JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Acknowledging two problem areas on the pathway through town, the Town of Jackson will begin construction on the Garaman Pathway Flood Mitigation Project the week of September 10.

The project will involve modifications to two areas on the Garaman Pathway along Flat Creek, between the new Post Office and Gregory Lane, that are prone to seasonal flooding, which can make the pathway impassable for extended periods every year.

The first phase of the project will reconstruct and elevate a 160’ stretch of pathway between Garaman Park and the US Forest Service trailhead east of the park. This portion of the project will require periodic pathway closures for up to seven days starting September 10.

Pathway users will be required to detour around the closure area by using Crabtree Lane, Powderhorn Drive, and Elk Run Lane. Maps, signage, and construction barricades will be in place to help guide pathway users through the detour. Access to the KC Trail and Josie’s Ridge Trail and Forest Service trailhead will be maintained via the Elk Run Lane pathway access point.

Additionally, there will be construction traffic and trucks using the open portion of the pathway between the Hidden Ranch Tunnel and the project area. Pathway users are asked to use caution and be aware of construction activity when travelling between Hidden Ranch Tunnel and the closure area, and to please be aware of and obey all construction notification and detour signage.

The second phase of the project will install a 165’-long floodwall immediately west of the Highway 89 underpass located north of High School Road. The underpass and pathway in this area are expected to remain open throughout the project, but it is likely that the pathway will be limited to less than full width during portions of the construction.

Pathway users are again recommended to use caution when travelling on the pathway and to please be aware of and obey all construction notification and detour signage. No road closures or utility shutoffs are expected. Construction is expected to take 2-3 weeks and wrap up by the end of September.

Brian Schilling, Pathways Coordinator for the Town of Jackson stated, “This project will address a longstanding maintenance problem on the most well used portion of pathway in the county, and will significantly improve access and safety for pathway users during the winter and spring. The flooding and freezing we see during winter can render the Highway 89 underpass essentially unusable for months at a time, which blocks the only safe crossing for kids travelling to school on the pathway and other users travelling toward downtown.

“Similarly, fixing the path east of Garaman Park will significantly improve safe access on an important corridor and to the Forest Service trails. The spring flooding typically coincides with some of the busiest times of the year when there are more than 1000 users each day on this section of pathway,” Schilling continued.

Evans Construction was awarded the contract.