Teton Pass reopens after completion of temporary detour

JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation reopened Wyoming Highway 22 Friday afternoon after the Big Hill landslide destroyed the road near mile marker 15.

WYDOT commended Evans Construction, Avail Valley Construction, the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest for their help constructing a temporary detour.

“While temporary, this detour safely reconnects communities and gives commuting families their valuable personal time back,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “This process underscores the vital importance of infrastructure like mountain passes that connect people to work, family, medical care, affordable housing and other necessities.”

The WYDOT also thanked Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and congressional delegates for obtaining federal funding for the project.

“Together with our stakeholders, partners, contractors and community advocates, we were able to accomplish this major feat in a matter of weeks – despite expectations that it would take months, or even years – all while keeping safety paramount,” said John Eddins, WYDOT District 3 Engineer. “Of course, we have so many to thank for this achievement.”

WYDOT will continue to monitor the slide area as workers plan to complete the highway’s full reconstruction. WYDOT plans to open Teton Pass completely by winter.

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