A major stretch of the A27 in West Sussex was closed in both directions early on Monday after police confirmed they were dealing with an ongoing incident, causing widespread disruption during the morning rush hour, reports The WP Times.
The closure was introduced in the early hours of Monday, 26 January 2026, and affects the A27 between the A259 junction at Emsworth and the A259 near Chichester. Traffic monitoring services first recorded disruption shortly after 05:20 GMT, with the incident formally logged at around 05:40 GMT. By approximately 06:00 GMT, traffic on both carriageways had come to a standstill and the road was fully closed as emergency services attended the scene.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed that officers had closed the A27 while responding to an ongoing police incident. Drivers were advised to avoid the area where possible and to seek alternative routes. Police said no further details could be released at this stage while the incident remains active.
National Highways said its traffic officers were assisting police near Woodmancote. The agency confirmed that the eastbound carriageway was closed at Emsworth, while the westbound carriageway was closed at Chichester by police units. Because the incident is ongoing, National Highways said it was unable to provide more detailed information or an estimated time for reopening.
Alternative routes
Diversion routes have been put in place and are signposted on local roads. Eastbound traffic is being diverted off the A27 at the Emsworth Interchange, onto the A259 eastbound, continuing to the Fishbourne Roundabout, where drivers can rejoin the A27. Westbound traffic is being diverted off the A27 at the Fishbourne Roundabout, along the A259 westbound, before rejoining the A27 at the Emsworth Interchange.
Drivers travelling between Chichester, Emsworth and other south coast destinations are being advised to allow extra time, particularly during peak commuting hours. Local roads are experiencing heavier than usual traffic as a result of the closure.
The A27 is one of the main east–west routes along England’s south coast, and the closure has caused knock-on delays on surrounding roads. Motorists have been urged to check live traffic updates before travelling and to delay non-essential journeys if possible.
As of 07:53 GMT, the A27 remained closed in both directions. Authorities said the road would stay shut until police confirm it is safe to reopen. Further updates are expected later in the day as the situation develops.
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