A fatal crash on Friday afternoon shut down the eastbound lanes of the SH 45 tollway where it crosses U.S. 183 in southeast Austin, choking off a major commuter route and triggering a large emergency response. The collision was reported around 2:38 p.m., and crews set up an extended closure on the flyover while first responders worked the scene. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation, and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area and find alternate routes.
What officials say
Local agencies first flagged the closure on social media. As reported by KEYE/CBS Austin, the Travis County Sheriff's Office said all eastbound lanes of the SH 45 toll over U.S. 183 were closed following the crash. According to the station, a Texas Department of Public Safety public information officer responded to the flyover to oversee the investigation. Authorities had not yet released how many vehicles were involved.
Crash spot has a history of deadly wrecks
That stretch, including the SH 45 and US 183 flyover and nearby ramps, has been the scene of several serious collisions in recent years, including fatal wrecks tracked by local safety watchers. Vision Zero ATX maintains a public log of traffic deaths that lists multiple fatal incidents along corridors such as SH 45 and U.S. 183, underscoring lingering safety concerns on fast-moving toll flyovers.
Traffic impact and alternate routes
Drivers were told to brace for heavy delays on nearby roads as the flyover remained shut down. Congestion built on U.S. 183 and surrounding surface streets while crews worked to clear the scene. Local incident-management programs such as the HERO roadside assistance patrol operate along US 183 and neighboring corridors to clear disabled vehicles and help first responders, but when elevated ramps are closed, the backups can quickly stretch for miles.
Investigation ongoing
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating what led up to the crash, with the Travis County Sheriff's Office and other emergency units assisting at the scene. Officials have not yet released the name of the person who died or additional details about the wreck, according to KEYE/CBS Austin. This story will be updated as authorities share more information.
