Brighton and Hove commuters face big delays on A23

Thousands of commuters from Brighton and Hove are being held up by up to an hour on their drive to work this morning (Thursday 5 September).

A broken down lorry on the A23 at Handcross Hill – where roadworks are taking place – has caused tailbacks estimated to be six miles long.

Roads in the surrounding area have also become clogged up as drivers try to find a way round the congestion.

The Highways Agency said that the lorry causing the long traffic jam on the A23 northbound was between the B2115 and B2110.

The agency said that one lane was closed between the A272 and the M23, adding: “Normal traffic conditions expected from 9am.”

At 8.45am though the jams had lengthened.

The £77 million project involves widening and straightening the A23 for almost two and a half miles (4km) to make it safer.

Work on the scheme began in October 2011 and is expected to be completed in just over a year’s time.