The incident has led to long queues, heavy congestion, and extended delays, affecting one of the busiest routes connecting London to the south coast.

Authorities have urged drivers to avoid the area and follow diversion routes as emergency services continue to manage the situation. With traffic building rapidly, the disruption is expected to impact travel plans throughout the morning.

M23 Traffic Chaos: When Did the M23 Crash Occur?

The collision took place early on Thursday morning, April 2, at around 5:30 am. The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway between Junction 10 (Crawley) and Junction 9 (Gatwick Airport).

Due to the severity of the crash, authorities moved quickly to shut the affected stretch of the motorway. Emergency responders, including police and traffic officers, arrived on the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

The early timing of the crash has made the disruption more severe, as it coincided with peak commuter and airport traffic hours.

M23 Traffic Chaos: M23 Closed Near Gatwick - What is the Current Traffic Situation?

The northbound section of the M23 remains fully closed, leading to long tailbacks and heavy congestion in surrounding areas. Traffic authorities have warned that delays are continuing to build as vehicles are diverted away from the motorway.

"Due to the serious nature of the collision, the road is expected to remain closed for several hours," officials said.

Queues have stretched for miles, with drivers experiencing significant delays while attempting to reroute. Traffic conditions are expected to remain difficult until the road is cleared and reopened.

M23 Traffic Chaos: Diversion Routes

Drivers have been advised to follow the official diversion route marked by the solid square symbol on road signs. The recommended alternative route is designed to guide motorists safely around the closure.

• Exit the M23 at Junction 10
• Take the third exit onto the A264 eastbound
• Continue on the A264 until reaching the A22
• Turn left onto the A22 and follow it to M25 Junction 6
• Join the M25 clockwise
• Exit at Junction 7 to rejoin the M23

This diversion is expected to handle a high volume of traffic, so delays are still likely even along the alternative route. Authorities have urged drivers to allow extra travel time.

M23 Traffic Chaos: Delays Today - How Long Are the Queues?

Traffic reports indicate delays of up to one and a half hours on the affected route. In some areas, motorists are experiencing delays of around 50 minutes to 90 minutes compared to normal travel times.

"There are currently delays of 50 minutes against expected traffic."

Traffic agencies expect conditions to gradually improve later in the morning, with normal flow potentially returning around 10 am, depending on how quickly the scene is cleared.

M23 Traffic Chaos Today: Gatwick Airport Open or Closed?

Despite the disruption on the M23, Gatwick Airport remains open and operational. Flights are continuing as scheduled, and there has been no official announcement of airport closures.

However, passengers travelling to the airport are strongly advised to leave earlier than planned due to heavy traffic and delays on key access routes.

Airport authorities recommend checking flight status in advance and considering alternative transport options where possible to avoid missing departures.

M23 Traffic Chaos Today: Emergency Response & Ongoing Situation

Emergency services, including police and traffic officers, are currently on-site managing the situation and assisting with traffic control. Recovery operations are underway, but officials have indicated that clearing the scene may take several hours.

The presence of multiple response teams highlights the seriousness of the collision. Authorities are prioritising safety while working to reopen the motorway as soon as possible.

Drivers are being urged to stay updated through official traffic channels and avoid unnecessary travel in the affected area.

M23 Traffic Chaos: When Can M23 Traffic Reopen?

There is no exact confirmed reopening time yet, but authorities have indicated that the closure is expected to last for several hours after the early morning crash.

According to updates from traffic officials, the seriousness of the collision means crews need time for vehicle recovery, road clearance, and safety checks before reopening the motorway. Emergency services remain at the scene, and traffic officers are managing diversions.

Based on current estimates, traffic conditions may begin to gradually improve later in the morning, with some expectations that normal flow could return around mid-morning (around 10 am) if recovery work progresses smoothly. However, this timeline is not guaranteed and may change depending on how complex the clean-up operation is.

M23 Traffic Chaos Today: What Drivers Should Do Now?

• Avoid the M23 northbound stretch if possible
• Follow official diversion routes via A264, A22, and M25
• Allow extra travel time, especially for airport journeys
• Keep checking live traffic updates before starting your trip

In short, while reopening may happen later this morning, significant delays will likely continue beyond that, so planning remains crucial.

M23 Traffic Chaos: What This Means for Commuters & Travellers?

The closure of the M23 has created a ripple effect across nearby roads, increasing congestion across the region. Commuters, airport passengers, and delivery services are all facing delays.

Those planning to travel through the area should consider alternative routes, delay non-essential trips, or use public transport where possible.

With peak-hour traffic already impacted, disruptions may continue into the late morning, making it essential for travellers to plan.