M4 reopens after emergency repairs on damaged pylon near Reading
Engineers work overnight to secure electricity pylon affected by fallen tree
Last updated 19th Feb 2026
The M4 has reopened today following successful overnight emergency repairs to an electricity pylon at Winnersh near Reading.
A fallen oak tree damaged the pylon, prompting engineers to use cranes to secure it and lower cable spans safely to the ground.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) led the efforts, with Richard Gough and Jo Niven overseeing operations.
Safety measures included earthing neighboring pylons and taking two 132kV circuits offline.
Families in the vicinity were evacuated, with some choosing hotel accommodation provided by SSEN.
Richard Gough said: “We’ve measured the falling distance of the pylon. All the properties asked to evacuate are beyond the falling distance.”
Wokingham Borough Council noted local road congestion, albeit reduced by the ongoing school half-term.
The M4 was closed for two nights: initially due to a road traffic accident and subsequently for pylon repairs.
Power supply to homes remained uninterrupted, as confirmed by SSEN.
The tree strike caused critical damage to the steel bracings at the pylon's base.
Richard Gough said: “At SSEN, if it’s not safe, we don’t do it.”