Heavy rain on Thursday evening created hazardous driving conditions on westbound Montana Avenue near Justice Drive and the Tierra Este neighborhood in east El Paso. The sudden rise of water forced the Texas Department of Public Safety to close the roadway and set up barricades while emergency crews evaluated the situation.

Road closure and safety warnings

Police officers stationed at the intersection directed motorists to seek alternate routes and warned drivers never to attempt to drive through standing or moving water. “Water can be deeper and faster than it appears,” a spokesperson for the El Paso Police Department said. “Attempting to cross can result in vehicle damage or personal injury.”

Response and investigation

City public‑works crews arrived shortly after the closure was announced, using pumps and trucks to remove water from the roadway. While the water level receded, officials indicated that a full assessment of the drainage system would continue over the next several days.

City officials also disclosed that they are reviewing which agency holds responsibility for maintaining the drainage infrastructure in the area. In addition, the investigation will consider whether recent construction activity nearby may have contributed to the flooding, though no definitive conclusions have been reached at this time.

Impact on commuters

Motorists traveling east‑west on Montana Avenue were forced to use nearby streets such as Alameda Avenue and Montana Road to bypass the closed segment. Local residents reported longer travel times and expressed concern about the potential for future flooding during the region’s monsoon season.

What residents can do

The city urges residents to stay informed through local news outlets and the El Paso municipal website for updates on road conditions. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the barricaded area, follow police directions, and report any additional flooding or drainage issues to the city’s 311 service.

Looking ahead

El Paso officials plan to review the incident in upcoming public‑works meetings to determine if infrastructure improvements are needed to better handle heavy rain events. The city’s long‑term storm‑water management plan, which includes upgrades to culverts and retention basins, may be accelerated if the investigation finds systemic deficiencies.

For now, the closure remains temporary, and crews are working to restore normal traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.