M40 crash today: Motorway reopens after police incident sparks M25 delays
M40 reopens after police incident. Image: TVP Roads Policing
The M40 has reopened after a police-led incident forced the motorway to close in both directions near Beaconsfield on Wednesday, September 23, causing significant disruption for motorists and knock-on delays on the M25.
The closure affected the M40 between Junction 1A, where it meets the M25, and Junction 2 near Beaconsfield. Thames Valley Police attended the incident, while National Highways warned drivers of delays in the surrounding area.
The motorway was reopened before 5pm, with traffic conditions beginning to improve. National Highways said residual delays of around 20 minutes remained, with approximately two miles of congestion on the approach.
The incident prompted a live traffic response during the afternoon as motorists were diverted away from the affected stretch.
What happened on the M40 today?
The M40 was closed in both directions between Junction 1A and Junction 2 because of a police-led incident, according to National Highways.
The precise nature of the incident was not immediately disclosed in the traffic updates available during the closure.
The disruption began during the afternoon and quickly affected traffic around the M40 and M25 interchange.
Motorists using the M40 towards Beaconsfield were unable to continue through the closed section, while drivers approaching from the opposite direction also faced restrictions.
National Highways’ current travel information service provides updates on incidents, disruptions and delays across England’s strategic road network.
M40 reopens after major traffic disruption
The M40 was confirmed reopened in both directions before 5pm.
National Highways reported that the road had reopened between Junction 1A and Junction 2 following the police-led incident.
However, reopening the motorway did not immediately clear all congestion.
Drivers were warned of around 20 minutes of residual delays and two miles of congestion on the approach to the affected area.
That meant motorists travelling through the M40 and M25 interchange could still experience slower journeys even after the main closure had ended.
The live traffic operation was subsequently closed after the motorway reopened and conditions began to ease.
M25 traffic was also affected
The disruption was not limited to the M40.
The link roads connecting the M25 to the M40 at Junction 16 were also closed in both the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions during the incident.
National Highways said this resulted in long delays on the M25 in both directions.
The location is particularly significant for motorists because M40 traffic travelling towards London connects with the M25, making disruption around Junction 1A capable of spreading quickly to other routes.
Drivers who were not travelling directly on the M40 could therefore still have encountered delays around the wider interchange.
M40 diversion routes used during closure
Diversion routes were put in place while the M40 was closed.
For northbound traffic, drivers were advised to leave the M40 at Junction 1A and use the M25 clockwise towards Junction 17. From there, the signed route directed motorists through Denham Way and the A412 before continuing towards Beaconsfield.
The diversion then used the A40 through Gerrards Cross before joining the A355 and returning to the M40 at the Beaconsfield interchange.
Southbound motorists were directed away from the M40 at Junction 2 and onto the A355 before continuing towards the A40 and Denham. Drivers could then rejoin the M40 at Junction 1.
Motorists caught in motorway incidents are generally advised to follow official diversion signs rather than attempting to create their own route through unfamiliar local roads.
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How long were M40 delays?
At the height of the disruption, National Highways warned motorists of delays of approximately 30 minutes.
As the afternoon progressed, congestion remained on surrounding routes, particularly the M25.
By the time the M40 reopened, the reported residual delay had fallen to around 20 minutes, with roughly two miles of congestion remaining on the approach.
The traffic situation was therefore improving, but drivers were still advised to allow additional time.
Is the M40 still closed today?
No. The affected section of the M40 has reopened.
The closure between Junction 1A and Junction 2 ended before 5pm on September 23.
Some residual congestion remained after the reopening, meaning motorists could still face delays while traffic returned to normal.
Drivers planning journeys later in the evening should check the latest traffic information before setting off because motorway conditions can change quickly after a major closure.
National Highways says its online services provide current information on disruptions and delays, alongside planned road closure information.
What caused the M40 closure?
The closure was caused by a Thames Valley Police-led incident.
At the time of the live updates, authorities had not provided further details about the nature of the incident.
It would therefore be premature to describe the disruption as being caused by a particular type of crash or collision unless police or National Highways subsequently confirm that information.
For motorists searching for “M40 crash today live”, the confirmed information is that a police-led incident resulted in the closure and caused significant traffic disruption around the M40 and M25.
What drivers should know after the M40 reopening
The immediate motorway closure has ended, but drivers should remain aware of possible congestion around the affected junctions.
Traffic can take time to disperse after a motorway has been closed in both directions, particularly where vehicles have been held or diverted onto surrounding roads.
Drivers approaching the M40 around Beaconsfield and the M25 should check live traffic conditions before travelling and allow extra time if congestion remains.
The latest available update indicates that the situation was improving after the M40 reopened.
M40 crash today: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M40 closed today?
The affected section of the M40 between Junction 1A and Junction 2 has reopened following a police-led incident.
What happened on the M40 today?
A Thames Valley Police-led incident caused the M40 to close in both directions between Junction 1A and Junction 2. Authorities had not immediately released further details about the incident.
Where was the M40 closed?
The closure affected the M40 between Junction 1A at the M25 and Junction 2 near Beaconsfield.
Is the M25 affected by the M40 incident?
Yes. The M25 was affected because link roads connecting the M25 to the M40 at Junction 16 were also closed during the incident, resulting in delays in both directions.
How long were the M40 delays?
At one point, National Highways warned of delays of around 30 minutes. After the M40 reopened, residual delays were reported at approximately 20 minutes, with around two miles of congestion remaining.
Has the M40 reopened near Beaconsfield?
Yes. The section between Junction 1A and Junction 2 reopened before 5pm on September 23.
What was the M40 diversion route?
Northbound motorists were directed via the M25, Denham Way, A412, A40 and A355 before rejoining the M40 near Beaconsfield. Southbound traffic was diverted via the A355 and A40 before returning to the M40 near Junction 1.
Where can I check M40 traffic today?
Motorists can check current disruption and traffic information through National Highways’ online services, as well as navigation and journey-planning services that use National Highways traffic data.