Over the weekend, a significant portion of a mountain pass in Wyoming collapsed in what has been described as a catastrophic landslide. The collapse occurred on Teton Pass, cutting off a vital route connecting eastern communities to western towns like Jackson, Wyoming and Idaho. Images and videos show large sections of the road missing, prompting an indefinite closure.
Prior to the collapse, the road had shown signs of danger with cracks and dips. Crews had been working to repair a damaged section, but a mudslide just a few kilometers away caused another road closure, leading to the highway’s closure at milepost 12.8 over the weekend.
The road near milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass is expected to be closed for an extended period of time. Evans Construction, a contractor of WYDOT was in the region.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation had crews working on a diversion around the damaged area, but the landslide swiftly moved and destroyed the road, necessitating long-term planning for repairs. Fortunately, no injuries to crews or equipment damage were reported during the incident.
With a state of emergency declared, additional funding from the Federal Highway Administration will support the repair efforts. Governor Mark Gordon emphasized the importance of public safety and coordination among state agencies to address the impact of this catastrophic event.
Geoscientists and engineers are assessing the site for future reconstruction plans, acknowledging the significant impact on local economies and commuters who rely on this route. While there is no definitive timetable for reopening, efforts are underway to establish a sustainable, long-term solution for rebuilding the highway.