a concern for safety on the M23 between junctions 8 and 9 just after 6am.
“Officers are still on scene, and the road is currently closed in both directions.
“We are asking people to avoid the area at this time. Thank you for your patience, we will update in due course.”
Commuters took to social media to express their frustration following the closure.
One fumed: “Avoid the M23 travelling North near Gatwick. Traffic at a standstill since 06:20.
“Please would you tell us how much longer we will be stuck on the M23? No one has moved for almost an hour and a half.”
National Highways has since posted an update on X, informing drivers northbound traffic has been released.
The service added: “The M23 remains CLOSED southbound between J8 Redhilll and J9 Gatwick Airport.
“Traffic on the northbound carriageway has been released.
“Surrey Police are on scene. The are currently 60 min delays northbound.”
Inrix is reporting congestion and delays to Junction 10, for the M25, and on the A22 diversion route.
Traffic monitoring site previously said: “M23 in both directions closed, severe delays due to incident between J9 and J8.
“Congestion to J10, and on the A22 diversion from Newchapel to Godstone. Incident is on the northbound carriageway.”
Diversions for the M25
SOUTHBOUND
Traffic is diverted from the M25 at J9 (Leatherhead)
Exit at J9 on to the A243 southbound
At the next roundabout (Knoll Roundabout) take the 2nd exit on to the A24
Remain on the A24 heading towards Horsham
At Great Daux Roundabout, take the 1st exit on to the A264
Continue travelling on the A264 until the M23 J11 (Pease Pottage Interchange)
London Gatwick Airport traffic will enter the M23 northbound and exit at J9
NORTHBOUND
Traffic is diverted from the M25 at J6 (Godstone)
Exit at J6 on to the A22 southbound
Remain on the A22 travelling towards Felbridge
Turn right on to the A264 towards M23 J10 (Crawley Interchange)
London Gatwick Airport traffic will enter the M23 northbound and exit at J9
The motorway closure comes as thousands of commuters face “pure carnage” in London while Tube workers go on strike.
Huge queues have been seen forming at bus and rail stations across the capital this week.
The walkout is in relation to an escalating row over pay and working conditions.
Tube services ground to a halt at around 6pm on Sunday, with services not expected to start up again until around 8am on Friday.
Traffic has been halted in both directions following the police-led incident Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
