Travellers are being warned of delays getting to Heathrow as the M4 is shut to fix repairs weeks before the Olympics.

The M4 motorway is expected to be closed until Thursday in both directions between junctions one and three.

The Highways Agency hope to complete repairs before the Olympics but critics claim hairline cracks were discovered four months ago.

The agency said the motorway was expected to remain closed "for up to five days", reports the Daily Mail.

Paul Watters, head of public affairs at the AA, said the incident showed that motorway structures across Britain were "showing their age". He said: "It"s a close shave, the timing is shocking with the Olympics so close. I expect the Highways Agency are quite nervous about it. We just hope it is fixed by Thursday, because it is the most vital artery."

Up to one million extra visitors are expected in London on each day of the Games.

With Permission from Travelmole