If your Tuesday evening journey uses the A27 westbound through West Sussex, build in extra time before you leave. National Highways lists an overnight closure from Fontwell West Roundabout to Boxgrove Roundabout for 10–14 August, with the road scheduled to close from 8pm until 6am. The work forms part of the A27 Fontwell to Crockerhill resurfacing scheme and may affect journeys towards Chichester.
The practical aim is simple: check the latest status before setting off, understand the signed diversion and prepare the car so a longer night-time route does not become stressful.
What is scheduled tonight?
The published programme covers the A27 westbound between Fontwell West Roundabout and Boxgrove Roundabout. The overnight closure is scheduled for 8pm–6am during the 10–14 August phase. National Highways also warns that closures can change at short notice, so treat the programme as a planning guide rather than a guarantee.
Before leaving, review the National Highways South East maintenance page and its daily closures information. If your journey is flexible, travelling before the closure starts or after it lifts may be easier than following the diversion.
Know the westbound diversion
The published diversion directs westbound traffic off the A27 at Fontwell West Roundabout, then south on the A29 through Fontwell, Westergate and Shripney. Drivers then follow the A259 westbound from Bognor Regis to the A27 at Bognor Roundabout in Chichester, before following the A27 back to Boxgrove Roundabout.
That route is longer and includes town roads, roundabouts and lower-speed sections. Allow a realistic time margin, keep enough fuel or charge for the detour, and avoid relying on a last-second navigation update. A quick paper note of the A29–A259–A27 sequence is useful if phone signal, battery level or a diversion sign becomes difficult to follow.
A five-minute car check before 8pm
- Fuel or charge: leave enough reserve for the diversion and possible slow traffic.
- Tyres and lights: check tyre condition and make sure dipped headlights, brake lights and indicators are working.
- Visibility: clean the windscreen and mirrors, top up screenwash and reduce glare inside the cabin.
- Navigation: enter the destination before moving and ask a passenger to handle updates where possible.
- Essentials: carry water, a charged phone, charging cable, torch and any medicines you may need.
If you feel tired, stop somewhere safe and legal before continuing. A planned pause is better than pushing through fatigue on an unfamiliar diversion.
Prepare for a breakdown without creating another hazard
Keep a high-visibility vest within reach, not buried under luggage. Store a warning triangle securely, but remember that the Highway Code says you should never attempt to place one on a motorway. On other roads, only use it when it is safe to do so and follow current official guidance. If the vehicle develops a problem, move to a safe place where possible, switch on hazard lights and contact your breakdown provider.
An escape tool should be fixed securely inside the passenger compartment where an adult occupant can reach it. Do not leave it loose in the boot or glovebox under heavy items. Familiarity matters: know which end is the seatbelt cutter and which end is intended for tempered side-window glass before an emergency occurs.
JUFO pick for tonight’s roadworks plan
JUFO 3-in-1 Roadside Breakdown Kit — £17.95
A compact UK driver kit combining a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and 2-in-1 window breaker with seatbelt cutter. Keep the vest accessible, the triangle secured and the escape tool mounted within adult reach.
A calm plan for the journey
Check the live closure status shortly before departure, leave earlier than usual, and follow official signs rather than trying to improvise through unsuitable local lanes. Tell someone your expected arrival time if you are travelling late, especially when carrying children or an older passenger.
The resurfacing work is temporary, but a little preparation can make the diversion straightforward. Confirm the latest National Highways information, ready the car before the 8pm closure window and give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing.
