Massive landslide causes ‘catastrophic road failure’ on Teton Pass, Wyoming
A massive landslide hit State Highway 22 in Wyoming on June 8, 2024, causing a part of the highway on Teton Pass to collapse, blocking all traffic. This is an important highway for local commuters, connecting Jackson, Wyoming, with Victor, Idaho. No injuries were reported, however, drivers now face significant delays which could add over an hour to travel times.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported ‘the roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass, has catastrophically failed, and a long-term closure is expected.’
Their crews, along with contract crews from Evans Construction, were working in the area to construct a detour around the damage, but the landslide continued to move, eventually taking out the whole road.
No crews were hurt in the process, and no equipment was damaged but it’s going to take a long time to repair the damage and open the road.
“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,” WYDOT Director Darin Westby said.
“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.”
A previous mudslide at milepost 15 on June 7, had already closed Teton Pass, preventing anyone from being on the road when this landslide struck on June 8.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has declared a state of emergency due to the severe damage caused by the landslide, unlocking critical federal resources from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to expedite repairs on the crucial roadway.
“We are closely monitoring this ongoing situation, and Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel are working diligently to develop a long-term solution to rebuild this critical roadway,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “I recognize the significant impacts this closure has on Teton County residents, regional commuters and the local economy.”
WYDOT informed that they are currently evaluating long-term repair solutions and will provide further details soon. The department has also requested the drivers to remember to obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices and closures.
References:
1 Landslide leads to ‘catastrophic failure’ of popular Wyoming mountain pass highway – FOX Weather – June 8, 2024
2 Teton Pass remains closed – Wyoming Department of Transportation – June 7, 2024
Featured image: Massive landslide causes road collapse in Wyoming on June 7, 2024. Credit: WYDOT
From the looks of the failure, the problem was *structural* failure of an elevated embankment consisting entirely of artificial fill. Wyoming DOT is likely to be on the hot seat over this.