A new runaway truck ramp is coming to El Paso and it will be the first of its kind in the United States of America.

You’ve probably seen the signs letting big rig drivers, (cars have sometimes had to use them too), know where the runaway truck ramps are on Trans Mountain. Those will remain where they are but there is a new one coming and its a first for the nation.

We’ve all been frustrated by the never ending construction along Trans Mountain. It was even more annoying that I couldn’t figure out what the crews were doing since nothing about the road was changing. Now, I get it; here’s what’s up …

New Runaway Truck Ramp On Trans Mountain

After a couple of serious and deadly accidents involving big trucks that lost their brakes, Trans Mountain is getting a new emergency ramp.

“This is probably the most unique trap that we’ve designed. First, it is the first mechanical system installed in Texas, but it is in a median, and we have never done a median application. This is the first of its kind in the nation.” – KVIA

READ MORE: 4 Semi Truck Accidents In El Paso In 1 Day 

The ramp, which can stop a 90,000 pound truck doing 90 mph, should be open this summer.

How Does The New Ramp Work?

It slows runaway vehicles via a series of of really strong, steel nets nets that are bolted into concrete blocks.

How Do The Current Trans Mountain Runaway Truck Ramps Work?

The current ramps are long trenches filled with gravel that gradually deepen, slowing vehicles as they sink into them. There is one on both sides of the mountain and each one is located just before major intersections where traffic is almost always heavy.

What Happened On Trans Mountain?

There have been many accidents on Trans Mountain with 2 very serious ones recently. One involved a semi, the other a runaway cement mixer which were unable to use the existing ramps. Had this new ramp been in place back then; a lot of damage, many serious injuries and at least 2 deaths would have been avoided.

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