M23 - avoid.

[calibrax]

There are currently roadworks on the M23 between the M25 and Gatwick. Up to yesterday it wasn't too bad, three lanes each way, just a bit narrower than usual.

But today the southbound carriageway was cut down to 2 narrow lanes. The result was that traffic was backed up all the way along the M25 to Clacket Lane in the east, and Reigate in the west.

Made a quick call to the Highways Agency today, and the two lane restriction will be there for 8 weeks.

So... avoid it if you can, and if you are booked on a flight from Gatwick, make sure you set off early to allow for delays!

Unfortunately I'm stuck with it as I live in Rochester and my office is right next to the South Terminal at Gatwick...

[calibrax]

Might be better then, but after 7.30am or so it's a nightmare.

[calibrax]

Well, this morning was worse. Traffic started before I even got to Clacket Lane services, and it crawled all the way to Junction 6.

At that point (about 10 miles from Gatwick), Google Maps Navigation was telling me I was still 43 minutes from the office!

So I came off at J6, through Godstone and headed towards Copthorne, which eventually took me out onto the M23 just south of Gatwick. Took less than 30 mins, despite the fact there were roadworks on that route as well.

Think I may have to alter my working hours if this will be going on for weeks...

[calibrax]

Dogwatch said:

A22-> A25-> A23?

Not ideal but might be better if the motorway queues are really bad

Sorry, just noticed this... yes, that's pretty much what I did this morning. May have to try getting on to the A25 earlier than that to avoid the Clacket Lane - J6 traffic.