The M23 suffered major disruption near Gatwick Airport on Wednesday after a highways worker was killed in a horror crash.
Emergency services were called before 1am to a collision between a van and the worker on the Junction 9 southbound carriageway near Crawley.
A 65-year-old man from Kent was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 38-year-old man from Croydon, who was the driver of the van, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.
The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to remained closed until around 2.30pm, with police carrying out investigations, according to National Highways.
Follow the latest updates below...
M23 reopens
14:58 , Tom Place
The M23 has now reopened between Junctions 8 and 10.
National Highways has confirmed there are no significant delays on approach.
Still delays of 25 minutes on M23
13:54 , Tom Place
National Highways has advised drivers to take steps to prepare for “extreme heat” today amid the long delays caused by this morning’s crash.
The M23 by Gatwick Airport remains closed south in between Junctions 8 and 10 while clean up of the carriageway remains ongoing.
There are currently delays of 25 minutes & 2 miles of congestion on approach.
The #M23 by @Gatwick_Airport remains closed south in between J8 #M25 junction & J10 #Crawley following a serious collision.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) July 8, 2026
Clean up of the carriageway remains ongoing.
Current delays of 25 minutes & 2 miles of congestion on approach.
Diversion info: https://t.co/jsfZm0nvVj pic.twitter.com/fGqoTccQdR
Section of M23 closed until 'late afternoon'
12:05 , Tom Place
National Highways has confirmed that the M23 by Gatwick Airport will remain closed southbound between J8 & J10 until “late afternoon.”
The #M23 by @Gatwick_Airport remains closed southbound J8 (#M25 junction) & J10 (#Crawley) following a serious collision.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) July 8, 2026
The road is expected to remain closed until late afternoon as police investigations are ongoing.
Diversion info:https://t.co/jsfZm0nvVj#GatwickAirport pic.twitter.com/UNYUaRo3zf
Sussex Police investigating crash
11:53 , Tom Place
Sussex Police have called for any witnesses to this morning’s crash to come forward.
Speaking early this morning, Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: “A highways worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward.
“The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.”
Gatwick warns passengers to allow more time for their journey
11:39 , Tom Place
Gatwick Airport has advised anyone driving to there today to leave more time for their journey due to the serious road traffic collision.
Anyone driving to London Gatwick this morning (8 July) is advised to leave more time for their journey due to a serious road traffic collision. The M23 in Surrey is closed southbound between J8 (near Merstham) and J10 (Crawley). pic.twitter.com/i3uvqTLIRd
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) July 8, 2026
Diversion route during M23 closure
11:29 , Tom Place
National Highways has shared the route for motorists during the closure on the M23:
- Follow the hollow diamond symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 at J6 and take the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne
- Remain on the A22 for approximately nine miles, passing through South Godstone and Blindley Heath, to reach the junction with the A264 at Felbridge
- At the traffic lights with the A264, turn right towards Crawley/Gatwick Airport
- Remain on the A264 for approximately 5 miles, passing Copthorne, to reach J10 of the M23 to continue your journey
Section of M23 remains closed
11:20 , Tom Place
A section of the M23 has been closed for hours near Gatwick Airport after the incident this morning.
Drivers face severe delays as the motorway is expected to remain shut into the afternoon while a crash investigation is carried out
National Highways said: “Due to the serious nature of the incident, Sussex Police investigations remain ongoing and will continue to take place throughout the day. The carriageway is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon.
“Road users heading to London Gatwick Airport this morning are advised to allow plenty of extra time and to consider alternative routes.”
Delays contunue to building in both directions.
Van driver arrested following fatal crash on M23
11:11 , Tom Place
A van driver has been arrested after a highways worker died in a crash on the M23 at Crawley in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called before 1am to a collision between a van and a highways worker on the Junction 9 southbound carriageway.
A 65-year-old man from Kent was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 38-year-old man from Croydon, who was the driver of the van, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.
