Falling Debris Shuts Down I-35E in Denton

Northbound and southbound lanes closed due to construction materials blown off overpass

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:50pm

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All lanes of Interstate 35E in Denton, Texas were closed on Sunday afternoon after construction debris was blown off a bridge approximately 50 to 70 feet above the highway. The Denton Fire Department reported that northbound vehicles were being directed toward the exit ramp, while southbound traffic was being diverted to I-35W. Officials said the closures could get worse and there was no estimate for when the roads would reopen.

Why it matters

Interstate 35E is a major north-south highway that runs through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, so the closure is causing significant traffic disruptions in the region. Construction projects on major highways can pose safety risks if not properly secured, and this incident highlights the need for strict safety protocols to protect drivers from falling debris.

The details

According to the Denton Fire Department, construction crews were on the scene as of 3:30 p.m. to address the issue. The closure was caused by construction debris that was blown off a bridge approximately 50 to 70 feet above the highway. Officials said the closures could get worse, and there was no estimate for when the roads would reopen.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Construction crews were on the scene as of 3:30 p.m. on March 15, 2026.

The players

Denton Fire Department

The local fire department that reported the incident and road closures.

Texas Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining the state's transportation infrastructure, including Interstate 35E.

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What’s next

Officials have not provided a timeline for when the roads will reopen, but they have indicated that the closures could get worse before the situation is resolved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and proper securing of construction materials on major highways to protect drivers from potential hazards. The closure of I-35E, a critical transportation artery, is causing significant disruptions in the region and underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.