M4 closure between Winnersh and Reading for repairs

The closure will be in place from 9pm today (September 18) to 6am on Monday, September 21, to allow for SSEN to repair damaged electricity equipment in Winnersh.

It comes after a winter storm in February caused a tree to fall on the electricity tower there, leaving hundreds of residents without power.

A replacement pylon was built in July with work to restring the tower with high voltage cables set to be carried out from tonight.

The section of overhead lines has not been operational since it was damaged in February, meaning electricity normally carried by the network has had to be routed elsewhere.

SSEN described the operation as a "delicate, precise task" which needed the motorway to be closed.

The motorway is due to close between junctions 10 for Winnersh and 11 for Reading.

Traffic will be diverted in both directions via the A329M, Winnersh Triangle, Showcase roundabout, Lower Earley Way and B3270.

Hatch Farm Way in Winnersh will also be closed as it runs beside the M4 at the point where the new wires are being suspended.

Students due to arrive at the University of Reading for the start of the new term have also been advised to allow more time for their journeys.

A SSEN statement said: "There's a pressing need to restore the network back to full strength before the beginning of October.

"From this point onwards, the days become considerably shorter, and electricity demand increases markedly as a result."

A spokeswoman for National Express said: “National Express will continue to operate services along diverted routes during this weekend’s closure of the M4 between junctions 10 and 11.

"While we endeavour to minimise disruption, there are likely to be delays to a number of our services. The impacted services are: 040, 200, 201, 202, 401, 403, 404, 406, 444, 501, 502, 504, 507, 508, 509.

"The stops at Reading-Mereoak, the University of the West of England and Cardiff Gate will be suspended from 20:00 on Friday, 18 September until 06:00 on Monday.

“Customers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey, particularly if travelling to an airport. All affected customers will be contacted to offer a free amendment to their ticket should they wish to change their travel plans.”