HOBACK, Wyo. — Repairs on Hoback Junction South Road were completed on June 30, and as of July 5, a reduced weight limit of 35,000 lb gross vehicle weight (GVW) has been implemented indefinitely.
The road is no longer closed to commercial vehicles and trailers following the repairs, but as of July 5, construction traffic must comply with U.S. Forest Service rules regarding Johnny Counts, a Forest Service emergency access route.
Since Hoback Junction South Road leads to Johnny Counts, all construction traffic utilizing Hoback Junction South Road will only be allowed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday to match the new Forest Service rules. After Teton County School District #1 begins on Sept. 5, construction traffic will be permitted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Forest Service issued a permit to Snake River Sporting Club (SRSC) to access Johnny Counts after a too-tall semi-truck damaged the frame of the bridge in December 2022. Johnny Counts was the only other way to access SRSC until the bridge was reopened in February. The bridge now has a weight limit of 10,000 lbs and an 8’2 height limit.
According to David Gustafson at Teton County Road & Levee, Hoback Junction South Road historically had the standard county weight limit of 60,000 lbs GVW, with a springtime reduction to 40,000 lb GVW. When the Astoria Bridge was damaged, Road & Levee lowered the weight limit on the county road to 35,000 lb GVW due to winter and spring conditions.
Moving forward, construction vehicles over 35,000 lb GVW must contact the Road & Levee Department 48 hours in advance at 307-733-7190 to obtain approval for road use.
Emergency vehicles and critical services, such as propane delivery and refuse collection, are exempt from this order, says Road & Levee.
