EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — A crash last week involving a semi truck on Transmountain has renewed questions about safety on the steep roadway, nearly eight weeks after the Texas Department of Transportation opened a new runaway truck ramp following multiple deadly crashes in recent years.
Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after the crash last week.
Dashcam video shared with KFOX14 by the Instagram page FitFam El Paso appears to show a semi traveling down the grade with its hazard lights on.
Crash on Desert South at Transmountain closes two right lanes, causing minor backup (credit: Fitfam)
The truck appears to pass the ramp before crashing near Desert South.
The new ramp is the fourth on Transmountain and the first mechanical runaway truck ramp in Texas.
RELATED: New runaway truck ramp to open on Transmountain following deadly crashes
TxDOT says it can stop a 90,000-pound truck traveling up to 90 miles per hour.
Online, some people questioned whether drivers have enough warning about the ramp ahead and where it is located.
One person commented, “There needs to be bigger signs and visible markings on the entrance to the runaway truck ramp.”
Another person said in part, “I dont think the drivers are expecting it to be to the left side or down the middle.”
Others called for restrictions on semi-trucks on the roadway.
In a statement, TxDOT said the ramp is fully operational, but the project is still ongoing.
Below is their full statement.
Although the mechanical runaway truck ramp on Transmountain Road is fully operational and available for use, the overall project is not yet complete. Two portable message signs are currently in place, while permanent distance signs are installed, advising drivers of the upcoming runaway truck ramp and that the ramp is located on the left side of the roadway. Existing signage includes notifications for low gear use, the upcoming left-side ramp, and the end of the freeway. We are further evaluating future potential enhancements with TxDOT Traffic Division.According to TxDOT guidance, the department generally does not have the authority to prohibit the use of a state highway by a class of vehicles that are operating within applicable legal size and weight limits.TxDOT’s focus is on roadway infrastructure improvements, traffic operations, and safety enhancements designed to reduce conflicts and improve travel conditions for all motorists. While local governments may request traffic restrictions or operational changes, restrictions on state highways require review and approval through the appropriate transportation authorities.
TxDOT said it is also evaluating possible future enhancements with its traffic division, but did not specify what those enhancements are or when they could happen.
RELATED: All lanes reopen after semi rollover on Transmountain; truck drivers raise safety concerns
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