Should Trucks Be Banned from Transmountain Road? | Land Line Media
El Paso officials are considering whether to divert some truck traffic from Transmountain Road following a history of crashes involving large commercial vehicles, including a fatal multi-vehicle collision in October.
Fatal crash raised concerns about truck traffic
The October crash occurred at Transmountain Road and North Desert Boulevard. According to police reports cited in local coverage, a semitrailer continued through the North Desert intersection and sideswiped a Toyota RAV4, pushing it into a Ford F-150 near the South Desert intersection.
The collision killed 42-year-old Rene Dario Perez-Ramirez, who was driving a Chevrolet Colorado pickup, and injured nine other people. The semitrailer driver reportedly told investigators that the vehicle’s brakes failed while traveling downhill on Transmountain Road.
The crash renewed concerns about the risks heavy trucks face on steep grades. Commercial drivers commonly use lower gears and inspect braking systems before descending mountain roads, where loss of control can quickly lead to a rollover or a multi-vehicle collision.
Additional crash under investigation
Another crash near South Desert Boulevard and Transmountain Road sent three people to the hospital, including one person with serious injuries. Officials said the incident involved a rollover, and the cause remained under investigation.
The incidents have prompted city leaders to examine whether truck traffic should be redirected to other routes. Any potential change would affect freight movement through northwest El Paso and could require coordination with transportation agencies and local businesses.
Road work also affecting the corridor
Construction activity is causing additional traffic disruptions in the area. Crews are conducting alternating lane closures in both directions of Interstate 10 between Redd Road and Transmountain Road while working on median columns, steel components and formwork.
Officials have not announced a final plan for diverting trucks from Transmountain Road. Further details are expected as the city evaluates crash history, roadway conditions and available alternate routes.
