Carrollton Police Department Announcement: Major Road Closure Due to Accident Involving 18-Wheeler on Southbound I-35
Date: April 4, 2025 | Time: 4:30 AM
Location: Southbound I-35 at Belt Line Exit, Carrollton, TX
At approximately 4:30 AM this morning, a major incident has resulted in the full closure of southbound I-35 near the Belt Line exit in Carrollton. An accident involving an 18-wheeler has caused significant disruption to traffic, leading to hazardous conditions on the highway.
Details of the Incident:
- Accident Involving 18-Wheeler: The 18-wheeler involved in the incident reportedly spun out, leading to the vehicle being abandoned on the highway. The truck’s presence is blocking all lanes, preventing the flow of traffic in both directions.
- Spilled Diesel Fuel: During the crash, diesel fuel has spilled across the road surface, adding another layer of risk to the situation. The spill creates dangerous driving conditions, especially as the fuel is making parts of the roadway slick.
- HAZMAT Response: In response to the fuel spill, Hazmat (hazardous materials) teams have been dispatched to the scene to manage the cleanup efforts. These specialized teams are trained to safely handle fuel spills, but the cleanup process will take time, further extending the closure.
Impact on Traffic:
- Full Closure Southbound: Southbound traffic on I-35 at the Belt Line exit is completely blocked. No vehicles are able to pass through the area at this time. The closure is expected to last for an extended period, depending on how quickly the cleanup operation proceeds.
- Significant Delays: Due to the nature of the incident and the ongoing cleanup efforts, drivers are urged to expect significant delays in the area. Traffic is backed up, and alternate routes should be considered for those traveling in the area.
- Safety Concerns: Given the presence of hazardous materials and the risk posed by the fuel spill, the Carrollton Police Department is urging drivers to stay clear of the area. Emergency responders are working diligently to address the situation, but safety must remain a priority.
Recommended Actions for Drivers:
- Avoid the Area: If you are traveling southbound on I-35, it is strongly recommended that you find alternate routes. You should avoid the stretch of highway near Belt Line until the incident is cleared.
- Use Alternate Routes: Drivers traveling south can consider alternative highways such as SH-121 or the George Bush Turnpike to bypass the area. Local roads may be congested, so please use your GPS or navigation app to find the most efficient detour.
- Monitor Updates: The Carrollton Police Department is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Drivers should stay informed through official sources, including the Carrollton Police Department’s social media pages and local news outlets, for real-time traffic and incident information.
Public Safety Advisory:
- HAZMAT Teams On-Site: The Hazmat teams are trained to manage hazardous spills like the one caused by this incident. However, their work requires precision, and the cleanup is expected to take several hours. Traffic will be diverted for the time being, so please be patient and avoid the area until further notice.
- First Responders at the Scene: Emergency responders are actively working to clear the wreckage and mitigate the spill. Please obey all traffic signals, signs, and police directions. If you’re in the area, stay alert to changing conditions and detour instructions.
The Carrollton Police Department urges everyone to stay safe and be patient as the cleanup and recovery efforts continue. We ask all drivers to keep their distance from emergency vehicles and allow first responders ample space to work.
Stay Tuned for Further Updates: As of now, the full timeline for the closure remains uncertain. The Carrollton Police Department will issue further updates as soon as more information becomes available. Please continue to check our social media pages and local news channels for live updates on this situation. Your cooperation is essential as we work to clear the area and reopen southbound I-35.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.