National Highways is to increase signage around Junction 12 of the M4 near Theale during ongoing road works, as drivers say a lane closure for the works could cause a serious accident. 

The highways authority is currently carrying out what it says are essential works to replace expansion joints, carry out waterproofing and resurfacing on bridges over the motorway.

The works have closed several lanes on the approach to the M4 roundabout from Theale - and drivers have reported that it is causing havoc. 

One Theale resident who contacted The Reading Chronicle said a major issue was the closing of a filter lane that previously took traffic from the northbound A4/Bath Road on to the M4 westbound. 

This has meant the next lane along has been changed from taking traffic straight across the roundabout on the A4 to taking traffic on to the M4 westbound - but drivers say more signs are needed to indicate the change. 

The resident said: "Traffic that normally uses "lane two" to go straight on suddenly finds itself merging into a single lane on the roundabout. They have now put up a series of signs right on the junction showing that lane two is now M4 only and lanes three and four are A4.

"They should move the signage way further down towards Theale, and maybe even cone off lane two to make the point that it's M4 only."

One driver, who reported their concerns on the National Highways' website, predicted that "there will be a serious accident" near the roundabout due to lane closure - and they had seen "a few near missed which results in road rage."

They said: "Lanes go from six to two lanes so suddenly and signs are right on top of where it occurs."

One commuter reported: "Every morning I travel to Theale from Calcot (and) return on the school run.

"Every morning there is a near miss  - and even several accidents - where people are using the lane marked M4 to go over the M4 and cut in to the A4."

A spokesperson from National Highways said the authority was taking action to address drivers concerns. 

The representative said: "We have requested more signs to be placed and additional temporary road markings to make it clear to road users. We will monitor the area and make additional changes as required."

Phase one of the road works will see the west side of the junction reduced to two lanes running 24/7 from Monday, September 16, to Friday, October 11. 

Overnight closures will be in place on the west side of the junction from 8pm to 6am from October 21 to November 23,  affecting Monday to Saturday each week.