TRAFFIC CHAOS M4 Shut Both Ways: Emergency Power Pylon Repairs Slam Berkshire Motorway

On Tuesday, Berkshire motorists were treated to a hellish morning commute thanks to the snap closure of the M4 due to a traffic collision. Fast-forward one day, and we’re seeing a closure on the same stretch of highway. Coincidence? Or is this a case of cause and effect after yesterday’s crash? While National Highways have not confirmed the consecutive-day incidents are linked, it is likely that damage to power pylons were noticed by crews as they worked yesterday to make the scene safe. Which has resulted in today’s closure on the M4 in the same spot, with rush hour commuters suffering through traffic chaos in the same location on double days.

Yesterday, just after 3am, many Britons were still tucked up in bed. But at an intersection on Earl’s Court Road in London, dramatic scenes were unfolding that would later cause commuter chaos on the M4 westbound.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed a high-speed police chase started on the A4, with the pursuit coming to an end with a crash on the M4. The crash saw fuel spillage across the carriageway, and the road was closed to motorists as a result.

Here’s more on yesterday’s early morning police chase, as told by the Met itself.

“At around 3.15am on Tuesday, 17 February, police engaged in a pursuit after a vehicle failed to stop,” a Met Police spokesperson said.

“The pursuit began on the A4 at the junction with Earl’s Court Road and ended on the M4 westbound before junction 10. During the pursuit, the driver rammed a police car, causing it to swerve and lose a tyre.”

The driver – a man in his 30s – was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving, attempted grievous bodily harm, driving on false plates, possession of a bladed weapon, failing to stop for police and driving through a red light.

He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service, where his condition was classed as non-life-threatening and non-life-changing. He remains in hospital and will be taken to police custody upon release.

And that is basically how we find ourselves here, with the same stretch of motorway closed. This time, the closure impacts motorist in both directions between J10 (Wokingham) and J11 (Reading) as crews make urgent repairs to a power line pylon by the roadside. And, yet again, rush hour motorists will feel the sting of congestion due to that collision.

Here is a bit of a round-up regarding the emergency closure on the M4 in Berkshire between Junction 10 (Wokingham/Bracknell) and Junction 11 (Reading/Basingstoke).

The Closure: The M4 remains fully closed in both directions between J10 and J11.

The Reason: Emergency repairs were urgently needed to a high-voltage power line pylon after structural damage was discovered. Repairs became urgent thanks to a forecast of strong winds forecast for the area. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are on-site.

The Duration: National Highways expect the road to remain closed throughout the morning peak period today. An updated reopening time has not been confirmed/

The Impact: There are significant delays on the M4 approaching the closure. For westbound motorists, delays are currently stretching back towards Junction 8/9 (Maidenhead). Looking eastbound, congestion is already building from Junction 12 (Theale). The National Highways-recommended Diversion routes are also congested thanks to the influx of additional motorway traffic.

National Highways has confirmed the M4 had been closed to traffic in both directions after Structural issues were discovered to power pylons by the motorway. Due to high winds expected across the region, urgent emergency repairs are taking place tonight.

But, when they say high winds are on coming, What does that even mean? Well, according to the Met Office, the average wind gust in Reading usually sits around 9mph. Today’s gust forecast, however, predicts winds of 31mph – so three and a half times faster than usual.

National Highways really weren’t kidding when they warned us of oncoming high winds, so hold on to your hats today, folks.

If you’re wearing one and not stuck in traffic, that is, with congestion growing due to the M4 emergency works.

National highways have issued diversion protocols for the closure on in the M4, with eastbound traffic advised to follow the local signs with hollow circle symbol.

Diversion route: westbound

Or, if you prefer, here is a road-by-road breakdown of the entire diversion route.

– Leave M4 at J11 follow the B3270 Lower Earley Way.

– Continue on the B3270 until it becomes the A3290.

– At the roundabout with the Wharfedale Road take the first exit.

– At the next roundabout, take the second exit to join the A329M.

– Follow the A329(M) to rejoin the M4 at J10.

National highways have issued diversion protocols for the closure on in the M4, with westbound traffic advised to follow the local signs with hollow square symbol.

Diversion route: westbound

Or, if you prefer, here is a road-by-road breakdown of the entire diversion route.

– Leave the M4 at J10 and join the A329(M) towards Reading.

– Leave the A329(M) at the Winnersh Interchange

– At the roundabout, take the third exit on to Wharfedale Road.

– At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto the A3290.

– Continue on the A3290 until it becomes the B3270 Lower Earley Way.

-Follow the B3270 to re-join the M4 at J11.