Wyoming Highway Patrol warns ‘unauthorized, oversized’ load drivers away from Green River Tunnel after damage and crashes

The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) is reminding commercial vehicle drivers hauling oversized loads to steer clear of the Green River Tunnel or risk a citation or loss of permit.

On August 21, WHP issued a warning “after several unauthorized, oversized loads have attempted to enter the I-80 tunnel at Green River, causing damage to the tunnels, hit and run crashes, and traffic delays.”

From WHP:

“No oversized loads, under any circumstances, will be allowed through the Green River Tunnel and, additionally, through the city of Green River. All commercial drivers hauling oversized loads must follow routes given on their oversize/overweight permits.

Failure to follow this state statute will result in citations and the possible loss of oversized permit.“

WHP directed oversized load drivers to the WYDOT E-permitting website for more information.

On February 14, 2025, a 26 vehicle pileup occurred in the westbound I-80 tunnel located near Green River, Wyoming, at mile marker 90.2. Three people were killed in the fiery crash, which caused severe damage to the tunnel and forced lane restrictions. The repairs to the tunnel are ongoing, and troopers warn that “damage caused by unauthorized loads will only lengthen the time of repair and exacerbate the continued traffic delays on I-80 in Western Wyoming.”