JACKSON, Wyo. — The Granite Creek Road will undergo maintenance work over the next two weeks, in an attempt to improve the driving surface and reduce dust.
Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) announced on Wednesday that the road work will begin this week and is anticipated to be complete by July 14. The project aims to protect existing infrastructure by: improving the driving surface through surface blading, cleaning ditches and culverts, and adding a new layer of crushed gravel to restore and improve the road surface. Road crews will apply magnesium chloride to the road surface to reduce dust and protect from loss of aggregate in the new surface material.
According to BTNF, numerous large trucks and other heavy equipment will be operating on Granite Creek Road from milepost 0.0 to milepost 7.5. General road maintenance will take place through July 14, and surface gravel deliveries will begin July 6. The road will close entirely to traffic on July 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the magnesium chloride application.
“The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride, the same product that is used to treat dirt roads throughout Wyoming,” reads the announcement. “This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles before it fully cures. Motorists who drive the treated portion of Granite Creek Road after it reopens may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.”
Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling in the area. Allow extra space around construction traffic and a clear sightline when passing heavy equipment. Intermittent traffic delays are expected. The public is asked to follow all posted signage and traffic restrictions. Roadwork schedules could change or be delayed due to weather or other circumstances.
“The Bridger-Teton National Forest appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding,” BTNF wrote. “These temporary disruptions will result in improved road conditions and better recreational access.”
