Wyoming troopers responded to 39 semi truck blowovers this week

The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) says that dozens of trucks were blown over this week amid winter windstorms that triggered weight-based vehicle travel restrictions.

According to WHP, troopers have responded to 39 truck blowovers since Tuesday, December 9.

“The Dangerous Trio of Wyo Hill (I-25, mile markers 2-3), Bordeaux (I-25 mile marker 71) and Cooper Cove (I-80, mile marker 279) continue to be hot spots. However, blow-overs are primarily taking place between Laramie and Elk Mountain on I-80 and from Cheyenne to Wheatland on I-25. Of the 13 blow-overs officially reported thus far on I-80 since Tuesday, 9 of them took place in a six mile span of highway near Coopers Cove,” WHP said.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is reminding commercial vehicle drivers to check weight-based wind closure information often to ensure travel is permitted. 

“During powerful wind events, WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol urge all travelers to heed wind closure warnings. Driving a prohibited vehicle during these closures can lead to hefty fines, including fines for any damage to the roadway. In addition, a single blow-over event often occupies several troopers, along with additional towing and emergency vehicles, tying up critical resources that may be needed elsewhere and sometimes forcing the highway to close to all traffic for debris cleanup,” said WYDOT.

Several wind-based vehicle weight restrictions are in place on Wyoming roadways as of Friday morning.

Be sure to take a look at WYDOT’s 511 map to view the most up-to-date weight-based wind closure information.