M4 closure: Chaos as major motorway closed in both directions with severe delays
National Highways has issued an update as motorway camera footage shows heavy traffic.
The M4 has been hit by rush hour traffic chaos this morning, with a section of the major motorway closed in both directions. The closure is in effect between J10 (A329M/Wokingham) and J11 (Reading), so emergency works can take place after structural damage was discovered.
National Highways has warned drivers to expect delays. Motorway cameras show heavy traffic leading up to the closed section of the M4, while another picture shows the motorway closed between the two junctions completely empty. The traffic agency wrote: "The M4 in Berkshire is closed in both directions between J10 (A329M/ Wokingham) and J11 (Reading) for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) emergency works following the discovery of structural damage to a power line pylon near the motorway. SSEN will be attending to carry out the necessary repairs. Due to the extent of the damage, the M4 is expected to remain closed in both directions throughout Wednesday, 18th February."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
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KEY EVENTS
Reminder of the M4 closure
The National Highways has issued the following tweet, reminding motorists of the closure:
REMINDER#M4 both directions between J10 (#A329M, #Wokingham) and J11 (#Reading), #Berkshire
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) February 18, 2026
ROAD CLOSED
For essential @ssencommunity works to a pylon near the motorway.
Closure expected to be in place for a substantial period of time.
Diversion info: https://t.co/VzsQJAxvg5 pic.twitter.com/vRAofaDzAl
Diversion routes:
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the Hollow Square symbol on road signs:
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.Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the Hollow Circle symbol on road signs:
Leave M4 at J11 follow the B3270 Lower Earley Way. Continue on the B3270 until it becomes the 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.Delays increasing
Severe delays of 30 minutes and delays increasing on M4 Eastbound between J12 A4 Bath Road (Theale) and J11 A33 Basingstoke Road (Reading).
Severe delays of half an hour
There are severe delays of 26 minutes and delays are increasing on Black Boy Roundabout Eastbound between M4 (Reading) and A3290 (Winnersh Triangle).
The average speed is 5mph.
Around two miles of congestion
There is around two miles of congestion in both directions.
Map shows the traffic chaos
The following AA map shows the heavily congested traffic in and around the M4 this morning.
Live images show heavy traffic leading to closed section
The following live image shows the heavy traffic leading to the closed section of the M4.
National Highways statement
Here is the full National Highways statement: "The M4 in Berkshire is closed in both directions between J10 (A329M/ Wokingham) and J11 (Reading) for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) emergency works following the discovery of structural damage to a power line pylon near the motorway.
"SSEN will be attending to carry out the necessary repairs. Due to the extent of the damage, the M4 is expected to remain closed in both directions throughout Wednesday, 18th February."
Impacted section of M4 expected to remain closed throughout today
The impacted section of the M4 is expected to remain closed in both directions throughout today (February 18).
Live images show eerily quiet M4
The following images show the eerily quiet closed section of the M4.
Good morning
My name is Lauran O'Toole and welcome to our live blog. Motorists are facing rush hour chaos this morning with a section of the M4 closed between J10 (A329M/Wokingham) and J11 (Reading), so emergency works can take place after structural damage was discovered.
We will provide you with live updates as and when we receive them.
