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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