A mountain pass road near the popular tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming collapsed after a landslide, severing a large chunk of the roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass. This development has added at least an hour of travel time for those who drive on the roadway, impacting commuters, deliveries, medical care access, and tourism. The closure has forced officials to plan how to repair the damage, with Governor Mark Gordon expressing gratitude that no one was injured during the incident. Aerial photos and drone video reveal a sheer chasm where the roadway once stood, with a dangling guardrail and loose dirt and rocks visible.
The road was closed at the time of the collapse as crews were addressing a major crack that was splitting the roadway, becoming more pronounced as the land continued to move. Despite the efforts of WYDOT engineers, surveyors, and geologists to maintain highway viability, catastrophic failure was unavoidable. An assessment is currently underway to determine the extent of the damage and develop a long-term plan for rebuilding the collapsed roadway. The closure has had significant impacts on Teton County residents, regional commuters, and the local economy, with an alternate route between Jackson and Victor, Idaho, adding considerable time to commutes.
Teton Pass serves as a vital commuter link between small towns in eastern Idaho and the tourist destination of Jackson, located near Grand Teton National Park. The closure of the roadway has disrupted travel and transportation for residents and visitors in the area, with no estimated timeline for when the road will reopen. The median home price in Jackson was $2.8 million in May, reflecting the town’s status as a ritzy destination for skiers and tourists. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is actively working on a plan to rebuild the roadway, with local officials and Governor Gordon acknowledging the challenges presented by the closure.
The collapse of the roadway has necessitated a strategic and thorough response from authorities to address the damage and implement a plan for reconstruction. The closure has underscored the importance of this highway as a critical transportation route for the local community and economy, especially during the busy summer season. While the closure has inconvenienced commuters and travelers, efforts are being made to minimize the impact and provide updates to those affected by the closure. The National Park Service, local officials, and Wyoming Department of Transportation are working together to find solutions and ensure the safe and timely reopening of the roadway.
Governor Gordon has expressed gratitude for the efforts of WYDOT staff in protecting public safety during the developing situation and for ensuring that no one was injured during the collapse. Geologists and engineers are currently conducting an assessment at the site to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action for rebuilding the collapsed roadway. The closure has prompted a search for alternative routes between Jackson and Victor, Idaho, which adds considerable distance and time to commutes. The town of Jackson remains a popular destination for tourists, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to Grand Teton National Park attracting visitors from all over the world.
The collapse of the roadway on Teton Pass serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and the importance of infrastructure maintenance and planning. The immediate impact of the closure has been felt by residents, commuters, and businesses in the area, with efforts underway to address the challenges presented by the collapsed roadway. The long-term plan for rebuilding the road will involve careful consideration of safety, environmental factors, and economic implications. As the community works together to overcome this setback, communication and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies will be crucial in ensuring a successful recovery and reopening of the roadway.
