Worker killed by truck in Gulf Freeway construction zone in Harris County

A construction worker was killed in a late-night lane closure on the southbound Gulf Freeway after a work truck backing up inside the zone struck him just before the Dixie Farm Road exit. The man was wearing required high-visibility clothing and safety equipment when the crash happened about 11 p.m. Sunday.

The truck driver remained at the scene and was employed by the same construction company as the worker who died. The vehicle was a reversing scorpion truck used in the work zone, and the driver told officers he was using his mirrors and taking every precaution he could. The Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the investigation, and no name or other identifying details for the victim have been released.

Roadway construction crews are exposed to injury and death from moving construction vehicles and equipment, and specific procedures and controls can prevent backing-related injuries and deaths. Blind areas around construction equipment contribute to struck-by incidents, which is why spotters, traffic control, lighting and backing procedures matter when crews are working inches from live traffic.

Houston’s first freeway was christened Aug. 2, 1952, and it remains one of the region’s busiest corridors, especially during overnight maintenance when lane closures are used to keep traffic moving.

TxDOT counted more than 28,000 traffic crashes in work zones in 2025, with 203 deaths, including seven roadside workers, and more than 1,800 active work zones statewide. Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present, and drivers approaching stopped roadside vehicles with flashing lights must move over one lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit.