The Wyoming Department of Transportation is hoping to re-open Teton Pass by the end of next week. WYDOT said contractors began hauling crushed base and asphalt to the detour site on Friday, June 21. Officials hope to have the detour paved and opened to traffic at least by June 29.
The new detour will feature a paved roadway with two 12-foot lanes, one in each direction. The detour will also have concrete barriers protecting motorists from any hazards. The detour has been constructed on the interior of the curve, away from the unstable slide area. The detour will create a slightly sharper curve and steeper grade. WYDOT plans to reduce the speed through the area to accommodate the grade and increased curvature. What speed and restrictions that will be in place when the detour opens will be available next week.
There will be advanced signage warning drivers of the reduced speed and any other applicable restrictions.
More permanent reconstruction plans are underway. WYDOT engineers are working internally with their geologists, environmental services and planning and design departments to develop long term reconstruction options.
The road which connects the Town of Jackson with Victor, ID is the busiest two-lane highway in Wyoming. It was closed on June 8 after what was called a catastrophically failure brought on by a massive mud slide that left a gaping hole in the road and mountain side. The closure has resulted in a large increase in traffic around Palisades Reservoir and through the Snake River Canyon as work commuters from Idaho have been forced to take the long route to Jackson.
Courtesy images via WYDOT
