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M23 collision: Motorway reopens but heavy delays remain hours after major incident near Gatwick Airport

A major crash brought traffic to a standstill on the M23 today (Saturday, March 26).
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Three lanes were closed after a multi-vehicle collision, involving police cars. The M23 was closed northbound from Junction 10 A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley) to M25 interchange.

The incident was first reported around 11.45am, with traffic said to be at a standstill and multiple police officers at the scene.

Recap the live updates as they happened here:

M23 collision: Live updates as major incident brings traffic to a standstill near Gatwick Airport

National Highways: “The closures will remain in place for a number of hours."

“There has been a collision on the M23 northbound resulting in a full closure of the carriageway between J10 and J8 near Gatwick Airport. Police are conducting investigation work at the scene.

“London bound traffic is being diverted by the solid black square diversion symbol and should exit the M23 at J10 and head eastbound onto the A264. Follow the A264 until the junction with the A22 and turn north onto the A22. Continue on the A22 until the M25 J6 and join the M25 heading anti clockwise to J7 to rejoin the M23 northbound.

“Road users travelling northbound for London Gatwick Airport can exit at J10 and travel west on the A2011 to access the airport.

“The closures will remain in place for a number of hours.

“Please allow extra time for your journey.”

‘Please allow extra time for your journey'

Road closed and stationary traffic due to multi-vehicle crash on M23 Northbound from Junction 10 A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley) to M25 interchange.

All traffic is being taken off at J10 because of the accident just after J9 which has reduced the motorway to just one lane.

Severe delays of 58 minutes are said to be increasing on M23 Northbound between J11 A23 (Pease Pottage) and J10 A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley). The average speed is just five mph.

‘All emergency services are working at the scene'

M23 closed near Crawley after major incident

Here’s everything we know so far:

Good afternoon.

A major incident has closed the M23 near Crawley.

Stay tuned for live traffic updates.

Our thoughts are with all those involved in this incident.

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