WYDOT Teton County has posted a video and update to their social channels showing an update on the work they have been doing to get WYO 22 Teton Pass reopen. Teton Pass remains closed as crews make significant progress on a temporary detour for the Big Fill landslide at milepost 12.8. The dirt work is nearly complete, with paving operations expected to start soon, aiming to open the detour by the middle of next week. This detour will feature two 12-foot lanes, protected by concrete barriers, and will have reduced speed limits due to a sharper curve and steeper grade. Meanwhile, drainage improvements for the mudslide at milepost 15 are also underway, including the construction of a box culvert to enhance drainage.
Although initially scheduled for simultaneous completion, the drainage work may extend beyond the detour’s opening. Commuters are currently advised to use US 26 through Swan Valley and then into the Snake River Canyon as an alternate route.
Click here to watch the video update.
Official Update From WYDOT:
Teton Pass remains closed as crews continue work on the interim detour for the Big Fill landslide at milepost 12.8. WYDOT and contractors have also begun work on drainage improvements for the mudslide at milepost 15.
The Big Fill Slide, milepost 12.8 update-crews are nearing completion of the dirt work to construct a temporary detour around the impacted slide area. Crews will then begin preparing the area for paving operations. Officials hope to have the detour paved by the middle of next week, and open to traffic soon after.
The new detour will feature a paved roadway with two 12-foot lanes, one in each direction. The detour will also have concrete barriers protecting motorists from any hazards. The detour has been constructed on the interior of the curve, away from the unstable slide area. In addition, crews are using quality material to build a solid foundation for the road. Geologists are also mapping the site to confirm there are better native soils under the roadway. Crews have taken material off the old embankment and used it as some of the detour fill, which will relieve the driving forces that are pushing on the slide. However, the detour will create a slightly sharper curve and steeper grade. WYDOT plans to reduce the speed through the area to accommodate the grade and increased curvature. There will be advanced signage warning drivers of the reduced speed and any other applicable restrictions.
More permanent reconstruction plans are underway. WYDOT engineers are working internally with their geologists, environmental services and planning and design departments to develop long term reconstruction options.
At the mudslide, crews have already begun work on a project to improve drainage at milepost 15. Crews will construct a box culvert at the slide area. The culvert will help improve drainage. This work is already underway and was originally scheduled for completion around the same time as the temporary detour, but to provide more flexibility in the schedule, the work may carry on after the temporary detour at milepost 12.8 is opened. However, crews are committed to conducting the work under two-way traffic, as not to impact travel on Teton Pass.
In the meantime, commuters are still being asked to detour around, using US 26 through Swan Valley and then into the Snake River Canyon.
WYDOT Teton County
