JACKSON, Wyo. — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with Teton County, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the U.S. Forest Service have announced the completion of the Teton Pass Corridor Study; an assessment of the existing and future conditions along the corridor highway.
According to Teton County, the purpose of the study was to identify the full range of feasible operational and infrastructure improvements to address safety and recreation access. The study focused on Highway 22 between Wilson and the Idaho state line, and Idaho’s Highway 33 from the state line to Victor. The study does not make recommendations but does provide detailed information that will help local decision-makers develop proposals for future consideration and environmental analysis.
The report contains information on the feasibility of recreation shuttles, infrastructure improvements at Phillips Bench, Teton Pass summit, Coal Creek and the Greater Yellowstone Trail. The assessment also outlined active transportation, mitigation at safety hotspots, wildlife crossings and avalanche sheds.
Some principles that guided the study include preserving recreational access, improving safety, mitigating risks to wildlife and reducing traffic congestion.
The completed study includes a number of suggested projects:
- Implementing a seasonal Teton Pass Shuttle System catering to winter and summer recreational activities
- Reconfiguring existing turnouts and adjacent areas as shuttle stops with proper circulation and space for vehicles with trailers
- Exploring relocation of parking areas outside of the WYDOT right-of-way
- Formalizing some existing turnouts to enhance vehicle circulation
- Increasing signage and incorporating grade-separated crossings to minimize pedestrian conflicts
- Evaluating the Greater Yellowstone trail missing links along the corridor
- Identifying new areas for recreation access to enhance parking capacity and mitigate site obstructions
- Integrating wildlife crossings and fencing to address safety and conservation concerns
- Considering safer integration of snowmobilers particularly at popular locations like Phillips Canyon
See the study at this link.
