A27 police incident explained: Long tailbacks during closure of West Sussex A-road
A medical incident forced the closure of the A27 near Chichester.
National Highways reported, at 7.15am on Monday (January 26), that the A27 was closed both ways between the A259 westbound at Emsworth, and eastbound at Chichester.
Police officers were first called shortly before 5am.
National Highways’ social media post read: “Traffic officers are assisting Sussex Police with an incident on the A27 near Woodmancote and have closed the eastbound carriageway at Emsworth.
"The westbound carriageway has been closed at Chichester by units from Sussex Police themselves.
“As this is an ongoing police incident National Highways is unable to provide more detailed info on the closure.
“Traffic caught within the closures is being turned and released via the rear of the queue.”
Sussex Police reported at 9.20am that the road had reopened.
"The A27 at Southbourne has now reopened following a medical incident earlier this morning,” a Facebook statement read.
"Emergency services were called over concern for a girl's welfare shortly before 5am. She has been taken to hospital.
“The road was closed in both directions while we responded to this emergency.
“Officers have thanked the public for their patience while we responded to this incident.”
There were reports of stationary traffic after the incident. A man was pictured handing out drinks and crisps to motorists stuck in the queues.
An AA Traffic News bulletin read: “All lanes stopped and stationary traffic due to police incident on A27 both ways between A259 (Emsworth Junction) and A259 (Fishbourne Roundabout). Since 5.20am, just east of Emsworth Services.”
National Highways advised eastbound traffic to follow the route marked with a Hollow Diamond symbol on local road signs: exit the A27 eastbound at the Emsworth Interchange; join the A259 eastbound; continue on the A259 to the Fishbourne Roundabout and re-join the A27.
Westbound traffic was advised follow the route marked with a Hollow Triangle symbol on local road signs: exit the A27 westbound at the Fishbourne Roundabout on to the A259; follow the A259 westbound; continue on the A259 to the Emsworth Interchange and re-join the A27.
The government agency added: “Please note there are reports of temporary traffic lights for local utility works on the A259 at Prinstead.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
National Highways reported at 8am that traffic was being ‘turned and released’ via the ‘rear of both queues’. This was facilitated by Sussex Police officers and highways traffic officers.
The agency added: “Thank you for your patience as we assist police in their response to this incident.”
The A27 is now open in both directions following the earlier incident. National Highways said there are ‘no significant delays’ in the area, adding: “Thank you for your patience.”