Traffic chaos: Drivers face hours-long delays on major motorways after 'complex collision' and overturned lorry

National Highways is reporting that the road is closed due to a serious collision, with emergency services in attendance.

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This includes Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, in addition to National Highways Traffic Officers.

The police will need to carry out a complex collision investigation, meaning the road will "remain closed for a protracted period".

Traffic maps suggest that the incident is not expected to clear until at least 10.30am later this morning, although this is likely to change.

Drivers will have to wait for normal traffic conditions to return at around 11.30am as police continue their investigations.

National Highways has outlined a diversion route which takes drivers towards Newbury and Thatcham before returning to the M4.

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Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs

• Leave the M4 at J13. At the roundabout, take the third exit and join the A34 Southbound towards Newbury
• At the A34/A339 interchange, follow the A339 for approximately 2.5 miles to Newbury
• At the A339/A4 roundabout, use the second exit and join the A4 London Road
• Follow the A4 for approximately 12.5 miles, at the roundabout take the third exit and rejoin the M4 eastbound

Elsewhere, motorists are also dealing with long delays during rush hour in Cumbria along the M6.

The motorway is closed in both directions between J41 Catterlen Interchange (Wigton B5305) and J42 Golden Fleece Interchange (Carlisle A6).

A lorry travelling southbound crossed through the central reservation on the northbound carriageway and overturned.

National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors are at the scene, as well as Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue and North West Ambulance Services.

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid square symbol on road signs

• Exit the M6 southbound at J42 and at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A6
• Follow the A6 through Low/High Hesket and Plumpton to the Stoneybeck roundabout with the B5305
• At the roundabout, take the fourth exit onto the B5305
• Continue on the B5305 back to the M6 J41 and at the roundabout take the first exit to rejoin the M6 southbound to continue your journey

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid triangle symbol on road signs

• Exit the M6 northbound at J41 and take the fourth exit onto the B5305 eastbound
• Follow the B5305 eastbound to the Stoneybeck roundabout and take the first exit onto the A6
• Continue on the A6 through Plumpton and High/Low Heskett back to the M6 J42 roundabout
• Take the fourth exit back onto the M6 northbound to continue your journey