Crash Shuts Down Texas 71 in South Austin

Multi-vehicle collision causes major delays as crews respond to the scene.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A multi-vehicle crash on Texas 71 in South Austin has shut down the highway in both directions near Bob Wire Road, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. The Texas Department of Public Safety is responding to the incident, which is causing significant delays in the area.

Why it matters

Texas 71 is a major thoroughfare through South Austin, and this closure will impact commuters and travelers in the region. Crashes on major highways can cause widespread disruption and delays.

The details

The Travis County Sheriff's Office reported that the multi-vehicle crash has closed both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Texas 71 near the Bob Wire Road intersection. The Texas Department of Public Safety has been dispatched to the scene to assist with the response.

  • The crash occurred on February 16, 2026 around 10:56 PM.

The players

Travis County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and reported on the multi-vehicle crash on Texas 71.

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that was dispatched to the scene of the crash on Texas 71 to assist with the response.

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What’s next

Authorities will work to clear the crash scene and reopen Texas 71 as soon as possible to restore normal traffic flow in the area.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for major disruptions when crashes occur on critical transportation corridors like Texas 71, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices and prompt emergency response.