Sussex and Surrey traffic: Collisions on A23, A27 & M23; tree blocks village road; further delays on A24, A21, A259 and M25
Sussex motorists have faced a difficult morning commute with collisions, congestion and roadworks causing lengthy delays across major routes.
There were heavy delays on the A27 westbound, near Chichester, where one car was involved in a collision, on Tuesday morning (May 19).
The incident was reported, by AA Traffic News, before the A285 at Portfield roundabout, near Sainsbury’s. The road was partially blocked and queues were stretching back towards Tangmere.
The AA added: “Queueing traffic for two miles on A27 Chichester Bypass westbound from the A285 (Portfield roundabout) to B2145 Hunston Road (Whyke roundabout). Travel time is 15 minutes.”
Elsewhere in Chichester, traffic was also building eastbound on the A27 Chichester Bypass, between Emsworth Services and the Fishbourne roundabout, with average speeds dropping to around 10mph.
Along the south coast, the A259 saw heavy congestion in several areas. Westbound delays were reported between Rowan Way and Green Lane, while further queues affected Climping between Horsham Road and Church Lane.
Elsewhere in West Sussex, a collision caused problems in the Pycombe area. The AA reported delays on A23 London Road northbound, after the A281 Henfield turn-off. The road was partially blocked and queueing traffic was backing up for around three miles.
The AA added: "Partially blocked and queueing traffic for three miles due to crash on A23 London Road northbound after A281 London Road (Henfield Turn Off). Congestion to the A27 (Patcham Interchange) at Brighton. Travel time is 20 minutes.
“Severe delays of 18 minutes and delays increasing on A23 Brighton Road northbound in West Sussex. Average speed ten mph.”
A collision was also reported on the M23, near Gatwick. The AA reported: “Queueing traffic and two lanes closed due to crash on M23 Southbound from J9 (Gatwick Airport) to J10 A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley). Letting lanes three and four past now.”
Drivers also faced slow journeys around Arundel and Worthing. The A27 at Arundel was congested westbound near Fontwell, while delays were reported on Upper Brighton Road in Worthing and on Crockhurst Hill, where traffic averaged around 10mph.
The A24 northbound at Washington was particularly busy, with delays of around nine minutes and queues building towards the A283 The Pike. Congestion was also affecting Robin Hood Roundabout between Horsham and Crawley.
Drivers in East Sussex also faced disruption after Jevington Road – near Eastbourne – was blocked in both directions by a fallen tree between Old Willingdon Road and the village.
Delays were increasing on the A27 near Lewes, with queues reported westbound towards both Ashcombe Roundabout and the Firle turn-off. The A259 through Saltdean was also heavily congested westbound along Marine Drive.
Further east, slow traffic was reported on the A27 Polegate Bypass westbound approaching Cop Hall roundabout.
Roadworks are continuing to cause disruption on the A21 at Hurst Green, where temporary traffic lights remain in place near Station Road until the end of May. Additional delays are affecting the A21 northbound between Flimwell and Lamberhurst, where queueing traffic is leading to journey times of around 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, drivers travelling towards London were also warned of major disruption on the M25 clockwise near Godstone in Surrey. A stalled truck closed two lanes before Junction 6, with long delays stretching back towards the M26 interchange.
Motorists across Sussex and surrounding areas were advised to allow extra travel time and check live updates before setting off.