Memphis, Tenn. – Early Tuesday morning, a crash involving a Memphis Police Department officer caused temporary lane closures on State Route 385 near Kirby Road. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) confirmed the incident occurred just before 9 a.m., prompting an immediate response from both law enforcement and road crews.
Incident details and response
According to TDOT, the officer’s vehicle struck an object on the roadway, leading to a brief blockage of traffic. Police quickly arrived on scene, secured the area, and began an investigation. While the exact cause of the collision has not been released, officials emphasized that no injuries were reported to either the officer or other motorists.
TDOT crews worked throughout the morning to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow. By 11 a.m., all lanes on the affected stretch of State Route 385 were fully reopened, allowing commuters to resume their journeys without further delay.
Impact on commuters
Motorists traveling on State Route 385, a key arterial road for residents of the eastern Memphis suburbs, experienced congestion during the morning rush hour. Local traffic reports advised drivers to seek alternate routes, such as nearby I‑40 or local surface streets, until the lane closures were lifted.
Community members expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by both the police department and TDOT. “We were stuck for a while, but the crews were on it quickly and got us moving again,” said one commuter who preferred to remain anonymous.
Safety reminders
While this incident resulted in no injuries, it serves as a reminder for all road users to stay alert, especially during peak travel times. The Memphis Police Department encourages drivers to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and report any hazardous conditions to authorities promptly.
TDOT continues to monitor the roadway for any further issues and will issue updates if additional work is required. Motorists can stay informed through the department’s website and local news outlets.
Looking ahead
State Route 385 remains a vital corridor for daily commuters, commercial traffic, and emergency responders. Ongoing maintenance and rapid response to incidents like this help ensure the road network remains safe and efficient for the Memphis community.
For real‑time traffic information, residents are encouraged to use the TDOT traffic app or follow the department’s social media channels.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
