WILSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced that its crews had temporarily patched the large crack across both lanes of travel that had shut down pass traffic on Thursday, June 6.
The pass was closed in both directions around 11 a.m. when WYDOT received reports of the crack, which had “dropped vertically roughly eight inches in some places, causing unsafe driving conditions,” according to the agency. WYDOT geologists assessed the situation, and the emergency solution was implemented in time for the pass to reopen at 2:10 p.m., allowing afternoon and evening commuters to get back over the hill.
“Maintenance has temporarily patched the area to allow traffic, but the area continues to be under observation until a more permanent solution can be implemented,” WYDOT said in a press release following the re-opening. “More severe areas will be restricted by traffic control barrels. WYDOT’s geology department is investigating the cause and will be monitoring the area. WYDOT will close the roadway if driving conditions become unsafe for travel, but will continue to prioritize keeping the pass open to traffic.”
The agency encourages drivers to be aware of the temporary patching at milepost 12.8, and requests that drivers reduce their speed and drive cautiously through the area. The temporary repairs have caused “bumps and dips in the lanes of travel,” WYDOT said.
WYDOT is at work to devise longer-term repair to the area.
