Motorists in Berkshire are facing long delays on a crucial stretch of road following a multi-vehicle collision involving three heavy goods vehicles.
The A34 remains closed northbound between the M4 Junction 13 (Chieveley) and the A4185 (Chilton) after the pile-up.
National Highways stated that recovery teams are conducting a complex operation to remove the only remaining heavy goods vehicle, which came to a rest down an embankment.
As a result of its rest position, the recovery process has been made much more difficult and slower than a standard roadside removal.
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The collision caused significant damage to the central reservation barrier, which will need to be repaired.
The second lane of the southbound carriageway has also been closed as a buffer zone, with specialist barrier repair crews set to complete work once recovery is complete.
National Highways confirmed that the northbound carriageway would safely reopen once the HGV recovery was completed.
Repairs are expected to run into Saturday (January 17)
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However, the closure of the second lane will remain in place in both directions to allow for barrier repairs.
The transport organisation states that the repairs are planned to take place overnight from January 16 into January 17.
The second lane will remain closed throughout the day to protect the compromised barrier from further damage.
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The lorry needed to be cleared from the road by specialists
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This will also allow engineers to carry out surveys, measurements and essential preparation for the repair process.
GB News has contacted the emergency services for a comment.
National Highways has planned out a diversion route for motorists to follow while the A34 remains closed.
Drivers are still facing long delays on the A34 this morning
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Road users should follow the solid diamond signs to stay on the diversion route
- From the A34 northbound, leave at the M4 Junction 13 interchange
- At the roundabout, use the first exit and join the M4 westbound. Follow the M4 to Junction 14. At the roundabout, use the third exit and join the A338 (Ermin Street)
- Continue for approximately 10 miles to Wantage. Continue to a T junction with the A338 (Newbury Street/Ormond Road). Turn right and join Ormond Road.
- Follow to a further T junction with the A417 (Charlton Road). Turn right at the T junction and join the A417
- Continue for approximately five miles to a roundabout at Rowstock. Use the 1st exit and join the A4130 (Abingdon Road)
- Follow the A4130 for approximately two miles to the A34 Milton interchange. At the roundabout, use the first exit to rejoin the A34 northbound