Teton Pass collapses due to landslide, long term closure expected

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is warning drivers to expect a long term closure after a portion of Teton Pass collapsed over the weekend.

On June 6 and 7, crews closed Teton Pass at mile marker 15 near the scale house due to a landslide that caused damage to the roadway.

On the morning of June 8, Teton Pass (WYO 22) completely collapsed.

“The roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass, has catastrophically failed, and a long term closure is expected,” WYDOT said. “WYDOT 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, taking out the whole road. No crews were hurt in the process, and no equipment was damaged. WYDOT is now reviewing a long term solution and repairs, and more information on planning efforts will be available soon.”

”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 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,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby.

Crews with the Idaho Transportation Department are currently assisting WYDOT at the scene.