A traffic fatality struck the interchange of S. IH-25 and East State Highway 71, also known as Ben White Boulevard, in South Austin on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Austin Police Department. Separately, a major collision at the very same junction left two children critically injured.
The Austin Police Department announced the fatality in a release titled “Traffic Fatality in the Intersection of S. IH-25 SVRD NB and E. SH 71 SVRD WB.” The release identified the crash at the frontage road intersection of S. IH-25 and State Highway 71 in South Austin. APD has not yet released the identity of the victim or the specific circumstances of the crash.
A Second Crash At The Same Junction In As Many Days
A major collision occurred Wednesday, September 9, at the same I-35 and East Ben White Boulevard interchange near Woodward Street, leaving two children critically injured and transported to Dell Children's Medical Center, along with one adult seriously hurt, according to KVUE. That crash required extensive lane closures and a STAR Flight emergency air transport, and Hoodline covered the incident in a story published Wednesday.
The interchange has been under heavy construction pressure in recent days. The Texas Department of Transportation scheduled nightly closures of the eastbound and westbound SH 71 and Ben White Boulevard flyover ramps to southbound I-35 from Tuesday, September 8, through Thursday, September 10, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. for bridge column work, according to MySA. Those closures diverted drivers onto frontage roads during the overnight hours.
Part Of A Long-Running, $548 Million Highway Overhaul
The interchange sits within TxDOT's $548 million I-35 Capital Express South Project, which began construction in late 2022 and is projected to wrap up in late 2028. The project is being executed by Fluor Corporation, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
This is not the first severe wreck at this stretch of roadway. A motorcyclist died after crashing on the southbound I-35 flyover to Ben White Boulevard Westbound on July 29, according to KVUE. The interchange has also been subject to overnight flyover closures.
Where This Fits In Austin's 2026 Traffic Toll
Citywide, Austin's traffic-fatality totals provide broader context for this crash.
The citywide traffic-fatality count is part of the broader context for this crash.
The crash investigation remains ongoing. No further details about the victim or the cause of the crash have been released as the investigation continues.
