A significant traffic accident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, Texas, resulting in the complete closure of all northbound lanes for several hours. The crash was reported around 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of I-35 and FM 306, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). New Braunfels Police Department coordinated the emergency response, diverting all northbound traffic onto the frontage road while emergency personnel worked at the scene. The severity of the incident required an extended closure that lasted several hours, with all lanes finally reopening by 8:20 p.m. the same day. While specific details about the cause of the crash and potential injuries have not been released by authorities, the duration of the closure suggests this was a serious incident requiring extensive investigation and cleanup efforts. The New Braunfels Police Department has not yet provided additional information about the circumstances surrounding the accident or whether any individuals were transported to area hospitals.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred at a critical junction where Interstate 35 intersects with FM 306 in New Braunfels, Texas. This location represents a major transportation corridor in Central Texas, with I-35 serving as the primary north-south highway connecting San Antonio to Austin and beyond. FM 306 is a significant east-west thoroughfare that connects New Braunfels to Canyon Lake and the Hill Country region. This intersection experiences heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak travel times and weekends when tourists travel to area recreational destinations. The area features typical interstate infrastructure including on and off-ramps, overhead signage, and frontage roads that run parallel to the main highway. New Braunfels sits approximately 45 miles northeast of San Antonio and 45 miles southwest of Austin, making this stretch of I-35 a vital link for both local commuters and long-distance travelers navigating between major metropolitan areas.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and in compliance with traffic laws. When accidents occur on major highways like Interstate 35, multiple legal considerations may apply depending on the circumstances. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that individuals may recover damages even if partially at fault, provided their fault does not exceed 50%. Accident victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages. Insurance coverage requirements in Texas mandate minimum liability limits of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury. Given the extended closure and emergency response required, this incident may involve serious injuries or fatalities, which could significantly impact available compensation and legal proceedings. 

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• New Braunfels Police Department: (830) 221-4100
• New Braunfels Fire Department: (830) 221-4050
• Christus Santa Rosa Hospital - New Braunfels: (830) 606-9111

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation: www.txdot.gov
• DriveTexas.org - Real-time traffic conditions
• New Braunfels Traffic Division: (830) 221-4100

Support Services:

• Victim Services of the New Braunfels Police Department
• Texas Department of Insurance - Consumer Help Line: 1-800-252-3439
• Crime Victim Compensation Program: 1-800-983-9933

Legal Resources:

• Texas Transportation Code: statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.texas.gov
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-252-9690