On Monday morning, vehicles were stranded on IH635 and Garland Road in Dallas due to flooding caused by heavy rain.
TxDOT cameras captured scenes of cars stuck in high water, with some unable to move while others managed to navigate through it. This area has a history of flooding issues.
Dallas Fire Rescue had to respond to similar incidents on IH635 in May and June. According to TxDOT, debris clogging the drains contributed to these flooding problems.
Pegasus Link Constructors, the contractor for the 635 East Project, stated that they are responsible for preventing roadway flooding throughout the construction phase. They reported that the heavy rains led to flooding on westbound 635, but their team quickly moved in to clear drainage sections and pump out the water. All lanes were cleared by 9:30 AM.
The company assured that they will conduct routine drainage inspections and perform additional checks during forecasted rain.
The 635 East Project, which started in 2020, aims to add a lane in each direction and reconstruct the middle lanes for future TexPress lanes. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
Dianne Tordillo, spokesperson for Pegasus Link Constructors, explained that the flooding was exacerbated by construction and roadway debris blocking the drains. Crews used portable pumps to manage the floodwaters, and similar flooding issues have occurred along other sections of the East Project in recent months.
Tordillo mentioned that crews are working to identify areas prone to water buildup and are increasing the frequency of drainage inspections. Drivers affected by the project may seek financial relief through the claims process by contacting the project officials via email at info@635east.com or by calling the project hotline at 1-833-HWY-635E.
