Innovative Safety Ramp Coming to Trans Mountain

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A new, state-of-the-art runaway truck ramp is coming to El Paso's Trans Mountain highway, the first of its kind in the United States. The innovative ramp will use a series of steel nets bolted into concrete blocks to safely slow down and stop runaway vehicles, including trucks weighing up to 90,000 pounds traveling at speeds up to 90 mph. This new system aims to prevent the type of serious and deadly accidents that have occurred on the winding Trans Mountain corridor in recent years.

Why it matters

Trans Mountain has long been considered one of the most dangerous highway corridors in Texas, with a history of serious accidents involving runaway trucks and vehicles. The existing gravel-filled ramps have proven insufficient in some cases, leading to devastating crashes. This new mechanical ramp system represents an innovative safety upgrade that could save lives and prevent extensive property damage.

The details

The new runaway truck ramp will be located in the median of Trans Mountain, a first-of-its-kind application. It utilizes a series of ultra-strong steel nets bolted into concrete blocks to gradually slow down and stop runaway vehicles. The ramp is designed to safely stop a 90,000-pound truck traveling at speeds up to 90 mph. Construction on the new ramp is expected to be completed this summer.

• The new runaway truck ramp is scheduled to open this summer.
• There have been several serious accidents on Trans Mountain in recent years, including incidents involving a semi-truck and a runaway cement mixer.

What’s next

The new runaway truck ramp is expected to open this summer, providing a critical safety upgrade for the treacherous Trans Mountain highway in El Paso.