Reading FC has issued a travel warning to fans ahead of their home League One fixture against Notts County. The club confirmed significant disruption is expected due to a scheduled closure of the M4 motorway on the weekend of Saturday 19 September.
Notts County, currently sitting 6th in League One with 5 points from three games, will travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the match. The team's recent form reads WDD, having scored 5 goals and conceded 4 so far this season. They are just 2 points behind league leaders Blackpool.
The disruption stems from essential electricity infrastructure works being carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). National Highways will enforce the full closure of the motorway on that weekend to allow the critical upgrade to proceed safely. Reading FC stated it recognized the essential nature of the works but expressed disappointment that it was not consulted before the closure was originally announced.
The club held discussions with both SSEN and National Highways after learning of the plans. Reading raised specific concerns about the timing's impact on supporters, the local community, and surrounding roads. They formally asked if the essential works could be moved to another weekend ahead of SSEN's operational deadline.
Moving the planned closure was not possible. Reading FC confirmed that due to operational arrangements already being in place, rescheduling the works was not an option. The club's priority has now shifted to minimizing the disruption caused by the unavoidable motorway shutdown.
Reading is working closely with SSEN, National Highways, and local partners to identify practical measures. These steps aim to help supporters plan their journeys effectively and reduce the impact on local road networks around the stadium. Further detailed travel advice will be issued to fans in the days leading up to the fixture.
Supporters making the trip, including those following Notts County's push in the standings, are urged to plan their journeys well in advance. The club's official advice is to allow considerable extra time for travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Fans should check the latest travel information from National Highways and local authorities before setting off on matchday.
The key message for all attendees is to expect delays and plan accordingly. With the team's solid start to the campaign, this away fixture represents an important test. The disruption adds a logistical challenge for the travelling Magpies faithful. For the latest squad news ahead of the journey, fans can visit our squad section.
The situation means matchday operations will be under increased scrutiny. Reading FC's collaborative efforts with the utility and highway agencies will be vital to ensure safety and access. For Notts County, the focus remains on the pitch, where they will look to build on their positive early-season goal difference of +1 and close the gap at the top of the table.
