The M4 remains closed in both directions in Berkshire after an overnight crash, with police investigation work continuing and drivers facing queues of around three miles. The shutdown between Junction 8/9 at Maidenhead and Junction 10 for Wokingham, Bracknell and the Reading area has continued into Thursday, September 10, causing delays on the motorway and surrounding diversion routes.
Major motorway closed in both directions after crash https://t.co/QcUhQhbPCC
— The Sun (@TheSun) September 10, 2026
The closure was first reported at around 8:23 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9. Thames Valley Police remained at the scene on Thursday while National Highways managed the closure and warned motorists to allow extra time for their journeys.
M4 closed between Junction 8/9 and Junction 10
The motorway is shut in both directions between J8/9 for Maidenhead and the A404(M), and J10 for the A329(M), Wokingham and Bracknell.
The closure affects a key section of the M4 through Berkshire and is also disrupting journeys toward Reading. With both carriageways unavailable, drivers must leave the motorway rather than pass the incident using open lanes.
The disruption comes as emergency road closures continue to demonstrate how quickly traffic can spread onto surrounding routes. A recent 405 Freeway closure during the Getty Fire similarly caused wider travel disruption as drivers were forced onto alternative roads.
Three-mile queues as diversion roads become congested
By around 12:14 p.m. Thursday, queues approaching the M4 closure were reported to be approximately three miles long, with motorists facing delays of around 30 minutes.
The situation was putting additional pressure on surrounding roads. By about 12:30 p.m., National Highways said the diversion route was also congested.
That means the advertised motorway delay may not represent the entire impact on a journey. Drivers leaving the M4 are joining local roads carrying their usual daytime traffic alongside vehicles displaced by the closure.
M4 diversion routes for eastbound and westbound traffic
Westbound motorists are being diverted off the motorway at Junction 8/9 and toward the A404(M). Drivers have been told to follow the signed diversion route.
Eastbound motorists are being taken off at Junction 10, with traffic directed toward the A329(M) northbound.
Motorists should follow official roadside diversion signs and be cautious about relying entirely on sat-nav alternatives, particularly as nearby routes become busier. The latest official road information is available through National Highways travel updates.
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Police crash investigation continues
Thames Valley Police remained at the scene as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision. National Highways had initially warned that the motorway would remain closed throughout the morning peak, with later information indicating the investigation could continue for several more hours.
Several important details have not yet been confirmed. The information currently available does not establish how many vehicles were involved, the cause of the crash, whether anyone was injured or the severity of any injuries.
The prolonged closure should not itself be taken as evidence of fatalities or serious injuries. Collision investigations can require roads to remain closed while officers examine and document a scene before recovery and clearance work begins.
Other major transport incidents have similarly required extended emergency operations. The recent Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami airport highlighted how disruption can continue while investigators and emergency crews remain at a scene.
M4 reopening depends on investigation and clearance
No confirmed reopening time had been announced by Thursday lunchtime. Police investigation work remained underway, meaning drivers planning journeys through Berkshire should check conditions shortly before travelling.
Even once police finish at the scene, reopening may depend on vehicle recovery, debris clearance and any necessary inspection of the carriageway.
Travel advice for Maidenhead, Reading and surrounding areas
Motorists travelling around Maidenhead, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell should allow additional journey time and expect heavier traffic on roads feeding into the official diversions.
Drivers should also be aware that this emergency closure is separate from planned M4 works scheduled later in September. For Thursday’s incident, the next significant update is expected to be confirmation of the motorway reopening or further information from police about the crash.
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