Teton Pass reopens after massive landslide
A reduced speed limit and 60,000-pound vehicle weight restriction are in place
July 2, 2024
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reopened Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass to vehicle traffic on June 28th, just three weeks after the catastrophic Big Fill landslide on June 8th. The fix is a temporary detour which reconnects the communities in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Idaho.
WYDOT wants to reassure highway users that the slide area will be continually monitored as engineers and other professionals now look to designing and planning the reconstruction of the section of highway impacted by the slide. The goal is to have Teton Pass completely rebuilt before the worst of winter arrives.
Evans Construction and its subcontractors worked around the clock, through Father’s Day weekend, to build the temporary detour. WYDOT commends Evans for their dedication, responsiveness and efficiency as their crews accomplished this massive undertaking.
Avail Valley Construction worked on the mudslide cleanup and culvert installation at mile marker 15. Understanding the need to relieve commuters from the strain of a nearly four-hour commute, Avail agreed to continue work with traffic to allow the detour to open. WYDOT thanks Avail for their flexibility and responsiveness.
The Wyoming Transportation Commission held two special meetings to quickly approve emergency funding in order for Avail and Evans to continue moving forward. WYDOT appreciates the extra time their Commissioners put in to support the repair process.
WYDOT would like to thank Governor Gordon for the quick emergency declaration, which sped up the emergency federal funding on this project. This vital funding helped WYDOT stay on track with the highway maintenance and construction work needed elsewhere in the state. The US Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have also been extremely supportive with emergency funding assistance.
Congressional delegates of Idaho and Wyoming were also instrumental in WYDOT’s quick receipt of emergency federal funding thanks to letters to the USDOT and FHWA and other vocal support.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has been an essential partner as WYDOT engineers worked on the detour through the National Forest land, expediting permitting procedures and collaborating with engineers live onsite. WYDOT extended specific thanks to the work of District Ranger Jay Pence.
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) crews assisted with the mudslide cleanup at mile marker 15, especially in the aftermath of the Big Fill slide on June 8th. ITD also provided WYDOT with concrete barriers for the detour, among other assistance.
WYDOT extended appreciation to the Teton Valley communities in both Idaho and Wyoming for acting quickly in assisting commuters and tourists with travel adjustments and other relief efforts in the wake of the extended highway closure.
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