Early Saturday morning, around 1 a.m., the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued an alert that every lane of Transmountain Road westbound at Mile Marker 17 was closed following a vehicle collision. The closure is situated near Tom Mays Park, a popular recreation area in the western part of El Paso.
Impact on commuters
Drivers traveling west on Transmountain, a major arterial that connects the city’s east‑side neighborhoods with the west side and the surrounding suburbs, were forced to detour onto surface streets. Local commuters reported increased traffic on Interstate 10 and on the Mesa Street corridor as motorists searched for alternate routes.
Official response
TxDOT’s announcement indicated that the crash required a full lane clearance and that the road would remain closed “until further notice.” The agency did not provide details about the cause of the crash or any injuries sustained. The El Paso Sheriff’s Office was contacted for additional information, but no further statements were released at the time of writing.
What residents can do
Motorists are advised to check real‑time traffic updates via the TxDOT website or local radio stations before traveling. Alternate routes such as Mesa Street, Montana Avenue, and the I‑10 frontage roads can help avoid the congestion caused by the closure. Residents who rely on Transmountain for daily commutes are encouraged to allow extra travel time and to stay alert for any changes to the road status.
Community safety considerations
While the incident is still under investigation, local officials remind drivers to practice safe driving habits, especially during early‑morning hours when visibility may be reduced. The closure underscores the importance of maintaining clear communication between transportation agencies and the public during emergencies.
As the situation develops, TxDOT will issue updates regarding the timeline for clearing the crash site and reopening the highway. Residents can follow the agency’s social‑media channels for the latest information.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
