TETON PASS, Wyoming, June 8, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — After a mudslide and a landslide over the past two days, Teton Pass has “catastrophically failed,” according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
A section of Wyoming State Highway 22 is gone, having come loose and slide into the ravine below. The road closure will be long-term, with no predicted reopening date available.
“We understand this highway is a lifeline for commuters, deliveries, medical care access and tourism, especially with limited alternatives and the summer season upon us,” says a Saturday afternoon social media post from the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
“WYDOT engineers, surveyors and geologists mobilized quickly to try to maintain highway viability as long as possible, but catastrophic failure could not be avoided. WYDOT remains on site decisively engaged on fixing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley. Safety is our utmost priority, and we ask that recreationists and curious residents avoid the area until it can be stabilized.”
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also posted a message on social media.
“This morning I met with state officials from the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to coordinate a response to the catastrophic landslide that has closed Teton Pass,” he wrote.
“I am grateful for the efforts of WYDOT staff to protect public safety during this developing situation, and am thankful no one was injured during this incident.
“WYDOT geologists and engineers will be on site today to conduct an assessment and develop a long-term solution to rebuild the roadway. At this point, we do not have an estimated timeline for the road to reopen.
“I recognize the impacts this closure has to Teton County residents, regional commuters and the local economy, and we are in direct communication with local officials. We will continue to provide updates on the road status as additional information becomes available.”
