Drivers have been warned to expect delays this afternoon after a vehicle fire caused diversions and closures to a major motorway.
The incident has now seen the M4 in Berkshire closed westbound between J12 (Reading) and J13 (Newbury) due to the lorry fire.
The fire, which has now been put out, saw multiple fire service teams in attendance, with huge clouds of smoke being created in the process.
National Highways traffic officers are currently on the scene assisting with traffic management alongside emergency services.
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|Normal traffic conditions are expected to return by 5.30pm later today
Updating drivers on the incident, National Highways shared: "The M4 is CLOSED in both directions in Berkshire between J12 Reading and J13 Newbury.
"Thames Valley Fire service is still tackling the blaze, which will take longer than normal due to the lorry carrying batteries. Expect long delays on the approaches to both J12 and J13."
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 5.15pm and 5.30pm later today.
The agency has put a diversion route in place, with drivers advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|Drivers have been urged to follow the diverted route in place
The diverted route instructs motorists to exit the M4 at J12 and, at the roundabout, take the first exit and join the A4.
From here, they should continue on the A4 for approximately 12.5 miles to Newbury. At the A4/A339 roundabout, use the third exit and join the A339.
Drivers need to follow the A339 for roughly 2.5 miles before merging with the A34. At the Chieveley interchange, motorists should use the nearside lanes for the M4 J13 roundabout. At the J13 roundabout, take the first exit and re-join the M4 westbound.
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|The fire has caused the road to be closed off from traffic
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service shared: "At 1:09pm on Tuesday, July 15, we received reports of a vehicle on fire on the M4 Westbound between Junction 12 in Theale and Junction 13 in Chieveley.
"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road and Theale fire stations, the Water Carrier from Bracknell Fire Station and two Officers were sent to the scene. Firefighters remain at the scene at this time."
The service warned drivers travelling through the area to "expect long delays" on the approaches to both J12 and J13, adding that for people who live near the affected area, to should keep windows and doors closed.
In another update to drivers stuck in traffic along the M4, National Highways shared: "Plans are being made to turn traffic around from the rear of the queue. Unfortunately, we have no time frame for when this will be complete."
National Highways explained that plans are being made to re-open the road with lane closures in place shortly with the move hoping to alleviate congestion along the motorway.