Berkshire M4 closure continues
The motorway has been shut between junctions 10 and 11 after an electricity pylon which crosses the motorway became unsafe
Last updated 18th Feb 2026
A stretch of the M4 in Berkshire has now been closed since late on Tuesday night.
Both carriageways of the motorway between junction 10 (A329) and junction 11 (A33) near Reading have been shut after an electricity pylon was hit by a falling tree and became unsafe.
Electricity cables from the damaged pylon run across the motorway and engineers have been held up by being unable to use a crane due to high wind speeds.
Even before Tuesday night's closure the westbound carriageway on the same stretch had been closed all-day Tuesday after a Police pursuit ended in a collision in the early hours.
We're told this closure has nothing to do with the collision.
A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said:
"The M4 will remain closed in both directions between Junctions 10 and 11 tonight (Wednesday 18 February) and during tomorrow morning's travel peak.
"Part of Hatch Farm Way at Winnersh is also closed between Budd Grove and King Street Lane, with access to local properties still open via Lower Earley Way.
"Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) are carrying out urgent repairs after an electricity pylon off Hatch Farm Way was found to be damaged.
"It may be at risk in the current strong winds, so there's a 100 metre safety zone around it. The power lines also run over the motorway, so National Highways have closed it for everyone's safety.
"SSEN are working as fast as they can but can't safely use a crane until the wind calms down, which is expected at about midnight. They've apologised for the disruption and thanked everyone for their patience."
On Wednesday long delays built up on the approach to the closures from each direction - National Highways reported traffic in 30 minute queues on the motorway while there was also congestion on the diversion routes.