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A34 Reopens After Combine Harvester Blocks Road: Six Miles of Delays Remain

19 August, 2024 - 12:17PM
A34 Reopens After Combine Harvester Blocks Road: Six Miles of Delays Remain
Credit: bbci.co.uk

A road has reopened after a header fell from a tractor and had blocked the route for traffic.

The A34 in Berkshire has reopened between East Ilsley and the A4185 at Chilton according to National Highways.

It added that the two northbound lanes have now reopened and recovery of the harvesting equipment has taken place.

It warned there are still six miles of delays on approach to the area.

Thames Valley Police have been at the scene and confirmed that the driver of the tractor was uninjured.

A "HUGE" combine harvester has completely blocked the A34 northbound, causing heavy traffic.

Part of the machinery detached from the vehicle as it was in transit on the busy dual carriageway.

The precise scene of the incident is between Chilton and Chieveley, near the M4.

Thames Valley Police are carrying out a removal operation and have confirmed that no one has been injured.

Impact on Traffic

The incident caused significant disruption to traffic flow on the A34. An eyewitness reported: "Traffic southbound is very slow with drivers looking at the incident."

This is evident in the updates from the AA, which has recorded delays of 36 minutes northbound with an average speed of 10 mph, and six minutes southbound.

The National Highways also warned of delays, saying: "The #A34 in #Berkshire is CLOSED northbound between the #M4 (#Chieveley) & the #A4185 (#Chilton) due to a combine harvester which has fallen from the back of a tractor and is blocking the road.

Road Reopens After Recovery

While the A34 has reopened, motorists are advised to expect continued delays. National Highways has warned of six miles of delays on approach to the area.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of securing heavy loads properly to prevent accidents and disruptions on the roads.

Aftermath of the Incident

Following the incident, traffic flow has resumed on the A34. However, the incident highlights the potential impact of unexpected events on major roads.

The swift response of emergency services and the efficient recovery efforts helped to minimize the disruption and ensure the safety of all involved.

This event also underscores the importance of road safety, proper load management, and the need for drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant while on the road.

A34 Reopens After Combine Harvester Blocks Road: Six Miles of Delays Remain
Credit: bbci.co.uk
Tags:
A34 Combine Harvester A34 Berkshire traffic combine harvester delays
Kwame Osei
Kwame Osei

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