The A34 southbound has reopened to motorists following a serious collision and police-led incident near Newbury. The event caused widespread travel disruption throughout the day. Emergency services, including Thames Valley Police and National Highways traffic officers, rushed to the scene to manage the response and implement critical road closures.
Timeline of the A34 Incident and Carriageway Closures
The transport disruption began at approximately 09:40 BST when the A34 was shut down in both directions between the A343 and the A4, near Enborne Row and Chieveley Services. The severe nature of the incident forced authorities to close the busy route during the morning commute, triggering lengthy delays and congestion stretching back multiple miles.
The northbound carriageway was partially restored earlier in the day to allow trapped traffic to filter through under police management. However, the southbound route remained shut for extended investigations and recovery work. National Highways confirmed that the southbound stretch-specifically located between the A339 at Donnington and the A343 at Wash Water-finally reopened at approximately 13:30 BST, roughly two and a half hours after the initial emergency closure.
Diversions and Ongoing Traffic Delays
Although the southbound lanes are now cleared and reopened, National Highways has advised motorists that residual delays will persist as congestion gradually clears. Drivers caught in the earlier gridlock experienced significant queues, with traffic brought to a complete standstill on several approaches.
- Initial Closure: Shut in both directions near Newbury at approximately 09:40 to 11:00 BST.
- Southbound Reopening: Cleared and reopened to traffic at approximately 13:30 BST.
- Affected Stretch: Primarily impacted between the A339 Donnington Link Interchange and the A343 Wash Water.
- Emergency Response: Managed actively by Thames Valley Police and National Highways Traffic Officers.
Drivers traveling through West Berkshire are advised to check live traffic updates, allow extra time for their journeys, and remain cautious as normal traffic flow returns to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A34 fully open now?
The southbound carriageway has reopened, but residual restrictions and monitoring by National Highways may continue to cause minor delays in the area.
Which sections of the A34 were closed?
The closure primarily affected the route between the A339 at Donnington and the A343 at Wash Water, near Newbury and Enborne Row.
What caused the A34 closure?
The closure followed a serious collision and police-led incident that required an emergency response from Thames Valley Police and traffic officers.
Are there alternative routes recommended?
Drivers were previously diverted through central Newbury via the B4640 to rejoin at Tot Hill Interchange, though regular routes are now returning to standard operation.
