Work to improve section of M23 set to begin
Work to create more reliable journeys and improve access to new homes in West Sussex gets underway later this month.
Engineers will upgrade Junction 10 of the M23, near Crawley, over the next 12 months by increasing capacity to help relieve current and future congestion.
The main elements of the work include an additional lane on the M23 northbound and southbound off slips; an additional lane on the A264 Copthorne Way approach; an additional lane on the A2011 Crawley Avenue approach; and widening of the eastern circulatory carriageway.
The improvements will boost economic growth in the region by facilitating the completion of the building of 1,900 homes as part of the nearby Forge Wood development and improving the reliability of the M23 – a key link between London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport.
Preparation works are due to begin from Monday, February 23, but the project has been designed to keep traffic flowing on the main carriageway of the M23.
The project is a joint venture between Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey, in conjunction with National Highways and West Sussex County Council.
The works will be delivered by civil engineering specialists Breheny Civil Engineering.
A spokesperson for Breheny said: “These improvement works have been called for by many residents and businesses, who have been affected by current congestion levels.
“The scheme will provide a significant improvement to traffic in the area once completed.
“There will be some unavoidable disruption while the work is ongoing, with one lane needed to be closed during the construction of the additional lanes to ensure worker and road safety.
“Some full road closures will also be required, but this work will be limited to nighttime and will be kept to the minimum possible.”
Jamie Durrant, project manager at National Highways, said: “This important scheme will stimulate economic growth across the region by supporting the building of up to 1,900 new homes and the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
“We are working closely with our partners to manage the impact of these works, particularly on the M23 carriageway, which is a crucial link between London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport.
“Local communities and businesses will soon benefit from an improved, wider junction, which will make journeys safer and more reliable.”
Breheny has a project website where residents can find more information and register to be updated on the project at www.m23junction10.co.uk.
There is also a public information event being held on Tuesday, February 24 between 5pm and 8pm at Forge Wood Community Centre, Somerly Drive, Crawley, RH10 3SY.
This ‘drop in’ session is open for local residents and businesses to come along to find out more about the project and answer any questions they may have.