A key stretch of the A27 in West Sussex has been closed in both directions this morning as police and emergency services respond to a serious welfare-related incident, causing widespread disruption for drivers travelling between Emsworth and Chichester. Traffic has been building steadily since the early hours, with motorists diverted onto surrounding routes that are now experiencing heavy congestion.
The closure affects one of the busiest east–west corridors along the south coast, used daily by commuters, freight vehicles and school traffic. Sussex Police were called to the Southbourne area shortly after 6am following reports raising concern for the welfare of a young person. Officers, alongside ambulance crews and highways teams, remain at the scene as the situation continues to unfold.
Shortly after 7.30am, police confirmed that the A27 had been shut in both directions to allow emergency responders to work safely. Drivers were urged to avoid the area entirely where possible, with warnings that delays would be significant and conditions could change quickly as traffic was managed and released in stages.
What we know so far
- A27 closed both ways between Emsworth and Chichester.
- Police responding to a welfare-related medical incident.
- Traffic being turned around and released in controlled stages.
- Severe delays reported on diversion routes including the A259.
National Highways traffic officers were dispatched to assist with road management, helping Sussex Police clear trapped vehicles and prevent queues from backing up further along the dual carriageway. Crews have been working from both ends of the closure, carefully releasing traffic to reduce the risk of gridlock.
Drivers diverted away from the A27 have been funneled toward the A259, which has quickly become congested in both directions. Motorists are also reporting slow progress through nearby villages, including Westbourne, Funtington and East Ashling, as local roads absorb the excess traffic. Average speeds in some areas have dropped sharply, with stop-start conditions persisting throughout the morning.
Authorities have stressed that closures linked to emergency and welfare incidents can be unpredictable in length. Reopening the road depends not only on clearing vehicles but also on ensuring the safety of everyone involved and completing necessary checks before traffic is allowed to resume normally.
Drivers planning journeys across West Sussex today are being advised to delay travel if possible, consider alternative routes well away from the A27 corridor, or switch to public transport where feasible. Anyone already on the road should follow signed diversion routes rather than relying solely on navigation apps, which may direct traffic onto unsuitable local streets.
For the most reliable, real-time updates on road status, motorists can monitor official alerts from National Highways, which continues to coordinate traffic management alongside local police.
We will continue to follow developments closely and update this page as more information becomes available. For ongoing breaking traffic and travel coverage across the UK, visit Swikblog.
Driver reminder: Do not use your phone while driving. If you need to check updates, pull over safely and always follow instructions from police and traffic officers on scene.
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