Drivers are being warned of long delays on the M23 this morning near Gatwick Airport as the Easter rush begins, bringing millions of vehicles onto the road.
The M23 in West Sussex is closed northbound between J10 (Crawley) and J9 (London Gatwick Airport) due to a "serious single vehicle collision".
National Highways has confirmed that its traffic officers are at the scene, with Sussex Police managing the incident.
The transport organisation is warning drivers that they face severe delays of more than 90 minutes, in addition to five miles of congestion.
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It added: "Due to the serious nature of the collision, the road is expected to remain closed for several hours."
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "We are currently investigating a serious single vehicle collision that happened between Junctions nine and 10 on the M23 just after 5am on Thursday, April 2.
"Emergency services responded after a car, carrying two men and a woman and travelling north, was in collision with the central reservation and a tree.
Police have stopped traffic on the M23 this morning
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"We appreciate your patience and understanding as emergency services remain at the scene.
"The northbound carriageway will be closed for a number of hours while the investigation continues."
National Highways has introduced a diversion route for motorists to follow while the motorway remains closed.
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Drivers are facing long delays of 90 minutes near Gatwick Airport
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Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M23 at J10 and take the 3rd exit at the roundabout to head onto the eastbound A264
- Follow the A264 to the junction with the A22 and turn left onto the A22.
- Continue on the A22 to the M25 J6 and join the M25
- Follow the M25 clockwise to J7 to rejoin the M23 and continue your journey
National Highways has reported five miles of congestion on the approach to J10
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The collision comes as millions of drivers hit the road to see friends and family over the Easter break, with data from the RAC suggesting that as many as 2.3 million trips are planned today.
Good Friday on April 3 is expected to be the busiest day for traffic, with around 3.3 million leisure trips taking place across the UK.
A further 6.7 million trips are anticipated over the bank holiday weekend, although motorists have not yet decided when to make the journey.
In total, almost 21 million leisure trips are planned, making it the busiest Easter on the road since the aftermath of the Covid pandemic in 2022.