JACKSON HOLE, WYO – It was the perfect storm of problems for WYDOT yesterday at the Y intersection. An unforeseen delay during the construction of the interim reconfiguration at the intersection at US 26/89/191 and WYO 22 and Buffalo Way, caused headaches for motorists most of the day yesterday.
Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews were working on the transition to a temporary signal system and the removal of the old signal system. In order to safely remove the old system, small cranes were used to remove the signal poles. That was the reason for two-lane traffic was reduced to a single lane and the beginning of the ‘daymare.’
Crews then encountered unexpected technical issues with the transition and the delays were increased. WYDOT worked as quickly as possible to open up the intersection.
“We had some issues with the transition. As soon as we could safely open the second lane on WYO 22 in the intersection, it was done,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said.
The new signal system is now up and running and will continue to operate for the next month. One of the notable changes the public will see with the new signal is leading green arrow instead of a lagging green arrow from US 26/89/191 onto WYO 22. This configuration is similar to what drivers see when turning onto South Park Loop Road off US 26/89/191.
“The signal will operate in what we call a ‘dumb’ mode where no detection is used in its operation,” Hammond explained.
Another set of poles will be delivered and installed in late November, and the signal will be partially moved to the new poles and detection installed.
“During this time, the islands and lanes will be in final configuration for the intersection. The temporary signal will be adjusted to match the new lane configuration and will operate through the winter until the permanent signal is installed,” Hammond said.
In order to get the work done this fall, construction has been condensed and some phase work will be underway concurrently to meet the schedule.
“These traffic issues are exacerbated by the lack of alternate routes through the valley. When a traffic problem, like a crash or construction delay, happens at a critical junction there is no alternate route. This causes delays for drivers,” Hammond said.
