A collapsing tree had endangered a pylon which was said to be held up only by its wires which were swinging in the wind across the M4.

Berkshire’s busiest motorway had been closed for two days after a previous incident in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a high-speed police chase.

On Wednesday the trunk road was closed again to protect the safety of drivers whilst a crane was brought in to stabilise the tower and the wires which cross the motorway.

Residents of Eden Way in Winnersh were told to evacuate their homes by 5pm and were informed that they would be accommodated in hotels until they could return to their houses.

The motorway was closed in both directions between the A329M junction 10 and junction 11 at Shinfield.

National Highways closed the road due to risks to a power line pylon in high winds.   The pylon was damaged by a falling tree and there would be safety impacts to road users on the M4 if the situation were to deteriorate.

National Highways is working closely with SSEN Distribution, who are still securing the damaged pylon and carrying out complex repairs.

Which route shall I take?

If I’m travelling west from Bracknell towards Reading:

Follow the Hollow Square symbol on road signs:

Leave the M4 at J10 and join the A329(M) towards Reading

Leave the A329(M) at the Winnersh Interchange

At the roundabout, take the third exit on to Wharfedale Road

At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto the A3290

Continue on the A3290 until it becomes the B3270 Lower Earley Way

Follow the B3270 to re-join the M4 at J11

If I’m travelling east from Reading towards Bracknell:

Follow the Hollow Circle symbol on road signs.

Leave M4 at J11 follow the B3270 Lower Earley Way

Continue on the B3270 until it becomes the the A3290

At the roundabout with the Wharfedale Road take the first exit

At the next roundabout take the second exit to join the A329M

Follow the A329(M) to rejoin the M4 at J10