M4 traffic: Berkshire motorway reopens between J10 and J11 after closures
The M4 near Reading in Berkshire has finally resumed traffic this morning following two exhausting nights of major disruption and congestion. The highway was shut in both directions between Junction 10 (Wokingham) and Junction 11 (Reading) late on February 18 after a nearby electricity tower was damaged by a falling tree.
As a precaution, residents living closest to the pylon in Eden Way, Hatch Farm Way, and Russell Way were evacuated by the electricity provider. The M4 stayed closed overnight to allow emergency work to proceed.
This disruption marked the second consecutive day of upheaval for this stretch of the motorway, which had already seen intermittent closures on Tuesday, February 17 due to emergency repairs tied to a high-speed police chase crash.
Crews previously shut the M4 between J10 and J11 late Tuesday evening to repair the damage to the electricity pylon, with the closure extending through Wednesday, February 18, before reopening on Thursday, February 19.
SSEN, the electricity network operator responsible for the pylon, told nearby families on Wednesday afternoon that they should consider temporary housing while safety work was completed. They confirmed that alternative accommodation had been offered to about nine residents where access to homes was restricted.
A SSEN spokesperson stated that teams are carrying out urgent work to secure the damaged tower. With strong winds forecast for the evening, the complex task of stabilizing the structure over the carriageway would proceed once conditions allowed safe at-height work. The aim is to finish the repairs swiftly and safely so National Highways can reopen the motorway as soon as possible.
While acknowledging the frustration for road users, the emphasis remained on ensuring the safety of motorists, utility workers, and others nearby.
National Highways announced the reopening of the M4 in both directions between Junctions 10 and 11 this morning, thanking the public for their patience. They also confirmed that repairs to the damaged electricity pylon have been completed.
