Deadly Early-Morning Collision Near Tiki Drive Closes Southbound I-45 Near Galveston

 A wrong-way collision on I-45 near the Galveston Causeway at about 12:24 a.m. Monday killed one person and closed all southbound main lanes and shoulders at Tiki Drive, authorities said.

Early Monday, the southbound lanes of Interstate 45 near Tiki Drive were closed following a tragic wrong-way collision, as reported by Houston TranStar and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials confirmed that the incident, reported around 12:24 a.m., involved at least two vehicles, one of which was traveling the wrong way before colliding head-on with another vehicle heading south. All primary lanes and shoulders traveling southbound were impacted. Houston TranStar reported a roadway closure affecting “all main lanes, the left shoulder, and the right shoulder” at IH-45 SB at Tiki Dr. in Galveston County.

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the crash resulted in a fatality, but details regarding the victim's identity and the reason for the wrong-way movement are still pending release. Authorities have yet to verify if factors such as impairment or speed contributed to the situation.

Travelers encountered significant hold-ups. Travelers are encouraged to consider alternate paths, such as State Highway 146 through Baytown and the Fred Hartman Bridge, or FM 519/Highway 6 through La Marque or Hitchcock, to bypass the closure. Traffic around Tiki Island's local access roads and feeder streets has noticeably increased.

Officials are advising motorists to plan for additional travel time and adhere to detour signage. Emergency personnel stayed on site throughout the early morning, removing debris and carrying out the investigation into the incident.

There is currently no schedule available for when all lanes will be reopened. State transportation and law enforcement agencies are collaborating to manage traffic flow as soon as the clearance is finalized.

Motorists traveling to Galveston should anticipate ongoing delays during the morning rush hour and are advised to consult updates from Houston TranStar or the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office prior to their journey. The inquiry into the circumstances that led to the wrong-way driver accessing I-45 is still in progress.