The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) provided an update on the Green River Tunnel incident.
In a Monday afternoon news release, WYDOT provided new details on the investigation and recovery from the February 14 multi-vehicle pileup on I-80 through the westbound Green River Tunnel in Green River, Wyoming. A total of 26 vehicles were involved, including 16 commercial vehicles.
Officials say that on-site data collection has been completed, and troopers do not expect to find any additional fatalities beyond the three deceased individuals already discovered. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased.
Troopers also plan to increase patrols around the Green River Tunnels and in the Green River community to ensure “safer driving and slower speeds.” Police are warning drivers in the area to “use caution with GPS, as it may identify suggested routes that are not suitable for interstate traffic.”
Work has begun to temporarily move traffic head-to-head in the eastbound tunnel as early as Wednesday. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 m.p.h., and delays are expected.
Truckers should also be aware of a 10.5 ft. width and 16 ft. height restriction through the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel. Oversized vehicles should contact WYDOT for oversize load permit information.
The investigation into the cause of the Green River Tunnel crash is ongoing, WYDOT says.
An off-duty Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was involved in the crash and tried to help people escape the tunnel. The off-duty trooper is considered an active witness and will not be publicly identified at this time.
Troopers used a 3-D scanner sensor in the tunnel to help reconstruct the crash scene digitally and determine “narratives, causes, and other details.”
See the WYDOT post below for more on the Green River Tunnel incident.
