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A portion of the A27 near Chichester remains shut following a vehicle blaze.
Details of the incident
The main road through Chichester is impassable in both lanes between the A259 junction at Bognor Road Roundabout and the A285 junction at Portfield Roundabout.
Significant congestion has built up throughout the surrounding area.
Traffic authorities are noting hold-ups from the A285 intersection near Halnaker and Petworth through to Bognor Road Roundabout. Additional delays are being recorded at Bognor Road Roundabout heading eastbound between the A27 Chichester Bypass at Whyke Roundabout and the A27 at Oving Crossroads.
Emergency services have been approached for additional details.
What we know so far
The A27 Chichester Bypass carriageway is blocked in both directions between the A259 and A285 junctions.
Heavy queuing continues to affect the locality.
Road operators are indicating substantial tailbacks in the sections affected by the closure.
Representatives from Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue have been asked to comment.
Fire service confirmation
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue stated that crews were dispatched at 11.50am after reports of a small fire involving a vehicle on the A27 Chichester Bypass.
Two fire appliances were sent from the joint control centre.
On arrival, firefighters discovered a car well alight. Crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames using a high pressure hose reel.
The team departed the location at 12.48pm. The highway remains shut and motorists are being told to steer clear of the zone.
Police have indicated they are working alongside the fire service and the local authority highways department to manage temporary traffic restrictions.
Latest situation
The highway closure has now been removed but queuing vehicles continue to build up.
Single lane still blocked
One carriageway continues to be inaccessible with a single lane still shut.
Travel disruption
Traffic observers continue to flag heavy conditions along the affected stretch.
Motorists travelling on Portfield Roundabout heading westbound between the A27 and the Chichester Bypass should anticipate mounting wait times.