M23 Closed Near Gatwick After Highway Worker Killed

By Chetan Sharma

A highways worker has died after being struck by a van on the M23 near Gatwick Airport, forcing the southbound motorway to close for several hours and causing disruption on one of the South East’s most important airport routes.

The fatal collision happened shortly before 1am on Wednesday, July 8, on the southbound carriageway at Junction 9 near Crawley. The 65-year-old man, who was from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services arrived.

Sussex Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed. A 38-year-old man from Croydon, who was driving the van, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in custody while the investigation continues.

The crash has closed the M23 southbound between Junction 8 near Merstham and Junction 10 for Crawley. The closure affects traffic heading towards Gatwick Airport, Crawley and parts of West Sussex, with motorists warned to expect delays and use an official diversion route.

What happened on the M23 near Gatwick

The motorway was fully closed at around 1.20am after Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and National Highways traffic officers responded to the incident. The collision involved a van and a highways worker on the southbound carriageway around Junction 9.

Because the incident involved a death, the road has remained shut while specialist officers examine the scene, collect evidence and assess the circumstances that led to the collision. In fatal motorway incidents, closures often continue beyond the initial emergency response because investigators must preserve the scene before traffic can safely return.

Sergeant Chris Ambrose of Sussex Police said the highways worker was tragically pronounced dead at the scene and confirmed that officers are appealing for witnesses. Police have asked anyone who saw the collision, or anyone with dashcam footage from the area, to contact Sussex Police quoting Operation Oakcross.

The arrest of the van driver does not mean a charge has been brought. It allows police to question the driver while officers review evidence, speak to witnesses, examine vehicle movements and consider any available video footage.

Full diversion route for M23 southbound traffic

Drivers affected by the closure have been told to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs. The official route takes traffic away from the closed section and back to the M23 south of the incident.

Motorists should exit the M25 at Junction 6 and take the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne. They should remain on the A22 for around nine miles, passing through South Godstone and Blindley Heath, until reaching the junction with the A264 at Felbridge.

At the traffic lights with the A264, drivers should turn right towards Crawley and Gatwick Airport. They should then continue on the A264 for around five miles, passing Copthorne, before reaching Junction 10 of the M23, where they can continue their journey.

The diversion is likely to be slower than the usual motorway route, especially during busy travel periods. Drivers should avoid relying only on sat-nav shortcuts, as some apps may direct traffic through smaller local roads that are not suitable for heavy diverted motorway traffic.

For related travel disruption and public safety updates, readers can also follow our coverage of major transport and service disruption.

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Why Gatwick passengers are being warned

The M23 is the main motorway link for many drivers travelling to London Gatwick Airport from London, Surrey and the wider South East. A closure between Merstham and Crawley can quickly affect airport journeys because traffic has fewer fast alternatives once it leaves the motorway network.

Anyone heading to Gatwick should check live travel conditions before setting off and allow additional time for airport drop-off, car parks, shuttle transfers and terminal access. Passengers with time-sensitive flights may need to consider rail routes or leave significantly earlier than normal, depending on where they are travelling from.

Local routes around Crawley, Copthorne, Felbridge, Horley and South Godstone may also be busier than usual as diverted traffic moves through the area. Residents and commuters should expect heavier traffic on parts of the A22 and A264 while the closure remains in place.

The death of a highways worker also highlights the danger faced by crews who maintain roads, manage closures and respond to incidents close to live traffic. Many of these operations take place overnight to reduce disruption, but workers can still be exposed to serious risk when vehicles enter work areas or emergency zones.

Police have not released further details about the exact circumstances of the collision. Drivers with information are being urged to contact investigators rather than speculate online, particularly if they travelled through the area around the time of the crash.