Hey there! Recently, a video was released showing the extensive damage caused to a vital highway in Wyoming that winds through the scenic western mountains. This highway serves as a crucial link connecting some of America’s popular tourist towns.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation released a video revealing a large section of Teton Pass that now lies missing, following a weekend landslide that took down railing guards, debris, and numerous trees.
The landslide occurred at milepost 12.8 on Wyoming State Highway 22/Teton Pass, a key route connecting Yellowstone to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton.
Due to the damage, the highway linking Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, is expected to remain closed indefinitely while crews clear debris and develop a temporary detour around the affected area. Drivers can use US 26 as a detour through Swan Valley into the Snake River Canyon.
Wyoming’s transportation director, Darin W. Westby, commended the quick response of WYDOT’s team to the crisis. The DOT is collaborating with other agencies to explore temporary and long-term solutions for reconstruction and access.
Despite the highway closure, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks remain open to visitors.
The WYDOT is confident its engineers and geologists can create a safe temporary detour to bypass the damaged section using local fill and temporary lanes. They aim to open the temporary detour to the public in a few weeks with specific restrictions on weight and width.
Prior to the landslide, warning signs indicated the highway section was at risk. After noticing a large crack in the pavement following a nearby motorcycle accident, maintenance crews were dispatched. The road was temporarily repaired but showed signs of further trouble the following day.
Engineers attributed the landslide to spring runoff, heavy rain, and water saturation. Efforts are ongoing to improve drainage to prevent future issues.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon praised the rapid response of WYDOT in developing and executing a plan to restore traffic flow over Teton Pass. He declared a state of emergency on June 8 to facilitate additional funding from the Federal Highway Administration for necessary repairs.