Two separate diversion routes are in place
Drivers are being encouraged to follow a diversion route on the M23 due to a police incident near Gatwick Airport. The major road has been shut southbound since shortly after 6am (Wednesday, September 10) when police were called to reports of concern over a person’s safety.
The road was blocked in both directions for two hours before northbound traffic was eventually released. Traffic cameras at the scene showed people walking along the opposite empty carriageway before being told to get back in their cars by police.
Trapped southbound traffic is slowly being released via lane four of the motorway, but it is still creating major delays along the route. Live traffic maps show the knock on effect this is having on the M25, with seven miles of congestion surrounding Merstham and the M23 turnoff.
National Highways has put diversion routes in place for both directions of the M25. They are as follows:
M25 anticlockwise
- 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
M25 clockwise
- 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
Surrey Police has told drivers to avoid the area where possible. The delays and closure are having a particular incident on people travelling to Gatwick Airport this morning.
One person replied to National Highways on X: “I have a flight at 11:25 this is unacceptable.”
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