A crash on Friday night forced the closure of several lanes on Interstate 35 northbound at U.S. Highway 290, disrupting traffic in the Austin area.
Crash Details
The incident occurred on Dec. 19, 2025, around 8:24 p.m., when a vehicle collision shut down the entire northbound side of I-35 near the US 290 interchange. Texas Department of Transportation’s Austin office immediately posted an alert on X at 8:24 p.m., notifying motorists of the sudden lane closures. At the time of the alert, all lanes of the northbound I-35 were closed, creating a complete stoppage for vehicles traveling in that direction. By approximately 8:45 p.m., TxDOT’s real-time traffic map indicated that two lanes had been reopened, easing some of the congestion but leaving the majority of lanes closed.
Impact on Traffic
Drivers on the affected stretch reported heavy traffic congestion, with vehicles queued for several miles as the traffic system struggled to adjust to the sudden lane reduction. Commuters heading toward downtown Austin and the surrounding suburbs were forced to detour or endure extended travel times due to the closure of multiple lanes. Austin police and emergency services were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and assist with traffic management. While the specific circumstances of the crash were not disclosed, the incident was severe enough to warrant a full lane closure on the northbound side.
Response and Coordination
TxDOT coordinated with local traffic management centers to monitor the situation and determine the optimal time to reopen lanes safely. When two lanes reopened around 8:45 p.m., motorists were advised to proceed with caution as the accident site remained active and traffic flow was still disrupted. The Austin office continued to post updates on X, encouraging drivers to check the real-time traffic map for the latest lane status. The posted camera images show vehicles idling in long queues, with the incident area clearly marked and traffic lights operating in a stalled pattern.
Camera and Map
TxDOT cameras positioned along I-35 captured the chaos, providing live footage that highlighted the bottleneck and the flow of vehicles waiting to pass the closed lanes. The real-time traffic map displayed a color-coded system, indicating heavy congestion in the affected area and the gradual restoration of lanes as the situation improved. The camera screenshots show vehicles idling in long lines, with the incident site clearly visible and traffic signals operating in a stalled mode. The real-time traffic map used a color scheme-red indicating heavy congestion, orange for moderate, and green for free flow-to convey lane status.
Safety and Reopening
When the two lanes reopened around 8:45 p.m., TxDOT issued a notice reminding drivers to remain vigilant due to ongoing debris and potential hazards. Motorists were advised to keep a safe following distance, avoid sudden lane changes, and obey any detour instructions issued by traffic personnel. Detour signage was posted at key exits, guiding drivers to alternative routes while the incident area was cleared. Austin Police Department coordinated with TxDOT to ensure that emergency services could access the crash site without further disrupting traffic.
Ongoing Situation
The Austin office labeled the incident as a developing story, indicating that additional information would be released as the investigation progressed and the site was cleared. The incident impacted all four lanes of the northbound direction, effectively halting traffic flow and forcing vehicles to wait for clearance. While the exact cause of the crash was not yet disclosed, investigators were on the scene to assess damage and secure the area. TxDOT Austin used its X account to provide real-time updates, encouraging motorists to check the official traffic map before heading to the area.
Key Takeaways
- A crash on I-35 northbound at US 290 closed all northbound lanes on Dec. 19, 2025.
- Two lanes reopened around 8:45 p.m., but heavy congestion persisted.
- TxDOT and local authorities coordinated to manage traffic and provide updates.
Commuters are advised to monitor official channels for the latest information and to plan alternate routes if necessary.
