Fatal METRO Bus Crash Shuts Down North Freeway HOV Lane in Houston

Fatal Pedestrian Crash on North Freeway

• ⚠️ A pedestrian was tragically hit and killed early Monday morning in the HOV lane of the North Freeway (I-45) heading south.
• 📍 The incident occurred just after the West Road exit, near the Aldine and Greens Point areas.
• 🚨 Emergency responders and Metro Police were on the scene investigating the fatal autopedestrian crash, reported just after 5:30 AM.

Metro Bus Involvement and Investigation

• 🚌 Preliminary information from Metro officials suggests a man was walking in the HOV lane when he was struck by a Metro bus.
• ❓ The reasons for the pedestrian walking in the HOV lane and the exact circumstances of the crash are still under investigation.

Traffic Disruptions and Detours

• 🚧 The HOV lane remained shut down for hours, causing significant traffic delays on I-45 South.
• 🚗 Drivers were advised to use the Hardy Toll Road as an alternative, which offered a smoother commute compared to the congested main lanes of I-45.
• 📈 Drive times from The Woodlands to downtown Houston were significantly impacted, with the Hardy Toll Road showing a much shorter travel time.
• 🚗 Even outbound lanes experienced slow-going due to rubbernecking from the crash scene.