WILSON, Wyo. — Out with the old and in with the new! The demolition of the old Snake River Bridge is underway and Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer was there to document the bridge facelift.
During the next two weeks, all of the old bridge’s support structures, concrete and travel lanes will be completely removed, according to Teton County Parks and Recreation. An excavator and a driller were on the scene assisting in the removal of the concrete deck and loose rubble.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) opened the southern half of the new bridge to traffic on Tuesday, July 2.
WYDOT Resident Engineer Bob Hammond told Buckrail on Monday, August 5, 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.
To ensure boater safety, bulldozers are working hard to divert the river channel by pushing large piles of gravel to the east while construction crews remove pieces of the bridge on the western side.
River users will not be allowed under the bridge while sections are being removed by a crane. Boaters wanting to access the Wilson Boat Ramp should expect up to 30 minute delays.
Community members will have to wait until this fall to see the northern half of the new bridge being constructed. Until then, WYDOT advises all drivers to plan their travels accordingly and obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices and any potential closures.
