WILSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will consider design options for the Wilson Active Transportation Improvements Project during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Commissioners will consider options for 14 specific design elements of the project, which proposes an update to WY22 where it winds through Wilson’s main drag: the plan would potentially expand the existing two-lane road into a three-lane roadway (two travel lanes and a center turn lane) and construct 10-foot-wide pathways separated from the roadway by a landscaped buffer. Elements up for debate include the width and paving materials of the proposed pathways, bus turnouts, retaining walls and more.
The idea for the expansion has been percolating for the past several years; in 2019, Teton County entered an agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to prepare a transportation study and improvement plan for Wilson, according to project presenter Brian Schilling, who serves as Teton County Pathways Coordinator. The Wilson Active Transportation Improvements Project grew from there.
Public input has been gathered at multiple points in the project’s timeline, as outlined in the 203-page staff report on the proposed project, which is available to read here. Those in favor of the changes say they hope it will improve pedestrian safety in the area; detractors say the changes will jeopardize the character of the small town, and pose risks to wildlife.
The meeting is open to the public, and will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the County Commission Chambers. Folks can also attend virtually, which is possible through this link. Public comments can be emailed to commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov.
