EL PASO, TEXAS — A semi-truck crash on Transmountain Road on August 27 has renewed questions about whether El Paso’s newly installed runaway truck ramp — the first mechanical ramp of its kind in Texas — is visible enough for drivers to actually use it in an emergency.
Dashcam video from another rig shows the truck descending the grade with its hazard lights on before driving past the ramp and eventually overturning near Desert South. Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The mechanical runaway truck ramp was completed by TxDOT in July. Because space on Transmountain Road is limited, the ramp was built in the median, meaning drivers must use the left lane to access it — an unconventional configuration that has caught some off guard. It is the fourth runaway ramp on the road and the first mechanical ramp in the state, capable of stopping a 90,000-pound truck traveling up to 90 mph.
Community reaction to the crash focused on the ramp’s visibility. Commenters said the ramp has minimal signage — one small white sign with no reflective strips or lights — and that the left-side location is unexpected for drivers used to right-side ramps.
“The new ramp is hardly labeled. One small white sign, no reflecting strips or lights. He drove right past it in the video,” one person wrote. “For this type of ramp being the first of its kind, you would think TxDOT would have made it more visible and better marked for truckers. This could have been prevented.”
Others echoed the concern. “It’s not marked very well in all fairness. Make a bright red lane and put some marking up,” wrote another. “I don’t think the drivers are expecting it to be to the left side or down the middle,” added a third.
TxDOT said in a statement that while the ramp is fully operational, the overall project is not yet complete. Two portable message signs are currently in place along with permanent distance signs advising drivers of the upcoming ramp and its left-side location. Existing signage includes notifications for low gear use and the end of the freeway.
“We are further evaluating future potential enhancements with TxDOT Traffic Division,” the agency said, without specifying what those enhancements might be or when they could happen.
TxDOT also noted it generally does not have authority to prohibit specific classes of vehicles from using a state highway when those vehicles are within legal size and weight limits, and said any restrictions would require review and approval through appropriate transportation authorities.
Community accounts courtesy of local media.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
