The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and Ames Construction crews are entering the final phase of repairs on the Big Fill Slide, with a full closure of Teton Pass scheduled for the weekend of June 21.
The closure will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, and last through 6 a.m. Monday, June 23. Wyoming Highway 22 will be closed at Coal Creek Campground on the west side and mile marker 7 on the east side.
During the closure, motorists will need to use the U.S. Highway 26 detour through Swan Valley and Snake River Canyon. Access for bicyclists and recreational users will be maintained on both sides of the Pass, though WYDOT urges caution due to truck traffic and advises pedestrians not to descend toward the construction site.
Crews will work around the clock to mill, grade, place base, pave and install guardrails and signage. WYDOT said the decision to close the road outright was made after evaluating alternatives, including a partial lane closure that could have lasted more than 10 days and created significant delays.
“We really only had two options,” said Bob Hammond, WYDOT resident engineer, in a statement to Buckrail.com. “After discussing with the contractor and local stakeholders, we thought it was best for the community if we just close the road and get the work done quickly in one weekend.”
The closure comes nearly one year after the Big Fill Slide, which disrupted travel and affected local economies.
Source: Buckrail.com, Wyoming Department of Transportation
