A mountain pass road near Jackson, Wyoming collapsed following a landslide, resulting in the closure of the roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass. The collapse has added at least an hour of travel time for commuters and tourists in the area. Aerial photos and drone footage show a sheer chasm where the roadway used to be, with a guardrail dangling down the collapsed section onto loose dirt and rocks. The road was closed at the time of the collapse as crews were attempting to address a major crack that split the roadway on Friday. No one was injured during the incident, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation is working on a plan to rebuild the roadway.
Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby expressed understanding of the significance of the highway for commuters, deliveries, medical care access, and tourism, especially during the busy summer season. Governor Mark Gordon also commended WYDOT staff for their efforts to protect public safety and expressed gratitude that no one was injured during the incident. Geologists and engineers are currently conducting an assessment of the site to develop a long-term plan for rebuilding the collapsed roadway. The exact timeline for the road to reopen has not been determined, but efforts are being made to minimize the impacts of the closure to Teton County residents, regional commuters, and the local economy.
Stephanie Harsha, a spokesperson for District 3 of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, mentioned that an alternate route between Jackson and Victor, Idaho adds over 60 miles to the commute. Teton Pass is a crucial commuter link between eastern Idaho towns and the popular tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming. The town of Jackson is located in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley, near Grand Teton National Park, and serves as a luxurious destination for skiers. The median home price in Jackson was reported to be $2.8 million in May, according to Realtor.com. The closure of the roadway at Teton Pass is expected to have significant impacts on the local residents, commuters, and economy in the region.
The collapse of the roadway at Teton Pass is a result of a landslide that severed a large portion of the road, leading to its closure. Efforts are being made by the Wyoming Department of Transportation to assess the damage and develop a plan for rebuilding the roadway. Governor Mark Gordon has acknowledged the impacts of the closure on residents, commuters, and the local economy and is working with local officials to address the situation. The closure has forced commuters and tourists to take alternative routes that add significant time and distance to their travels. The town of Jackson, a popular tourist destination, is known for its high-end real estate market and proximity to Grand Teton National Park.
Despite the significant impacts of the collapsed roadway at Teton Pass, no injuries were reported during the incident, and no equipment was damaged. Crews were able to address a major crack in the roadway prior to its collapse, but ultimately, catastrophic failure was unavoidable. Geologists and engineers are currently on-site conducting an assessment and developing a long-term plan for the reconstruction of the roadway. Efforts are being made to minimize the effects of the closure on the local community and economy, but the exact timeline for the road to reopen remains uncertain. The closure has disrupted travel between eastern Idaho towns and the tourist destination of Jackson, impacting commuters and tourists alike.
