The M23 motorway remains closed southbound between Junction 8 for Redhill and Junction 9 for Gatwick Airport due to a police incident. The northbound carriageway reopened at 8:30am after being shut for over three hours during rush hour.
Surrey Police are leading the operation due to what they describe as a "concern for safety". The incident was first reported at 5:30am this morning, causing severe disruption during peak travel time.
Airport access disrupted
Travellers heading to Gatwick Airport face significant delays and must use alternative routes. The closure affects the crucial motorway link between the M25 orbital road and the UK's second busiest airport.
Drivers experienced delays of up to 60 minutes on the northbound carriageway before it reopened. Emergency services remain at the scene with full details of the incident yet to emerge.
Traffic management response
National Highways has established detailed diversion routes for motorists. M25 clockwise traffic is diverted via Junction 6 to the A22 southbound, then the A264 towards Crawley Interchange.
M25 anti-clockwise traffic must exit at Junction 9 onto the A243, follow the A24 towards Horsham, then take the A264 to rejoin the M23 at Junction 11. Airport-bound traffic can then access Gatwick via Junction 9.
MyLondon reports that police officers walked along the motorway to communicate directly with stranded drivers about lane reopening plans. Metro reports that traffic analysis company Inrix has characterised the incident as "serious".
Wider transport impact
The motorway closure compounds existing transport disruption in the region. Metro reports that concurrent London Tube strikes are adding to travel difficulties for commuters and airport passengers.
The southbound carriageway remains closed with no confirmed reopening time. National Highways continues to monitor the situation and advise motorists to allow extra time for journeys.
Sources used: "Mirror", "MyLondon", "Express", "Metro"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
