Teton Pass road collapse prompts efforts to rebuild as officials work on long-term solutions.
A major landslide at Teton Pass in Wyoming has caused the complete collapse of a critical mountain highway, marking what officials have described as a “catastrophic failure.” The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported the incident, which occurred on Saturday, following a series of escalating issues on the road. Initially, a large crack appeared across both lanes of the highway on Thursday, dropping up to 8 inches in some sections, making the road unsafe for drivers. While the crack was patched, a mudslide near the area on Friday forced the road to be closed again, further delaying traffic.
Crews attempted to build a detour around the damage, but the landslide continued to move, ultimately eroding the entire roadway. Fortunately, no personnel were injured, and no equipment was damaged during the incident, according to WYDOT. However, the extent of the damage to the roadway has left officials uncertain about how long it will take to restore the critical route connecting Wyoming and Idaho.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed his gratitude for the swift actions taken by WYDOT to protect public safety throughout the incident. “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,” said Governor Gordon. He also emphasized that the department is working on a long-term solution to rebuild the road, though a timeline for reopening remains unclear.
The closure of this key highway has created disruptions for travelers and local communities, especially those relying on it for transportation between Wyoming and Idaho. The mountain pass is a vital route for both residents and commercial traffic, making the road’s closure a significant issue for the region’s economy and daily life.
As officials assess the damage, crews are focusing on clearing debris and stabilizing the area to prevent further movement of the landslide. The state’s transportation department has promised to provide updates on the progress of repairs as efforts continue. The situation is expected to impact traffic in the area for the foreseeable future, but there is hope that rebuilding the road will ultimately improve its resilience to future natural disasters.