A “critical” crash on the Northside of Austin has sparked a large emergency response and all but halted U.S. 183. Emergency crews have shut down every main lane of the heavily trafficked highway, keeping only a single shoulder lane open to try to move drivers through.
Drivers traversing the Northside of the Texas capital city on Friday, May 15, should be wary of which highways they hop on. Cars are backed up for miles along U.S. 183, near the intersection of Cameron Road, between Highway 290 and I-35.
“Southbound US 183 at Cameron Road, all lanes closed due to a crash,” the Texas Department of Transportation Austin office warned Friday shortly before 3 p.m.
The state agency has flagged the crash as “critical” on a live traffic monitoring site.
Vehicles are crawling down the highway, which has been cut from four lanes to one, with first responders using the left shoulder to keep traffic moving. However, drivers should avoid the area if possible to keep the scene clear and avoid major traffic delays.
The emergency response vehicles on site include those of TxDOT, the Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department.
It’s unclear how long it will take for emergency crews to clear the wreckage. Critical incidents could prolong highway impacts. Folks should plan an alternate route or prepare to linger where they are when clocking out on Friday and heading home.