Severe traffic chaos has hit the M4 motorway this morning following a serious road traffic collision. The incident has forced the closure of three out of four lanes on a key stretch of the road, causing major disruption for commuters and holiday travellers.
Crash Causes Major Motorway Disruption
The collision occurred on the M4 eastbound between junctions J12 (Theale) and J11 (Reading). As a result, only one lane remains open to traffic. National Highways has officially categorised the event as a 'currently live' incident, confirming emergency services and recovery crews are at the scene.
Recovery Efforts and Clearance Time
According to the latest update from traffic monitoring sources, crews are working urgently to clear the carriageway and restore normal traffic flow. The estimated time for the scene to be cleared and all lanes to reopen is between 30 and 45 minutes from the initial report.
National Highways provided a more specific window, stating: "The event is expected to clear between 08:30 and 08:45 on 21 December 2025." This timeline suggests significant tailbacks will persist through the morning rush hour.
Impact on Drivers and Travel Advice
The lane closures have created substantial tailbacks along the affected route. Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys, consider alternative routes if possible, and follow live travel updates. The disruption comes on 21 December 2025, a date likely to see increased traffic due to its proximity to the Christmas holiday period.
Authorities continue to manage the situation, with the primary goal being to ensure safety at the scene and restore the vital motorway link as swiftly as possible.
