UPDATE (Road Reopened):
Transportation officials have confirmed that all eastbound lanes of Interstate 20 near Merkel have been reopened to traffic following the completion of emergency clearance operations. Traffic flow on the main lanes has returned to normal.
MERKEL, Texas - A major motor vehicle accident has forced the complete closure of Interstate 20 Eastbound near Merkel, prompting emergency officials to reroute all eastbound traffic.
According to transportation authorities, the crash occurred along the eastbound lanes of I-20 (IH 20) near exit 267, just west of Merkel. Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing emergency response operations, all eastbound main lanes have been shut down.
Traffic is currently being diverted off the interstate at Exit 267 and onto the frontage road.
Motorists traveling through the area should expect significant delays, reduce speed, and exercise extreme caution when navigating the detour line. Highway officials have not yet indicated when the main lanes are expected to reopen.
Updates will be provided as additional details become available.