Could Trucks Be Removed from Transmountain Road?
El Paso officials are examining whether truck traffic should be diverted from Transmountain Road following a history of crashes involving large commercial vehicles, including a recent multi-vehicle collision that killed one person and injured nine others.
Fatal crash renewed concerns
The most recent serious 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 before pushing it into a Ford F-150 near the South Desert intersection.
Rene Dario Perez-Ramirez, 42, was killed while driving a Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The semitrailer driver reportedly told investigators that the truck’s brakes failed while traveling downhill on Transmountain Road.
Another rollover crash at South Desert Boulevard and Transmountain Road left three people injured, including one person who was seriously hurt, according to the available reports.
City reviewing truck-traffic options
The crash history has prompted city leaders to consider whether heavy truck traffic should be redirected to another route. No specific diversion plan or timetable was included in the available information.
Transmountain Road includes downhill sections that can present additional challenges for heavy vehicles. Commercial drivers commonly encounter advisory signs on mountain roads instructing them to inspect their braking systems and select a lower gear before beginning a descent.
Separate work affecting I-10
Construction activity is also affecting travel in the area. Crews are conducting alternating lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 10 between Redd Road and Transmountain Road while working on median columns, steel components and formwork.
Officials have not indicated whether the I-10 work is connected to the city’s review of truck traffic on Transmountain Road.
