M23 to stay partially closed until tomorrow

Road closures in place on the M23 will remain until tomorrow, officials have confirmed.
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The motorway was closed between junctions 8 and 10 after a lorry went through the central reservation concrete barrier at 3.13am today, which caused the fuel tank to split, spilling diesel in all of the southbound lanes and three of those northbound lanes. The barrier on the inside lane of the M23 northbound was also hit, and badly damaged, Highways England said.

A spokesman added: “London bound traffic is being diverted by the solid black square diversion symbol and should exit the M23 at J10 and head eastbound onto the A264. Follow the A264 until the junction with the A22 and turn north onto the A22. Continue on the A22 until the M25 J6 and join the M25 heading anti clockwise to J7 to rejoin the M23 northbound.”

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Lanes one and two of the M23 southbound were reopened earlier this afternoon, with a clean-up needed of the diesel spill, plus repair work to the barrier. Lanes three and four remain closed due to the damaged barrier.

The spokesman said: “Road users travelling northbound for London Gatwick Airport can exit at J10 and travel west on the A2011 to access the airport.

“Please allow extra time for your journey.”

A new safety barrier will be fitted tonight, and the M23 northbound will be closed until this is completed tomorrow evening, he added. The awkward location of the incident limits a swifter repair due to the lack of available lanes.