The M23 motorway is closed after a fatal crash in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 8 July).
The road is likely to remain closed on the southbound side for the rest of the morning, Sussex Police said.
The crash happened at Junction 9, the Gatwick turn-off, between midnight and 1am, with diversions now in place.
A 38-year-old van driver, from Croydon, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving after a 65-year-old road worker died.
Sussex Police appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to contact the force, saying: “Police are managing the scene of a fatal collision on the M23 southbound at Junction 9 at Crawley this morning.
“The southbound carriageway there is likely to be closed all morning following the collision, which happened just before 1am.
“Diversions are in place and motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes.
“We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Oakcross.”
Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: “A highways worker, a 65-year-old man, from Kent, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage to come forward.
“The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.”
Sussex Police added: “The driver of the van, a 38-year-old man from Croydon, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in custody at this time.”
