Teton Pass Reopens After Year-Long Closure Due to Mudslide

After more than a year of closure caused by a devastating mudslide, Wyoming’s Teton Pass on State Highway 22 is officially back in operation. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced that the highway reopened to traffic at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 30.

“This will mark the project substantially complete and on time,” stated Bob Hammond, resident engineer for WYDOT. “We may still have some seeding and reclamation, as well as a few punch-list items to complete, but this project is also pretty much wrapped up, too.”

Major Upgrades and Improvements

The reopening comes with significant infrastructure upgrades. The Snake River Bridge has been replaced with a modern four-lane structure, and the intersection of State Highways 22 and 390 has been redesigned to enhance traffic flow. Additionally, WYDOT has constructed a new pedestrian underpass and installed four wildlife crossings, fencing, and cattle guards to improve safety for both drivers and animals.

Upcoming Work on the Bridge

While the highway is open, additional work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 7. Crews will apply a protective epoxy layer to the new bridge deck, which will temporarily reduce traffic to one lane in each direction. WYDOT advises drivers to anticipate slower speeds, lane closures, and potential delays during this phase. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed within a week.

“We wanted to make sure we had all the lanes open for the holiday weekend,” Hammond explained. “Once we complete the epoxy overlay, we will be pretty much finished with the work on the bridge and intersection.”

Emergency Detour and Safety Measures

In response to the mudslide in June 2024, WYDOT implemented a temporary detour after the Wyoming Transportation Commission approved an emergency bid of $430,000. The detour was designed with safety as a top priority.

“WYDOT’s engineers, geologists, and other licensed professionals with several decades of experience have done their due diligence to ensure the detour is safe for traffic,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in a statement last June.