EBS STAFF
Teton Pass, the primary transportation link into Jackson Hole, reopened on noon June 28 following a catastrophic Big Fill landslide on June 7 that left the popular stretch of Wyoming Highway 22 closed to traffic.
“While temporary, this detour safely reconnects communities and gives commuting families their valuable personal time back,” the Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby said in a press release. “This process underscores the vital importance of infrastructure like mountain passes that connect people to work, family, medical care, affordable housing and other necessities.”
The release reassured commuters that the pass will be continually monitored by WYDOT as they work to permanently rebuild the road before winter arrives. It noted that subcontractors worked around the clock, including through Father’s Day weekend, to ensure the temporary detour could be operational to those who rely on it as soon as possible. Without Teton Pass, visitors, as well as the roughly 3,400 daily commuters who live in Teton Valley and work in Jackson Hole, had to enter through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, via U.S. Highway 26 and U.S. Highway 89.
“I think every Wyoming resident or regional commuter can be proud of their transportation department,” Westby said. “WYDOT staff from a variety of departments and areas of expertise rolled up their sleeves and got to work for the people–a master level class in public service.”
