A long swath of U.S. 385 in West Texas turned into a no-go zone Thursday after water on the roadway forced an emergency shutdown from mile marker 500 to 516, according to TxDOT El Paso. Drivers are being told to brace for delays and pick another route until further notice.
TxDOT alert and the closed stretch
According to TxDOT El Paso, crews reported water over the pavement between mile markers 500 and 516, prompting an emergency closure along that 16-mile section of U.S. 385. The alert directs motorists to seek alternate routes and notes that a reopening time has not been set. Officials say updates will be shared as crews continue to assess conditions on the ground.
Travel options and safety
Drivers are urged to steer clear of the closed portion of U.S. 385 and follow any posted detours in the area. For a wider look at what is happening on Texas roads, travelers can check DriveTexas for real-time route options and incident reports.
Safety officials repeat the same simple rule every time water covers a roadway: avoid driving through standing or flowing water - turn around and find another way whenever possible.
Weather context
Heavy summer storms in West Texas can trigger sudden flooding and quickly turn low-water crossings into impassable spots, which often leads to emergency closures like the one on U.S. 385. The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding is a major hazard during the region's monsoon season, and travelers are encouraged to keep an eye on weather alerts and stay off flooded roads.
How TxDOT is responding
TxDOT's El Paso district follows a traffic-safety and operations playbook for weather events that details how it shares situational updates with the public, according to TxDOT. For immediate information on road conditions or to report a hazard, motorists can call TxDOT's statewide line at 800-558-9368 or use the contact resources listed on TxDOT to submit an issue.
