Driver loses control; kills TxDOT contract worker on side of road

ROUND ROCK, Texas — A TxDOT contract worker was killed after being hit by a truck along Interstate 35 in Round Rock.  Police said it happened in the 2800 block of North I-35 around 11 a.m. Thursday. They said the driver of a pick-up truck lost control and went into the grass between the main highway and the access road. Several TxDOT workers were in the grass doing litter clean-up. A worker in his 50s was struck and killed.  Round Rock police said there is no evidence of a mechanical failure or tire problem with the pick up truck. Authorities are trying to determine why the driver lost control. No charges have been filed at this time.  The man who died had worked at Easter Seals Central Texas. TxDOT hired contract workers through the non-profit group.  A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson said three fellow workers witnessed the accident.  “His colleagues were very shook up being so close to him when he was killed,” TxDOT spokesperson John Hurt said.  Easter Seals Central Texas released a statement that said the man who died worked through Easter Seals’ paid job training program which provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.  The statement also said a licensed professional counselor is working with the victims’ co-workers. Easter Seals Central Texas statement also said, “thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”