Westbound U.S. 290 near Manor turned into a standstill on Wednesday after an 18-wheeler hauling electrical transformers spilled fluid across the highway at the FM 973 interchange, shutting down all westbound lanes and triggering a hazardous-materials response. Hazmat crews and towing teams moved in to secure the area while cleanup crews worked to contain the leak and clear debris. Officials said nearby residents were not in immediate danger, but drivers were warned to brace for delays and detours.
Travis County Emergency Services District 12 told KXAN the truck was transporting electrical transformers when fluid leaked across the westbound lanes, creating the roadway hazard. According to the station, hazardous-materials teams, tow operators, and local fire crews were on scene working to contain and remove the spilled material.
Traffic Shutdown And Cleanup
The Texas Department of Transportation reported that all westbound lanes of U.S. 290 at FM 973 were closed while responders handled the spill and began the cleanup. Motorists were urged to steer clear of the interchange. Delays rippled through nearby connections as crews staged heavy equipment and coordinated the hazmat operation.
What Drivers Should Do
Drivers in the area are advised to follow posted detours and check 511 Texas for real-time traffic updates before heading out. Expect lane restrictions and longer-than-usual commute times while crews fully contain the leak and a tow company removes the disabled rig from the highway.
Why This Stretch Matters
The U.S. 290/FM 973 interchange sits on a busy corridor that has been seeing more commercial development, along with ongoing planning for upgrades by TxDOT. Long-term projects aimed at easing congestion and improving safety along FM 973 are in the works, according to materials from the Texas Department of Transportation, and local outlets have highlighted new development near the interchange. Those projects are designed to reduce the kind of traffic bottlenecks that responders dealt with during this cleanup.
This remains a developing story, and updates are expected as officials release more details and reopen the westbound lanes. For live updates and travel advisories, follow coverage from KXAN and check the department's traffic tools.
