The Wyoming Department of Transportation has successfully reopened Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass to live traffic just three weeks after the Big Fill landslide caused the closure of the Teton Valley. WYDOT Director, Darin Westby, highlighted the importance of infrastructure like mountain passes in connecting communities to work, family, medical care, and more.
The slide area will be continually monitored as engineers plan to reconstruct the impacted section of highway before the winter season. WYDOT commended Evans Construction and Avail Valley Construction for their dedicated work in building a temporary detour and cleaning up the landslide area.
The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved emergency funding for the project, supported by Governor Gordon’s quick emergency declaration and assistance from the US Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. Congressional delegates from Idaho and Wyoming also played a crucial role in securing emergency federal funding for the project.
WYDOT expressed gratitude towards the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho Transportation Department, and the Teton Valley communities for their support in the reconstruction efforts. Westby praised the WYDOT staff for their dedication and public service throughout the project.
The successful reopening of Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass represents a collaborative effort between government agencies, contractors, and community advocates to quickly restore critical infrastructure and reconnect communities.
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