A freak mechanical failure on I‑35 turned deadly today when a wheel flew off a southbound vehicle, slammed into a car in the northbound express lane at Eighth Street, and killed the driver, authorities said. The crash shut down the managed lanes and quickly tangled traffic in and around downtown as morning commuters tried to navigate the sudden closure.
What the sheriff's office reported
In a post on X, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a fatal crash in the northbound I‑35 express lane at Eighth Street. According to the sheriff's account, a Chevy Tahoe heading south on I‑35 lost a wheel, which then crossed over and struck a vehicle traveling northbound in the express lane, fatally injuring the driver. At the time of the post, investigators were still on scene, the express lanes remained closed, and no names or potential charges had been released.
Traffic Alert: DSO is working a fatality crash N/B I-35 express lane at 8th St A Chevy Tahoe traveling SB IH35 lost its wheel and the wheel struck a vehicle traveling NB in the IH35 express lane causing fatal injuries to the driver. The express lanes is closed. Post time 8am. pic.twitter.com/Jl5s6ivYsD
— Dallas Sheriff’s Office (@Dallas_Sheriff) March 21, 2026
Why express lane closures ripple across downtown
The I‑35 express lanes are managed lanes designed to keep through traffic flowing. When a serious crash shuts them down, traffic is pushed into the regular lanes or onto nearby surface streets, which can snarl the entire corridor, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT points drivers to its DriveTexas system for live maps, camera views, and closure alerts. Because I‑35 is a major commuter route through central Dallas, even a single-lane closure at Eighth Street can quickly cascade into long backups for morning drivers.
What drivers should expect and where to get updates
Previous serious crashes on I‑35 have led to lane closures lasting several hours while crews clear debris and investigators finish their work, so extended delays are a familiar pattern during peak commute times. Coverage from The Dallas Morning News has documented similar shutdowns and the ripple effects on drivers. Anyone heading through downtown is advised to plan for extra time and check DriveTexas or local traffic reports for the latest closure and detour information before getting on the road.
