A MOTORWAY has been closed in both directions after a crash in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency repairs are being carried out on the M23 at Crawley between junction 8 and junction 10.

Highways teams have been working through the morning to repair the road surface after fuel spilled from a lorry which was involved in an accident.

The vehicle came to rest on the central reservation at 3.30am, and diesel fuel was spilled on the carriageway.

The Argus: The M23 is closed in both directionsThe M23 is closed in both directions

It has now been recovered, but efforts to clear the fuel and make repairs to the surface are ongoing.

Diversions via the A264 Copthorne and the A22 through Godstone are in place so traffic can reach the M25.

Motorists are being warned to follow diversions in place.

The Argus: Emergency highways repairs on the M23 at Crawley which is closed in both directionsEmergency highways repairs on the M23 at Crawley which is closed in both directions

Highways England said: "The M23 junction 8 Crawley to junction 10 Merstham is CLOSED in BOTH directions due to a Road Traffic Collision.

"Emergency services are on scene.

"Closures are being implemented so please take care passing scene."

 

Surrey Road Policing Unit said: "Both closures are likely to be in place  for most of the day due to a significant diesel spill following a collision involving a HGV."

Sergeant Richard Hobbs from Sussex Road Policing Unit said motorists travelling in and out of Sussex and to Gatwick Airport should allow extra time for their journeys.