A significant portion of the Teton Pass road in Wyoming has collapsed, creating a substantial gap in the highway and disrupting travel between eastern Idaho and the popular tourist destination of Jackson. Aerial images and drone footage captured the extent of the damage, revealing deep cracks and a missing section of the road, with part of the guardrail hanging precariously over the void. The road had been closed at the time of the collapse, following a previous incident involving a motorcycle crash due to a crack in the pavement.
Geologists and engineers were alerted to the unstable conditions on Thursday, leading to a temporary patch-up of the road before it was closed again due to a nearby mudslide. Subsequent inspections revealed worsening damage, culminating in the complete failure of the road early on Saturday morning. Fortunately, no injuries or equipment damage were reported during the collapse.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has described the event as a 'catastrophic failure' at milepost 12.8, emphasizing the critical nature of the affected roadway for local residents and commuters. With the closure forcing a detour of over 60 miles, the impact on travel times and the local economy is expected to be significant.
State Governor Mark Gordon has declared an emergency to expedite repair efforts, allowing access to additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration. The transportation department is now focused on developing a long-term solution to rebuild the essential route, acknowledging the challenges faced by Teton County residents and businesses due to the road closure.
