WILSON, Wyo. — On the evening of Tuesday, June 11, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) provided a timeline update regarding its plans for repair work on the failed portion of the Teton Pass.
WYDOT crews are “hoping to have the detour in place within two weeks, weather permitting,” according to the announcement. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $430,000 emergency bid to Evans Construction on Tuesday, allowing construction of the temporary detour. Any details concerning potential weight or traffic constrictions for the temporary road will be shared at a later date.
The agency noted that its geology crews have been collecting information from the site of the slide at milepost 12.8, through drilling and soil analysis.
“WYDOT continues to work closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies to secure the area and investigate long term reconstruction options,” WYDOT said in its Tuesday announcement. “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.”
As for the mudslide at milepost 15, WYDOT said its crews are continuing to manage the situation, with plans to install a box culvert to improve drainage. The goal is for this project to be completed by the time the new detour is built.
“WYDOT is thankful for the quick responsiveness and support from other government agencies, including the USFS and the Idaho Transportation Department, which has allowed WYDOT to mobilize quickly with planning and repairs,” the announcement said.
Hiking trails on the east side of the Pass are open to recreationists, WYDOT added in the announcement. The area is accessible from the Trail Creek trailhead at the end of Old Pass Road. The agency requests that recreationists remain on the Jackson side of the Pass, and requests that they avoid the area of the slide.
