M23 diversion route as crash involving lorry, minibus and cars shuts motorway

A pile-up of a lorry, minibus and 'a couple of cars' has shut the M23 motorway entirely near Gatwick Airport today (April 18). Traffic has been trapped on the motorway since 11.45am between Junction 9 for Gatwick Airport and Junction 8 for the M25.

An air ambulance attended the scene at 1.15pm alongside Surrey Police who have been contacted for a statement. Congestion has gone back towards Junction 10 for Crawley and Junction 9 for Gatwick Airport.

The motorway was completely closed on both sides, however, the southbound side has now been reopened at about 1.40pm.

READ MORE: M23 pile-up of lorry, minibus and cars causes long delays near Gatwick

National Highways has released a diversion route for travellers to avoid the major disruption. They said road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs:

Exit the M23 at junction 10 and onto the eastbound A264 and travel on this until the junction with the A22. Then turn north onto the A22 and travel on this until junction 6 of the M25

If this closure impacts on your planned route, allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey. Further information is available from National Highways by visiting their website and travel apps, or via their live feed on X. You can also call 0300 123 5000 for up-to-date information.

National Highways have said the incident is expected to clear between 5.30pm and 5.45pm with normal traffic conditions expected between 6.45pm and 7pm.

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