IH-10 Katy eastbound shut after major crash at Wirt Rd

A major crash on IH-10 Katy eastbound at Wirt Road and Chimney Rock brought traffic to a standstill Wednesday morning. The wreck happened at 4:29 AM, with responding officers securing the scene and clearing debris from multiple lanes.

The eastbound roadway was closed during the immediate response. Commuters heading toward downtown or the East End on that stretch had to reroute — I-610 loop, Westpark Tollway to the west, or Washington Avenue and Memorial Drive for inner-loop segments were your best bets to avoid the backup.

This crash adds to a troubling pattern at this location. According to LTA data, the corridor has seen 17 incidents in the past 30 days alone, with 11 of those classified as major. Over the past 90 days, the count climbs to 43 total incidents, 19 of them major. Since January 2020, state crash records show 623 crashes within about a quarter-mile of this stretch, per TxDOT CRIS public crash records.

Contributing factors as recorded by the investigating officer, per TxDOT CRIS, show "Failed To Control Speed" as the leading factor, cited in 219 crashes at this corridor over the past six years. That pattern underscores the challenge drivers face navigating this stretch, particularly during peak hours. LTA data indicates the single busiest hour here is 6 to 7 PM, though crashes occur at varied times rather than concentrating in one narrow window. Thursdays have seen the most incidents at this location over the past 90 days, with 10 crashes recorded on that day alone.

Weather conditions were clear at the time of the incident — 79 degrees and sunny — so visibility and road surface conditions were not factors in this particular wreck.

The road reopened following standard incident clearance procedures. If you're heading eastbound on IH-10 through this corridor during your commute, allow extra time and stay alert.

Update (6:30 AM CT): As of 6:30 AM CT, the scene remains active and lanes may still be affected. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

Update (7:10 AM CT): The major crash at IH-10 Katy Eastbound at Wirt Road at Chimney Rock, first reported at 4:29 AM, has cleared after approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. All lanes have reopened and normal traffic flow has resumed in the area.