Austin, Texas, February 11, 2026
A tragic pedestrian crash involving a box truck occurred early Tuesday morning, leading to the shutdown of all southbound lanes on I-35 near Onion Creek Parkway. The incident, which took place around 4:00 a.m., resulted in significant traffic disruptions until lanes were reopened by 8:00 a.m. The identity of the pedestrian is still not disclosed as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasize the need for increased pedestrian safety measures in high-traffic areas.
Austin, Texas: Fatal Pedestrian Crash Closes Southbound I-35 Near Onion Creek
Austin, Texas – A fatal pedestrian crash early Tuesday morning resulted in the closure of all southbound lanes on Interstate 35 near Onion Creek Parkway, causing significant traffic disruptions. The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m., leading to the shutdown of southbound I-35 between Slaughter Lane and Onion Creek Parkway. All lanes were reopened by approximately 8:00 a.m. on the same day.
The crash involved a box truck colliding with a pedestrian. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. The identity of the pedestrian has not been released, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal pedestrian crashes on I-35 in Austin. In January 2026, a fatal crash occurred in the 700 block of East 7th Street, resulting in the death of Erica Garza. In August 2022, a deadly auto-pedestrian crash on I-35 near the Cesar Chavez Street exit led to the death of a man.
Authorities are urging pedestrians to exercise caution when near highways and to use designated crosswalks and pedestrian bridges when available. Drivers are also advised to remain vigilant and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent such tragic incidents.
Dealing with Traffic Disruptions
Following the crash, commuters faced significant delays as traffic was rerouted away from the closed lanes. Traffic management authorities quickly responded to the situation, implementing detours to ensure road safety while cleanup and investigation took place. Such incidents highlight the necessity for efficient traffic management to minimize disruption in a rapidly growing city.
Addressing Pedestrian Safety
With Austin continuing to expand, there is an increasing focus on pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with high vehicular traffic. Solutions such as improved signage, additional crosswalks, and more pedestrian bridges have the potential to greatly enhance safety for those navigating these busy routes.
Recurring Themes in Traffic Incidents
The recent crash is part of a troubling pattern of pedestrian fatalities along major roadways in Austin. Continuous efforts must be made by local government and community organizations to educate both pedestrians and drivers on safety measures that can prevent these tragic accidents.
Community Engagement in Safety Initiatives
Community involvement and public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in promoting safety on Austin’s roads. Local businesses, civic organizations, and residents can collaborate to foster a culture of vigilance and support initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents.
Conclusion
This latest pedestrian accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety on our roadways. While the closure of I-35 impacted many commuters, it also gives rise to discussions on how to better protect vulnerable road users. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to stay engaged in these conversations and to support ongoing efforts for road safety in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the fatal pedestrian crash on I-35 near Onion Creek?
A box truck collided with a pedestrian on southbound I-35 near Onion Creek Parkway around 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, resulting in the death of the pedestrian. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.
When were the southbound lanes of I-35 reopened after the crash?
The southbound lanes of I-35 were closed from approximately 4:00 a.m. until around 8:00 a.m. on the same day, when all lanes were reopened.
Have there been other fatal pedestrian crashes on I-35 in Austin?
Yes, there have been previous fatal pedestrian crashes on I-35 in Austin. Notably, in January 2026, a fatal crash occurred in the 700 block of East 7th Street, resulting in the death of Erica Garza. In August 2022, a deadly auto-pedestrian crash on I-35 near the Cesar Chavez Street exit led to the death of a man.
What safety measures are being recommended to prevent such incidents?
Authorities are urging pedestrians to exercise caution when near highways and to use designated crosswalks and pedestrian bridges when available. Drivers are also advised to remain vigilant and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent such tragic incidents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southbound I-35 near Onion Creek Parkway, Austin, Texas |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 4:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026 |
| Cause of Crash | Collision between a box truck and a pedestrian |
| Traffic Impact | All southbound lanes closed; reopened by 8:00 a.m. on the same day |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; pedestrian’s identity not yet released |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
TxDOT Postpones Long-Term I-35 Closure in Austin
Vehicle Collision on Barton Club Drive Raises Safety Concerns
Vehicle Collision in Austin’s Garrison Park Neighborhood
Vehicle Collision with Injuries at McNeil Dr & Los Indios Trl
Austin’s Traffic Crisis Prompts Urgent Safety Responses
Traffic Accident Results in Injuries on Barton Springs Rd
Austin Faces Challenges with Recent Developments
Recent Developments in Austin, Texas Community
Fatal Crash on I-35 Service Road in Central Austin Claims One Life
Massive Investments Underway to Revitalize South Texas Highways
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
