If you were anywhere near I-45 on Houston’s north side Thursday afternoon, chances are you were stuck in gridlock. A deadly crash between a motorcycle and a tow truck around 2:30 p.m. brought traffic to a standstill — and caused a complete shutdown of northbound lanes for hours.
What Happened on I-45 Thursday Afternoon
According to Houston TranStar, the crash occurred in the northbound lanes of Interstate 45 at Cypresswood Drive. The wreck involved two vehicles — a motorcycle and a tow truck — and was reported shortly before 2:30 p.m.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the severity of the crash led to major lane closures. Just before 4:30 p.m., all northbound lanes were fully closed to allow for investigation and cleanup efforts.
Traffic Impact and Commuter Delays
Drivers faced hours-long delays during peak afternoon traffic. Initial lane closures caused congestion to build quickly, and when the full shutdown went into effect at 4:30 p.m., traffic was backed up for miles.
The freeway finally reopened around 6:00 p.m., according to Houston TranStar. Commuters were advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area throughout the afternoon.
Investigation Into Fatal Crash Ongoing
Officials have not released the identity of the person killed or provided further details about the cause of the crash. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. So far, no charges or citations have been reported.
More information will likely be released once the investigation concludes.
Stay Informed During Traffic Emergencies
When major roadways like I-45 are closed unexpectedly, it can throw your entire day off course. Make sure you check Houston TranStar and local news sources regularly for real-time traffic updates.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
