WILSON, Wyo. — Attention to all Snake River boaters utilizing the Wilson Boat Ramp, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), along with contract crews from Ames Construction, will begin demolishing the old Snake River Bridge across Wyoming State Highway 22 starting on Tuesday, August 6.
According to WYDOT, the full deck and stringer demolition on the existing Snake River Bridge will take up to two weeks, and during this time there there will be some delays with usage at the Wilson Boat Ramp ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.
To ensure public safety, WYDOT has coordinated with local boat ramp operators and posted a safety warning for river users. There will be a flagger at the ramp with radio communication to crews working on the bridge who will facilitate the boat launches.
“There may be occasions when boat launches are delayed in order to protect the safety of workers, boaters and public,” Teton County Public Information Specialist Kristen Waters said via press release. “Those utilizing the ramp during this time should be extra cautious and adhere to staff directions and signs.”
Teton County Parks and Recreation Senior Facilities Specialist Cody Daigle asks for river users to be patient with the process and to expect delays as the old bridge is being removed.
“All support structures, concrete and travel lanes will completely be removed,” Daigle told Buckrail.
WYDOT Resident Engineer Bob Hammond told Buckrail that crews already started removing bridge rails and have put a plan together to haul off manageable sections of the deck to ensure that debris does not fall on the boaters and rafters below. He said that the river channel has been diverted to the east while crews remove sections of the deck on the western side. Crews move the channel by building up gravel to block off where the river is moving.
“The obvious goal is the highest degree of safety and not let river users under the bridge while sections are being removed by crane,” the Snake River Fund said on Facebook.
This fall and winter, WYDOT will begin the process of installing the second half of the new bridge. The construction of the twin piers, which will match the foundation of the completed southern side, begins this fall.
Drivers are advised to plan their travels accordingly and obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices and any potential closures. For more information about the ongoing work at the WYO 22 and WYO 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit https://wy22wilsonsrb.com
