Reading, Wokingham, and London Drivers Stranded in Rush Hour Chaos as M4 Remains Closed for Repairs

The M4 motorway in Berkshire is closed in both directions between Junction 10 (A329M/Wokingham) and Junction 11 (Reading) today, following significant structural damage to a power line pylon near the road. The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have reported that emergency repairs are underway and that the motorway is expected to remain shut throughout the rush hour period and into the early morning of Wednesday, February 18.

This unexpected closure has caused significant disruption, particularly for those traveling during the busy workday. The M4, a key route connecting London and Wales, is heavily used by both business commuters and tourists. With the closure, National Highways has issued an advisory, urging all motorists to plan ahead and account for extra travel time. Diversion routes have been set up, but drivers should be prepared for longer journeys.

Impact on Business and Leisure Travel

The M4 closure is affecting both business travelers and tourists, with many relying on this major road to get to Reading, London, and other areas. For businesses operating in Berkshire, the closure could delay deliveries, employee commutes, and meetings, particularly in Reading, a key economic hub. Companies relying on timely access to the M4 are advised to allow for more time and consider alternative routes or modes of transport.

For tourists, this disruption adds stress to travel plans, especially for those visiting Reading, Wokingham, or nearby Stonehenge, a popular tourist attraction not far from the M4. If you are planning to visit Windsor, Oxford, or the Cotswolds, the disruption may add significant delays to your journey, especially during peak travel hours.

Details of the M4 Closure and Diversion Routes

The closure is caused by structural damage to a power line pylon, which is currently being repaired by SSEN. Given the extent of the damage, the M4 will remain closed until at least Thursday morning. Emergency teams are working around the clock to restore the area to safe operation, but until then, drivers are advised to follow diversion routes and expect significant delays.

Diversion Routes for Affected Drivers

For those traveling westbound on the M4, the recommended diversion route is as follows:

1. Exit M4 at Junction 10: Leave the motorway and join the A329(M) towards Reading.
2. Continue to the Winnersh Interchange: At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Wharfedale Road.
3. Join the A3290: Continue until you reach the B3270 Lower Earley Way, which will lead you towards Junction 11 of the M4.

For drivers heading eastbound, the diversion is as follows:

1. Exit M4 at Junction 11: Leave the motorway and follow B3270 Lower Earley Way.
2. Continue to A3290: Once on the A3290, follow signs for the Wharfedale Road.
3. Rejoin the M4 at Junction 10: After completing the diversion, you can re-enter the M4 at Junction 10.

These diversions are expected to cause delays, so travelers should plan for extra time, especially during peak hours.

Travel Tips for M4 Users

1. Check Live Traffic Updates: Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or National Highways’ website to check the latest traffic conditions before heading out. Stay informed about the status of the M4 closure and ongoing repairs.
2. Allow Extra Time: The closure is expected to last throughout rush hour and into the morning of February 18, so drivers should allow extra time for their journeys to account for the diversions and delays.
3. Use Public Transport: If possible, consider using public transport options, especially for those who rely on the M4 to travel between Reading and London. Train services might provide an alternative route that avoids the traffic disruption.
4. Avoid Peak Travel Hours: If your trip is flexible, avoid traveling during the morning rush hour when the impact of the closure is likely to be the most significant. Consider leaving either early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce your time on the road.
5. Follow Diversion Signs: If you are using the diversion routes, make sure to follow the road signs carefully. While the diversions are well-signposted, it’s still important to stay alert for any changes or updates during your journey.

Ongoing Efforts to Clear the M4

SSEN and National Highways are working diligently to ensure the repairs to the power line pylon are completed as quickly and safely as possible. While delays are expected, efforts are being made to restore the M4 to full operation by Thursday, ensuring that traffic can flow smoothly again.

For travelers who have been impacted by this disruption, the key advice is to stay patient and remain informed. The M4 is a vital route, and its closure is a significant inconvenience for many, but with proper planning, the impact of the disruption can be minimized.

Key Points for Travelers

• M4 Closure: The M4 between Junction 10 (A329M/Wokingham) and Junction 11 (Reading) is closed due to emergency repairs after a power line pylon was damaged.
• Diversion Routes: Diversions are in place, but expect delays, especially during rush hour. Follow the A329(M) and A3290 for alternative routes.
• Emergency Repairs: The closure is expected to last through the morning of February 18, with ongoing repairs by SSEN.
• Allow Extra Time: Travelers are advised to plan ahead and leave additional time for their journeys due to the diversion and possible delays.
• Use Public Transport: Consider alternative routes, such as train services, to bypass the M4 closure and avoid delays.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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M4 Catastrophic Closure, Emergency Work and Severe Delays Disrupt Travel Plans Across Berkshire, Here Is What You Need To Know

Commuters, holidaymakers, and business travellers using the M4 motorway in Berkshire were met with serious travel disruption overnight and into rush hour as the motorway was fully closed in both directions between Junction 10 (Wokingham/Bracknell) and Junction 11 (Reading/Basingstoke) for urgent emergency repairs.

