A late-night crash on the eastbound I-635 TEXpress lanes near Marsh Lane sent three people to the hospital and choked traffic along the LBJ corridor Saturday night, as emergency crews shut down the tolled lanes and funneled drivers onto alternate routes.
According to WFAA, the crash was first reported around 9:17 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the eastbound TEXpress lanes near Marsh Lane. Dallas Fire-Rescue units responded and three people were transported to nearby hospitals. Officials said they were still collecting details on the victims' conditions.
How the TEXpress lanes factor in
The collision unfolded inside the barrier-separated TEXpress managed lanes that run down the center of I-635. Those lanes are designed for faster, tolled travel during heavy congestion, according to TxDOT. Because access to the TEXpress lanes is limited to specific entrances and exits, crashes there can force closures at particular points and ripple out into longer backups on the regular main lanes.
Investigation and traffic impacts
Investigators had not yet determined what caused the crash and continued to examine the scene, WFAA reported. Drivers in north Dallas were told to brace for delays while crews cleared the wreckage. Authorities did not immediately provide any information on possible arrests or citations tied to the collision.
Recent pattern on I-635
The LBJ has been no stranger to traffic headaches this year. I-635 has seen multiple high-impact incidents that shut down lanes and stalled commutes, including an overturned 18-wheeler in February that closed ramps and slowed traffic, according to The Dallas Morning News. With construction work and heavy holiday travel in the mix, even a single crash can turn into a major disruption along the corridor.
How to get updates
Drivers are encouraged to monitor TxDOT travel information and local traffic reports for the latest on lane closures and alternate routes. TxDOT posts maps and alerts for TEXpress lanes online, and local news outlets along with official agency channels will share new details on the victims and the investigation as authorities release them.
