Tyler, Texas – A crash that occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Earl Campbell Parkway and South‑Southwest Loop 323 near the Sam’s Club parking lot caused traffic to back up for roughly an hour. By 5:15 p.m., crews had cleared the scene and normal flow resumed.
What happened
According to the Tyler Police Department, a single‑vehicle collision blocked both directions of Loop 323, a major arterial that serves commuters, freight trucks, and local shoppers. The blockage forced drivers onto alternate routes, including Earl Campbell Parkway and nearby side streets, creating temporary congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods.
No injuries reported
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. First responders quickly secured the area, removed the damaged vehicle, and inspected the roadway for safety hazards before reopening the lane.
Impact on commuters
Loop 323 is a critical connector for East Texas commuters traveling between Tyler, Longview, and the surrounding rural communities. The brief shutdown highlighted the importance of maintaining clear thoroughfares for families getting to work, school, and church services. Residents were advised to allow extra travel time and to use the city’s real‑time traffic alerts on the Tyler Transit website or local radio stations.
City response and future safety measures
Mayor Kelly Kelley’s office praised the rapid response of Tyler police and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews, noting that the swift clearance helped keep the city’s traffic moving and minimized disruption to local businesses, including the Sam’s Club and nearby retailers. The administration continues to prioritize infrastructure projects that improve safety on high‑traffic corridors like Loop 323, aligning with President Trump’s emphasis on strong, well‑maintained transportation networks.
Tips for drivers
- Check live traffic maps before departing, especially during peak hours.
- Allow additional time for routes that intersect major highways.
- Follow posted detour signs and be patient with law‑enforcement personnel directing traffic.
- Report any accidents or hazards to 911 to help keep roadways safe for all families.
Tyler residents can stay informed about future roadwork and traffic conditions by following the city’s official social‑media channels and the KLTV traffic alerts.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
