People were advised to leave their homes this afternoon (Wednesday, February 18) by workers from the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks after a fallen tree damaged the electricity tower near to the M4 between Reading and Wokingham.
Residents living closest to the pylon in Eden Way have been advised to leave their homes, as well as those is Hatch Farm Way and Russell Way, as a safety precaution.
The evacuation comes less than 24 hours after the M4 motorway was closed following a police chase on Tuesday evening.
The M4 motorway was closed again, in both directions this time, between the A329M junction 10 and junction 11 at Shinfield due to risks to the power line pylon in high winds.
In a statement, the provider confirmed people have been offered ‘alternative accommodation’ whole works are carried out.
A spokeswoman for SSE said: “We are in close contact with nearby residents in the immediate vicinity and, purely as a precaution, have offered the option of alternative accommodation to approximately nine residents where access to homes is restricted.
“Our teams are carrying out immediate works to secure the damaged electricity tower.
“With high winds forecast across this evening, the complex works over the carriageway will take place when the winds have abated, allowing our staff to safely work at height.
“We will do everything possible to complete these highly complex repairs quickly and safely, allowing National Highways to re-open the motorway as soon as possible tomorrow.
“We recognise the inconvenience being experienced by road users, but the overriding priority must be the safety of motorists, our teams and others in the vicinity.”
National Highways closed the road due to risks to a power line pylon in high winds.