The M4 in Berkshire has been closed in both directions since Wednesday night following a serious collision, with National Highways warning the motorway is likely to remain shut throughout Thursday’s morning rush hour while a police investigation continues.
Drivers are facing a full closure on the M4 in Berkshire following a serious collision, with the motorway expected to remain shut for hours as rush hour traffic gets underway. The road has been closed in both directions between junctions 8/9 for Maidenhead and junction 10 for Reading since the crash occurred at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, 9 September, meaning the closure has stretched overnight and into Thursday morning’s commute.
What National Highways has said
National Highways confirmed the closure in a statement, saying: “The M4 in Berkshire is closed in both directions between J8/9 (Maidenhead) and J10 (Reading) due to a collision. A police collision investigation is underway and the road is expected to remain closed throughout the morning peak period.” The organisation added: “National Highways traffic officers are assisting with road closures.”
Thames Valley Police are leading the collision investigation, with National Highways traffic officers supporting the closure on the ground. The prolonged nature of the closure is understood to be linked to a full forensic collision investigation, rather than simply the process of clearing debris from the carriageway, meaning drivers have been warned that delays could worsen significantly as the morning commute continues to develop.
Diversions in place
With the motorway shut, diversions have been put in place for affected traffic. Westbound drivers are being advised to follow the hollow square symbol and exit at junction 8/9 to join the A404M. Eastbound traffic should follow the hollow circle symbol, exiting the M4 at junction 10 to join the A329M northbound, National Highways said.
What remains unknown
At this stage, several key details about the incident have not been made public. It is not yet known how many vehicles were involved, whether there were any casualties, whether anyone has died, whether anyone required hospital treatment, whether any arrests have been made, what caused the collision, or the precise location of the crash within the closed section of motorway. Further updates are expected as the police investigation progresses.
