JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has created a “Frequently Asked Questions” page to help disseminate information about the Teton Pass collapse and current rebuild.
The list of questions and answers cover a wide range of topics, including:
- What is the reason for the slide?
- Did WYDOT know the road was sliding?
- Will this collapse happen again?
- Why is the construction happening so fast?
A question on many people’s minds is, “Why not just build a bridge there?”
In response, WYDOT said via social media that engineers are currently reviewing what kind of permanent design would be the best to build in the area. However, steep grades make it difficult to build a bridge. This is why switchback-type designs are a safer way to traverse steep grades for vehicles. General safety design indicates that a 5 to 6% grade is a safe steepness for most vehicles. Teton Pass was built in the 1960s with a 10% grade. A bridge through the area would more than likely have a 20 to 25% grade. It wouldn’t be safe to put vehicles on that steep of a grade in the wintertime on snow packed roads.
WYDOT also addressed how construction crews will ensure that the temporary detour is safe for travel.
“Crews are using better fill material and addressing drainage concerns to ensure a more solid foundation for the road,” WYDOT wrote. “Geologists are also mapping the site to confirm there are better native soils under the roadway. In addition, the detour road will put less weight on the active area, relieving some of the driving forces pushing on the slide zone.”
