The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported that a large chunk of Teton Pass Road, also known as Wyoming Highway 22, “catastrophically failed” early Saturday morning near milepost 12.8. The mountain pass, that links Wyoming and Idaho, has been severed after a catastrophic landslide caused a section of the road to collapse, leaving a gaping chasm and cutting off a crucial commuter route. Aerial footage showed the twisting mountain road riven with deep cracks, and a significant portion had disappeared into the ravine below.
” ”We understand this highway is a lifeline for commuters, deliveries, medical care access and tourism, especially with limited alternatives and the summer season upon us. WYDOT engineers, surveyors and geologists mobilized quickly to try to maintain highway viability as long as possible, but catastrophic failure could not be avoided. WYDOT remains on site decisively engaged on fixing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley. Safety is our utmost priority, and we ask that recreationists and curious residents avoid the area until it can be stabilized.”
– WYDOT statement
Trouble first emerged on Thursday when a large crack stretching across both lanes of the highway was spotted. This prompted a temporary closure and emergency patching. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated on Friday when a mudslide covered the road, forcing another closure.
As crews worked overnight to construct a detour around the damaged section, the landslide continued to move, ultimately causing the catastrophic failure and collapse of the roadway.
“Wow… Teton Pass broke. May be a short-term solution here but can’t imagine this is fixable by winter. Heart goes out to my Victorians.”
– Travis Rice
Teton Pass Road is a crucial connection for commuters living in eastern Idaho and working in Jackson, Wyoming, near Grand Teton National Park. With the road indefinitely closed, commuters face a detour of over 60 miles, adding significant time to their daily travel.
“Teton Pass is a lifeline for people who commute and work in and out of the Jackson area. Depending on where you live, especially on the Idaho side, most people will have to detour around Swan Valley and then into Alpine, Wyoming, and come up Jackson from the south.”
– Stephanie Harsha
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has declared an emergency, allowing the state to access additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration to begin repair work. However, WYDOT officials warn that a long-term closure is expected as engineers and geologists assess the damage and develop a plan for rebuilding the critical roadway.
“We’re looking at a few weeks, at the very least. Our engineers are weighing out those options right now.”
– Stephanie Harsha
The collapse has reignited discussions about constructing a tunnel through Teton Pass, a project that has been considered in the past but never materialized due to feasibility and cost concerns.
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