A27 reopens in West Sussex after car fire incident

A diversion was put in place after the major road was closed westbound between the A259 Fishbourne Roundabout and the A259 Emsworth turn-off.

A fire had broken out after 9pm on Monday.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “Last night at 8.44pm we were called to a small vehicle fire on the A27 Westbound between Fishbourne and Warblington.

“Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines to the scene.

“Upon arrival crews found a vehicle well alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using hose reels and jets.

“Crews left the scene at 9.50pm.”

National Highways said on Tuesday afternoon the closure would remain in place ahead of emergency resurfacing works

“National Highways was made aware of a car fire in lane 1 of the A27 at around 9.39pm last night,” a spokesperson said.

"Police closed the westbound carriageway between Fishbourne and Emsworth. The fire service extinguished the fire, and the vehicle was recovered from the scene. The carriageway remained closed due to a large oil and fuel spillage requiring specialist treatment.

“Despite contractors treating and cleaning the affected road surface numerous times, lanes 1 and 2 of the main carriageway plus the entry slip into the layby all require resurfacing.

“A further specialist assessment has been carried out to determine the further work required.

“Prep-work is currently being carried out to the damaged road surface before resurfacing work can commence. The road will remain closed until resurfacing has been completed. We are working hard to complete the remedial work and re-open the carriageway as soon as possible – this will continue until after the rush hour.

“If work goes to plan and there are no unexpected issues with the curing of the new road surface, we expect the closures to be lifted this evening.

“We would like to thank road users and residents for their patience.”