WILSON, Wyo. — The temporary detour on Teton Pass will be closed to traffic Wednesday, Aug. 21 for road maintenance.
The detour, which was constructed after the landslide that took out a section of WY22, will be closed Wednesday from 9. a.m. to 3 p.m. for chip seal work, weather permitting, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Chip sealing is the spraying of a layer of liquid asphalt followed by small pebbles that vehicle wheels compress into the road. Chip seal doesn’t crack as easily with weather and can extend the life of a road, along with adding friction for drivers.
Vehicles will still be able to access the pass on either side of the construction, which will be taking place at mile marker 12.8, but won’t be able to travel between Wyoming and Idaho. The summit of the pass will be accessible on the east side and the west side will have access up to the Coal Creek parking area, according to WYDOT.
“The chip seal work is part of WYDOT’s effort to prepare the detour for winter traffic, in the event the permanent construction cannot be completed this season,” the agency said in a press release.
WYDOT’s goal had been to complete the permanent repair before severe winter weather arrived.
WYDOT reminds drivers that there is a year-round weight limit of 60,000 lbs on the pass. Drivers are encouraged to sign up for road condition alerts here.
