On the morning of July 2, 2025, a major traffic disruption occurred in El Paso when a large metal pole reportedly fell onto the Westbound I-10 lanes of Interstate 10 near the Lee Trevino Drive overpass. The incident led to immediate lane closures and extensive delays for commuters heading westbound, as confirmed by multiple local news sources, including the El Paso Times.
Emergency response teams from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the El Paso Police Department arrived on-site to manage the scene and assess the infrastructure. Initial findings indicated that the pole, which was part of an overhead sign structure, had fallen across the highway lanes, raising concerns over the structural integrity of the overpass and surrounding infrastructure. Motorists were rerouted through alternate routes, and TxDOT immediately began evaluating whether the overpass itself had sustained any critical damage.
Hazardous Oil Spill Complicates Cleanup Efforts
In addition to the overpass damage, a hazardous oil spill occurred at the same location, further complicating cleanup efforts and prompting additional safety measures. According to KFOX14 News, emergency crews had to deploy hazmat teams to manage the spill and ensure it did not pose an environmental or roadway hazard. The spill occurred underneath the overpass, intensifying concerns that both the surface and underlying structure might have been compromised.
The combined impact of the fallen metal pole and oil spill meant that westbound I-10 traffic was brought to a standstill for hours, leading to major congestion throughout East El Paso. City officials advised the public to avoid the area and encouraged commuters to use alternative routes like North Loop Drive and Montana Avenue.
Traffic Resumes as Repairs Completed Ahead of Schedule
By late afternoon, TxDOT and city engineers completed a thorough inspection of the damaged overpass and cleared the affected area of all hazardous materials. As reported by MSN News, all Westbound I-10 were officially reopened to traffic after confirming that the bridge and roadway posed no ongoing safety risk.
Officials stated that although the pole collapse appeared sudden, they are launching a formal investigation into whether metal fatigue, high winds, or structural wear contributed to the incident. TxDOT has committed to inspecting other similar overpass structures in the region as a preventive measure.
The swift reopening of Westbound I-10 lanes was met with relief by daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike. However, city officials emphasized the importance of infrastructure audits, particularly in high-traffic corridors, to prevent future incidents of this nature.
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