Williamson County Drivers Stuck As SH 95 Shuts Down For Fatal Crash Drone Sweep

Traffic on State Highway 95 in Williamson County will grind to a halt Tuesday as deputies shut down the stretch between FM 972 and County Road 325 so investigators can fly a drone over the site of a previous deadly collision. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office estimates the full closure will last about 30 to 45 minutes and is asking drivers to steer clear of the area and use alternate routes while the operation is underway. Officials say the brief stoppage will let the Crash Reconstruction Unit collect aerial imagery to help recreate the fatal crash scene.

In a post on X, the Sheriff's Office explained the highway will be closed "while our Crash Reconstruction Unit flies a drone over the area of a previous fatal collision," adding that the shutdown should last roughly 30 to 45 minutes and urging drivers to plan for delays and follow deputies' instructions on the ground. You can read the full advisory from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.

Drone mapping gives crash teams a bird's-eye view

Local reporting has highlighted how Williamson County's drone program is used for far more than simple flyover photos, with teams capturing high-resolution imagery and thermal or LiDAR data that help investigators scale a crash scene and measure distances for detailed reconstructions. FOX 7 Austin recently reported that the county's drone pilots assist with both search-and-rescue work and collision mapping, giving crash investigators precise diagrams to study what went wrong.

Drivers headed through northern Williamson County should expect short delays during the drone flight and plan alternate routes when possible. Deputies are asking the public to avoid the area while the closure is in effect. For non-emergency questions or to check for additional official updates, visit the Williamson County Sheriff's Office page for contact information and notices.