Texas Opens First Mechanical Runaway Truck Ramp in El Paso

Texas has opened its first mechanical runaway truck ramp in El Paso, giving commercial drivers a new emergency escape option on westbound Loop 375 near I-10.

Texas has added a new safety feature for commercial drivers traveling through El Paso with the opening of the state’s first mechanical runaway truck ramp.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that the truck arresting system opened on July 1 along westbound Loop 375 (Transmountain Road) near the Interstate 10 interchange. The ramp is designed to safely stop runaway trucks experiencing brake failure while descending the mountain corridor.

New Design Addresses Limited Space

Unlike traditional gravel runaway truck ramps, the new system was built in the highway median because of limited space near the I-10 interchange.

According to TxDOT El Paso District Engineer Tomas Trevino, the mechanical truck arresting system was selected because it can safely stop vehicles in areas where roadway geometry does not allow for a conventional runaway ramp.

Project officials noted that while similar systems have been installed in states including Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, the El Paso installation is unique because it is located in a highway median. Designers say it is the first median-mounted mechanical runaway truck ramp of its kind in the United States.

System Uses Energy Absorbing Nets to Stop Trucks

The arresting system is designed to stop a truck weighing up to 90,000 pounds traveling at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Instead of using deep gravel, the system relies on eight energy-absorbing net stations anchored to reinforced concrete walls. After a vehicle uses the ramp, crews can reset the system in as little as four hours.

Although the ramp was designed primarily for commercial trucks, it is available for all motorists facing an emergency. Drivers who enter the system are encouraged to remain centered on the ramp for the safest outcome.

Fourth Runaway Ramp on Loop 375

The new mechanical system is now the fourth runaway truck ramp along Loop 375.

The corridor already includes three gravel runaway ramps, with one serving westbound traffic and two serving eastbound traffic. TxDOT has also added permanent warning signs to alert truck drivers to the locations of the emergency escape ramps in both directions.

The additional safety improvements come after several runaway truck incidents have occurred on the Transmountain roadway in recent years, providing commercial drivers with another emergency option if brake failure occurs.