M23 closure update

A morning crash has closed the M23 northbound between junction 8 and the A237, with diversions in place and officials managing the scene.

M23 closure near M25 lasts after morning crash

The M23 northbound is closed between J8, where it meets the M25, and the A237 at Coulsdon after a crash around 6:45 am. National Highways says the closure will last for several hours and there is no reopening time yet. Surrey Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service are at the scene and a police collision investigation is underway.

Drivers are being diverted via local routes and told to re-route or delay their journeys while the incident is cleared. The disruption is likely to ripple across nearby routes, potentially affecting the M25 junctions and surrounding streets during the morning peak.

The shutdown shows how quickly a single incident can disrupt a busy regional network. The M23 is a key link for commuters and freight into Surrey, and a closure of this length tests both public patience and the capacity of backup routes. Clear, timely updates from authorities will be crucial to keep traffic moving and prevent secondary gridlock.

The response will depend on signage, coordination with local roads, and the willingness of drivers to adjust plans. Authorities should consider temporary measures to ease congestion on alternative routes and communicate changes to minimize confusion for road users in the area.

Highlights

Updates will be issued as the scene develops and the investigation progresses.