JACKSON, Wyo. — Drivers should expect traffic delays with closures of up to 30 minutes on US 189/191 through the Hoback Canyon tomorrow, Nov. 8, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Crews will be performing avalanche infrastructure maintenance between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., prime commuter time.
A WYDOT press release says crews will be utilizing helicopter operations in the Stinking Springs area of Hoback Canyon to do some general maintenance and refueling of the avalanche infrastructure known as the O’Bellx units. These units use explosions to trigger smaller, controlled avalanches to prevent dangerous, uncontrolled conditions. The O’Bellx units are remotely operated by computer and are installed and removed by helicopter.
For the safety of the traveling public and the safety of WYDOT crews, WYDOT confirms the road must be briefly closed and free of moving traffic for helicopter operation.
“Ideally, motorists should only see brief delays as the helicopter carries the O’Bellx units up the mountain,” WYDOT writes.
Roadside flaggers will control traffic for the operation. All times are approximate and subject to change.
