WILSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will close WY22’s Fish Creek Bridge for repairs starting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, which will necessitate the use of a detour through the downtown Wilson corridor until the project is completed.
WYDOT made the schedule announcement on Thursday, noting that delays in receiving materials and complications with installation had pushed back the timeline from the intended Nov. 3 start date. Contract crews from Reiman Corp. will make repairs to the bridge’s cap structure, allowing the bridge to function safely for another few years before a full overhaul can be completed.
The detour is expected to be in place for “up to 10 days,” according to WYDOT’s announcement. Work is scheduled to be complete by Nov. 15, dependent on weather. Part of the detour through Wilson’s county roads will split into one-way traffic to lessen the impact near Wilson Elementary School.
WYDOT advised students to consider alternatives to walking and bicycling to school while the new traffic pattern is underway, “due to the restrictive working space and limited facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists through the detour area.” Flaggers will be stationed at intersections and at the elementary school during school hours to direct detour traffic. Parents and students should expect to get further information from the Teton County School District.
“We are recommending parents evaluate how students can bike or walk to school on an alternate route or find other temporary means to safely get to school during that time,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Bob Hammond said in the announcement.
While the detour is in place, a 60,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight restriction will be enforced through Wilson.
“The restrictions will require any nonessential or exceptional vehicle loads that require access to the area to contact the Teton County Road and Levee Department 48 hours in advance to obtain approval,” WYDOT’s announcement states, directing those with questions to call Road and Levee at (307) 733-7190.
“It’s difficult to build roads in November,” Hammond told Buckrail. He encourages commuters to be vigilant and to drive slowly while maneuvering through the detour.
