Industry News
It does not matter what state you are from, most motorists would agree that dealing with road construction projects is not fun at all. The projects cause delays, traffic congestion, and headaches for anyone who drives through construction zones. The duration and time it takes to complete road construction projects is another thing many people complain about. However, what seemed impossible earlier this month is now a reality as a section of Teton Pass in Wyoming that was taken out by a landslide on June 8 will reopen to motorists on Friday, June 28.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reports that a temporary detour around the Big Fill landslide at milepost 12.8 will be in place on the newly reopened highway. Crews from WYDOT began working on the detour immediately after the collapse. The crews have been working for the last three weeks to construct a paved, two-lane detour to connect the communities and motorists that use the road to get into Teton Valley.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a media event on Tuesday and announced the detour is fit for all travelers. Motorists can expect a concrete barrier, adjusted speeds, and striping to function as safety precautions as the temporary detour reaches completion in just three weeks from when the total road failure occurred on June 8.
“We saw the viral video of the collapse, and it is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our Wyoming Department of Transportation that they were able to mobilize to construct this temporary road WYDOT is now working diligently on the next steps for the full rebuild, keeping motorist safety paramount,” Governor Gordon said in a press release. “Our residents, commuting workforce, and visitors–this road is open to you. I applaud everyone who has come together to solve this problem and help – that’s the Wyoming way.”
The landslide collapsed the road over the 8,431-foot high Teton Pass leaving thousands of Jackson Hole workers who live in nearby Victor, Idaho, with an unimaginable commute. For two and a half weeks, they have had to make an 86-mile commute around the Snake River Range and through the town of Alpine instead of their usual 24-mile trip over the pass.
The current 60,000 pound gross vehicle weight restriction will remain for vehicles as the road reopens. Trailer traffic will be allowed to utilize the detour and WYDOT stated that it encourages drivers to be cautious and aware of the reduced speed and obey all traffic signs.“We have the utmost confidence in this detour,” James Dahill said, chief engineering geologist with the transportation department.
- Related Article: Alta Ski Area, UT, General Manager Pens “Red Snake Letter” to UDOT to Offer True Solution for Congestion in Little Cottonwood Canyon
The new detour is 600 feet long, with a grade of 11.2 percent and a sharper curvature and the speed limit will be reduced to 20 mph through the area. WYDOT and Avail Valley are committed to conducting the work under two-way traffic, so as not to impact travel on Teton Pass. Wyoming will likely qualify for federal funding for 90% of the expected $30 million cost of a permanent reconstruction, officials said. Plans are to rebuild the road in its original location, albeit with lighter embankment material.
Crews, including from emergency contractor Evans Construction, worked around the clock for weeks to complete the detour, Bob Hammond, WYDOT’s resident engineer in Jackson said. “We wanted to get this done in two weeks; it’s taken three,” Hammond said. Darin Westby, WYDOT director said he hopes the permanent replacement will be completed “before the real big winter sets in.” WYDOT would like to remind drivers to remember to obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices, and closures.
To receive alerts on this and other road conditions and closures, drivers can sign up for 511 Notify alerts on its website.
