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National Highways<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nA vehicle fire and oil spillage clean-up have led to the closure of the southbound carriageway of the M23 near Gatwick Airport.<\/p>\n A National Highways spokesperson said they were made aware of serious fire at around 05:00 GMT. <\/p>\n Emergency resurfacing work is expected to run throughout the night, they added.<\/p>\n The motorway was fully closed southbound shortly before 16:00, between junction eight for the M25 and junction nine for the West Sussex airport, following earlier lane closures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The fire was brought under control, but along with a large diesel spillage there was “severe damage” across all four lanes of the carriageway.<\/p>\n Mark Hallett, operations manager for National Highways in the South East, advised drivers to avoid the area if possible.<\/p>\n “The spillage has caused substantial damage across the carriageway which means it is not safe to drive on until the resurfacing has been completed,” he said.<\/p>\n “We appreciate this is a direct route to Gatwick Airport and a busy part of the strategic road network and understand the inconvenience and disruption caused.<\/p>\n “We are working hard to try and reopen the carriageway as soon as possible and thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while these significant repairs are undertaken.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\nAllow Twitter content?<\/h4>\n