M4 traffic RECAP: Crash sparks lane closures with severe delays and 4 mile queues
National Highways has warned drivers they face severe delays to their journeys.
M4 drivers are facing severe delays and four miles of traffic following a crash during the evening rush hour. The collision occured on the eastbound carriageway near Reading and Oxford, between junction 13 (Chieveley) and J12 (Theale).
Two out the three lanes have been closed. Heavy traffic is trailing back, with drivers warned they face delays of up to 40 minutes. Motorway camera footage shows traffic on the impacted section of the motorway at a virtual standstill. National Highways East wrote on X: "Travel update - #M4 east between J13 #Chieveley and J12 #Theale. Lanes 1 and 2 (of 3) are CLOSED. This is due to a traffic collision. Delays of up to 40 minutes, with 4 miles of congestion."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
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KEY EVENTS
Update from police
Thames Valley Police said the road has been reopened after a minor collision.
Lanes closure
Two lanes are currently closed after reports of a collision, National Highway said.
The Daily Express has contacted the police to confirm this.
Delays of up to 70 minutes
In a separate update, National Highways also said there are delays of up to 70 minutes and six miles of congestion.
Travel update -#M4 east between J13 #Chieveley and J12 #Theale.
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) April 9, 2026
Lanes 1 and 2 (of 3) remain CLOSED.
This is due to a traffic collision.
Delays of up to 70 minutes, with 6 miles of congestion. pic.twitter.com/ikPUFfbyBa
'Traffic collision'
National Highways said this is due to a traffic collision.
Travel update -#M4 east between J13 #Chieveley and J12 #Theale.
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) April 9, 2026
Lanes 1 and 2 (of 3) are CLOSED.
This is due to a traffic collision.
Delays of up to 40 minutes, with 4 miles of congestion. pic.twitter.com/o0yzGTtv4v
Miles of traffic on the M4
Four miles of traffic on the M4.] near Reading and Oxford.
