Trucking Laws · Texas · November 5, 2026

El Paso Explores Diverting Trucks Off Transmountain Road and Loop 375, and Truckers Could Face New Restrictions

By Big Rig Daily Staff

The city of El Paso, Texas, is exploring whether to divert commercial truck traffic off Transmountain Road, part of state Highway Loop 375, according to Land Line. No restriction is in place yet.

The road

An estimated 40,000 vehicles travel Loop 375 daily, and commercial trucks make up as much as 10% of that traffic, Land Line reports. The city is looking at the trucks because of a history of crashes involving large trucks on Transmountain Road, most recently on Oct. 19.

What the council did

At an Oct. 27 meeting, the El Paso City Council unanimously approved an agenda item seeking more restrictions on the road, Land Line reports.

"At this time, we just want to explore what the options are, and then in 30 days the city manager will come back to us and give us those options so we can decide how to move forward," city representative Alejandra Chavez told local media. "It's going to take collaboration with TxDOT, but it's also taking collaboration with our police department and other safety measures that we can maybe implement."

In the short term, inspections for all commercial vehicles and a larger law enforcement presence on the highway are planned.

Runaway truck ramps

In July, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) opened a mechanical runaway truck ramp on Transmountain Road, the first of its kind in El Paso, Land Line reports. TxDOT engineers said it was designed to safely stop a 90,000-pound truck traveling 90 mph, and it was built in the median because of the narrow space. Three gravel runaway ramps were already on the road. TxDOT told city officials it plans to add more ramps with energy-absorbing net stations and reinforced concrete walls.

What comes next

The city's next step is to determine whether restricting commercial vehicles or creating alternate routes is legal or feasible, Land Line says. Big Rig Daily reported on earlier inspection plans for Transmountain Road in October.

What it means for truckers

For truckers who use Transmountain Road, nothing has changed yet, but more inspections and enforcement are planned. Any diversion would need work with TxDOT and would take time. Truckers who run the road can watch for the city manager's report, due about 30 days after the Oct. 27 meeting.

Quick facts

• Road: Transmountain Road, part of Loop 375, El Paso.
• Traffic: about 40,000 vehicles a day, up to 10% trucks.
• Council vote: unanimous, Oct. 27, to seek options.
• Next: city manager's options in about 30 days.
• Now: more commercial vehicle inspections and enforcement.

FAQ

Are trucks banned from Transmountain Road?

No. The city is only studying options.

Who has to agree?

The city says it will take collaboration with TxDOT and the police department.

A question for readers

Truckers who run El Paso, what alternate route would work if Transmountain were closed to trucks?

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