Georgetown, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
A serious accident in Georgetown, Texas, involving an 18-wheeler and a bridge has left one person in critical condition. The truck, carrying an oversized excavator, crashed into the State Highway 29 bridge over I-35, causing a multi-vehicle collision. The incident disrupted traffic for hours, prompting ongoing investigations by authorities and highlighting the importance of adhering to vehicle height limits.
Georgetown, Texas
An accident involving an 18-wheeler and a bridge in Georgetown, Texas, has left one person in critical but stable condition and resulted in a multi-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:53 p.m. when the truck, carrying an excavator taller than legal limits, crashed into the State Highway 29 bridge over Interstate 35.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, a 61-year-old man from Jonestown, Texas, was adhering to a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) permit that restricted the vehicle’s height to a maximum of 14 feet, 9 inches. However, the load being transported measured over 18 feet, 5 inches, far exceeding not only the permit limit but also the posted height limit of 15 feet, 9 inches for the bridge. The actual height of the bridge stands at 16 feet, 5 inches.
The collision led to a significant disruption on I-35 as southbound lanes were closed, and the SH 29 overpass remained blocked until approximately 6:15 a.m. the following day—roughly 15 hours after the crash. During this time, TxDOT engineers assessed the bridge for damage and determined that repairs would be necessary due to damaged beams.
In addition to the driver, two individuals were hospitalized following the accident. Authorities indicated that one victim remains in critical condition, although stable, according to updates from the city of Georgetown. The truck began its route from a local business in Georgetown and successfully navigated through two other bridges on its way before striking the SH 29 bridge.
Georgetown police have yet to make any arrests or file charges as their investigation into the incident continues. A TxDOT spokesperson noted that while repairs are underway, the outer lane of the bridge will remain blocked for maintenance work. TxDOT typically manages an average of 20 bridge strikes annually across the Austin area, prompting officials to remind truck drivers to be mindful of their vehicle dimensions and to adhere to posted height limits.
Authorities are requesting anyone who witnessed the incident to reach out to the Georgetown Police Department at 512-930-3510 to provide additional information.
Background on Bridge Strikes
Bridge strikes are not uncommon in congested regions, particularly in areas with numerous height restrictions. Data suggests that with increased traffic volume in Texas, incidents involving oversized vehicles colliding with bridges occur sporadically. Local transportation agencies continually assess and manage bridge heights, ensuring proper signage is posted to minimize such accidents.
Key Details of the Incident
- Incident Type: 18-wheeler bridge strike
- Date: Tuesday, [insert exact date]
- Time: Approximately 1:53 p.m.
- Location: State Highway 29 bridge over I-35, Georgetown, Texas
- Casualties: One in critical condition, one hospitalized, driver unharmed
- Vehicle Height: Hauling load exceeded legal height limits
- Bridge Height: Actual 16 feet, 5 inches; posted limit 15 feet, 9 inches
- Investigation Status: Ongoing; no charges filed yet
- Closure Duration: Bridge closure until approximately 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday
FAQ
What caused the 18-wheeler to hit the bridge in Georgetown?
The 18-wheeler was carrying an excavator that exceeded the height restrictions set by a permit, leading to the collision with the State Highway 29 bridge over I-35.
How many vehicles were involved in the accident?
The accident resulted in a multi-vehicle wreck involving the 18-wheeler and an additional five vehicles.
Is the bridge safe to use now?
While the bridge has reopened, TxDOT crews are conducting repairs due to damaged beams, and one outer lane remains blocked.
Major Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Bridge strike by an 18-wheeler |
| Date and Time | Tuesday, [insert exact date] at 1:53 p.m. |
| Driver’s Background | 61-year-old man from Jonestown, Texas with a valid commercial driver’s license |
| Height Limits | Load height exceeded permit and posted limits |
| Casualties | One in critical but stable condition, two hospitalized |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; no charges filed |
| Repair Status | Outer lane blocked for repairs, bridge reopened |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Interstate 35
- KXAN
- Google Search: Georgetown 18-wheeler accident
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Traffic Incidents
- KVUE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown Texas
- CBS Austin
- Google News: Georgetown I-35 accident
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson 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 the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
