JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced on Monday, June 10, that it was in the process of creating a temporary alternative to the closed Teton Pass, devising an interim detour road that could be open to the public within “a few weeks.”
Saturday’s closure of the Teton Pass led Teton Valley commuters to take the other available route to Jackson, using US26 through Swan Valley and the Snake River Canyon. WYDOT said it’s hoping to create an alternative to this longer route while repairs to the Pass are planned and executed.
“WYDOT crews have been working closely with other agencies and partners to secure the area and explore potential interim access, as well as long term reconstruction options,” WYDOT’S Monday announcement said. “Currently, WYDOT geologists and engineers are confident they can build a safe, temporary detour around the slide area using local fill material and paving two temporary lanes. They are hoping to have a temporary detour open to the public, likely with some strict weight and width restrictions, in a few weeks.”
Plans to rebuild the roadway at milepost 12.8 are already underway, according to WYDOT’s announcement. Geologists and engineers are evaluating the situation, with plans for a survey plane to fly over the area. WYDOT reiterated that there is no estimated timeline for the construction, and that the closure should be considered indefinite at this time.
WYDOT also provided an update on the mudslide at milepost 15. Plans are in motion to install a box culvert to provide more drainage in the area. Work is expected to be carried out simultaneously with the temporary detour work.
The agency said it is working with the U.S. Forest Service to allow recreationists to access campsites and other points of interest in Bridger-Teton National Forest outside of the landslide area. New road signs are expected to guide forest users around the problem areas.
Government agencies across the state and county kicked into high gear over the weekend to address the Pass closure and its impact on locals and visitors. Gov. Mark Gordon issued an emergency executive order on Saturday to facilitate access to additional resources in the repair effort.
“I want to express my gratitude to WYDOT Director Westby and his entire team for their efforts to rapidly develop and implement a plan to get traffic moving over Teton Pass again as quickly as possible,” Governor Mark Gordon said in a statement.
Westby made a similar statement, thanking the other agencies who have assisted in the response.
“WYDOT’s response through this crisis demonstrates the commitment, passion and ingenuity of our crews,” Westby’s statement said. “We certainly want to thank the Governor, the Federal Highway Administration, the Idaho Transportation Department, the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, Evans Construction and the U.S. Forest Service for their quick response, teamwork and dependability in our time of need.”
