A landslide caused mudslides on a mountain road near the popular tourist destination of Jackson, Wyoming, adding at least an hour to travel times for people driving along the road.
According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), the road at milepost 12.8 in Teton Pass suffered a “catastrophic collapse,” cutting off a large section of the winding road, and will remain closed while officials plan to repair the damage.
“We know this highway is a lifeline for commuters, delivery people, medical access and tourism, especially now when options are limited and with summer fast approaching,” Transportation Commissioner Westby said in a statement.
Aerial photos and drone footage show steep ravines where the road once was, and collapsed sections of guardrails hanging over loose soil and rock.
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A large section of road along Wyoming’s Teton Pass collapsed in a landslide Saturday. (Wyoming Department of Transportation)
The road was closed at the time of the collapse and workers were trying to address a large crack that divided the road on Friday, which became more noticeable as the ground continued to move.
“WYDOT engineers, surveyors and geologists mobilized quickly to try to preserve the highway’s viability for as long as possible, but a catastrophic collapse was inevitable,” Westby said.
Officials said the road was closed at the time of the collapse and that no one was injured. (Wyoming Highway Patrol)
Officials said no one was injured and no equipment was damaged when the road ultimately collapsed.
“I want to thank the Wyoming Department of Transportation employees who worked hard to ensure public safety as this situation unfolded and I am thankful that no one was injured in this incident,” Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement.
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Gordon said WYDOT geologists and engineers are on-site assessing the area and will develop a long-term plan to rebuild the collapsed roadway.
(Wyoming Department of Transportation)
“At this time, we do not have an expected timeline for when the road will reopen,” Gordon said. “We recognize the impact this closure will have on Teton County residents, area commuters and the local economy, and we are in direct contact with local officials.”
Stephanie Harsha, a spokeswoman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s District 3, told The Associated Press that the alternative route between Jackson and the Victor, Idaho, area would be a detour of more than 60 miles and would create a “significant burden on the commuter.”
Officials said there was no timetable for when the road would reopen. (Wyoming Highway Patrol)
Teton Pass is a well-traveled commuter route connecting small towns in eastern Idaho with the tourist town of Jackson.
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Jackson is a town in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley, a popular resort for skiers and near Grand Teton National Park. The median home price in Jackson was $2.8 million in May, according to Realtor.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
