Cars were seen stranded in Dallas on IH635 and Garland Road Monday morning after rain caused flooding on the road.
TxDOT cameras showed cars stuck on the highway early Monday after rain pushed through North Texas.
Some vehicles were seen not moving in the high water while others were able to drive through the water.
The highway has been prone to flooding in the past.
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Dallas Fire Rescue responded to calls of motorists stranded in high water on IH635 in May and then again in June.
In those instances, a TxDOT official said litter clogging the drains contributed to the flooding issues.
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The spokesperson for the contractor building the 635 East Project, Pegasus Link Constructors, said in a statement, "PLC remains responsible for preventing roadway flooding that impacts traffic throughout the construction phase."
PLC went on to say, "Unfortunately, the heavy rains this morning did result in flooding on a section of westbound 635. Our team moved in and immediately began to clear drainage sections and pump the water to clear the lanes. All lanes were cleared by 9:30 AM."
PLC said it would perform routine drainage inspections and maintenance going forward with additional inspections during forecasted rain.
Construction contractor explains issues likely causing I-635 flooding
Westbound lanes of 635 at Garland Road filled with floodwaters during the 6 a.m. hour.
Traffic merged into one lane attempting to drive across safely.
Mya McGown captured video of stalled vehicles while driving eastbound lanes, warning followers on Instagram ‘Do NOT get on 635.’
Pegasus Link Contractors is the contractor in charge of the 635 East Project that stretches 11 miles from U.S. 75 to I-30.
The project also includes reconstructing the direct connectors along I-635 and I-30.
“Pegasus is responsible for preventing roadway flooding and mitigating impacts to traffic throughout the construction phase,” said the company’s spokesperson Dianne Tordillo. “With the heavy rains this morning, we did move in there and immediately began to clear the drainage sections and pump up the water clear lanes and lanes were cleared by 9:30 [a.m.].”
The massive project began in 2020 adding a lane in each direction and reconstructing middle lanes for future TexPress lanes.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
Asked what led to the sudden flooding that overtook some cars Monday morning, Tordillo said the section in question is an active construction zone with changing lane alignments of concrete barriers.
The flooding event is partly a result of construction and roadway debris clogging drains, she said.
Pegasus crews used portable electric pumps and other equipment to ride the section of floodwaters.
Similar scenes have played out along other sections of the East Project in recent months, causing frustration among some commuters who say even small storms lead to flooding.
Crews are continuing to identify areas where water tends to build up and is taking further action.
“We are going to increase the frequency of the regular drainage inspections and remain as proactive as possible in identifying those problematic areas,” said Tordillo. “Our team remains committed to the successful completion of the 635 East Project.”
There is potential financial relief for drivers impacted by the project, Tordillo confirms.
“We have a claims process in place,” she said.
Drivers can email project officials at: info@635east.com or call the project hotline at 1-833-HWY-635E.