The closure, confirmed by National Highways, followed the discovery of structural damage to a high‑voltage power line pylon located adjacent to the motorway. Utility crews from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) were deployed to carry out critical repairs ahead of forecast strong winds, while traffic management teams coordinated diversion routes and traveller messaging.

This section of the M4 — a vital east–west artery linking London with South Wales — remains blocked beyond the typical morning peak, with lengths of congestion already extending westbound toward Junctions 8 and 9 near Maidenhead and eastbound back toward Junction 12 (Theale).

Why the M4 Is Closed: Power Infrastructure Repairs

The closure stems from emergency works required to address damage to a transmission tower near the motorway. Such structures carry extremely high‑voltage lines — often up to 400,000 volts — and any instability presents serious safety concerns for both road users and network integrity.

Teams worked through the night to assess and begin repairing the pylon to prevent potential collapse or further damage, particularly with a forecast of stronger winds in the region. The operation involves specialised high‑voltage safety procedures and heavy equipment, making it both essential and time‑intensive.

Current Traffic Situation: Delays and Congestion

The M4 closure has caused:

• Severe congestion westbound with traffic backing toward Junctions 8/9 (Maidenhead).
• Eastbound queues building from Junction 12 (Theale) as vehicles pool onto local road networks.
• Heavy demand on diversion routes — particularly rural roads ill‑equipped for motorway volumes — leading to slower travel.

Official Diversion Routes and Driver Advice

National Highways has outlined diversion routes marked on road signs to help drivers re‑join the M4 beyond the closure:

Westbound Diversion (toward J11):

1. Exit M4 at J10.
2. Follow the A329(M) toward Reading.
3. Continue via the local road network (A3290 / B3270) to re‑join the M4 at J11.

Eastbound Diversion (toward J10):

1. Leave at J11 via the B3270 Lower Earley Way.
2. Continue on A3290 and Wharfedale Road to join A329(M).
3. Re‑enter the M4 at J10.

Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, consider alternative journeys, or delay non‑essential travel until the carriageway reopens.

Impact on Tourists and Business Travellers

Tourists

For travellers heading to popular destinations like Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, or the West Country from the southeast, today’s closure could result in:

• Missed rail or flight connections when relying on road transfers to airports or stations.
• Longer journey times to attractions such as Windsor Castle, Cotswolds villages, or Cornwall’s coastlines.

Quick tip: Where possible, use train services from Reading or Wokingham, which may provide alternatives to long coach journeys through congestion.

Business Travel

Morning meetings, conferences, or trade events across the M4 corridor — including Heathrow Airport and Reading’s business hubs — may be disrupted due to prolonged travel times.

Quick tip: Where feasible, switch to rail (e.g., Great Western Railway) or adjust meeting times to accommodate delays.

Step‑by‑Step Guidance for Affected Drivers

Step 1: Check the latest status before departure via official apps such as Traffic England or National Highways feed.
Step 2: Follow clearly marked diversion signs on site to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Plan alternative routes using secondary A‑roads with real‑time navigation tools.
Step 4: If not urgent, delay journeys until the road reopens safely.
Step 5: Monitor local radio travel bulletins or social media updates from National Highways.

Safety and Road Network Considerations

Emergency repairs of this nature highlight the interdependence of road and utility infrastructure. High‑voltage transmission towers supporting the national grid are often located near motorways for accessibility, but any structural failure can require safeguarding both electrical supply and motorway safety.

Motorway closures for such works, while disruptive, prevent more severe incidents and ensure the long‑term reliability of both power and transport networks.

Key Points in Bullets

• M4 fully closed in both directions between J10 (Wokingham/Bracknell) and J11 (Reading/Basingstoke).
• Closure is due to emergency repairs on a damaged high‑voltage power line pylon near the motorway.
• Traffic queues extend toward Junctions 8/9 and J12.
• Diversion routes via the A329(M) and local roads are in place.
• Drivers urged to allow extra time, plan ahead, or delay non‑essential travel.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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