Article Summary –
A landslide in the Teton mountains has caused significant damage to a highway linking Idaho to Jackson, Wyoming, leading to an indefinite closure just as the summer tourism season begins. The highway serves Jackson Hole, a major tourism hub in Teton County, contributing to Wyoming’s second-largest industry, travel and tourism, which brought in about $1.7 billion in travel-related spending in 2022. The Wyoming Department of Transportation noted that the highway is critical for commuters, deliveries, medical care access, and tourism, and is working on a long-term solution to rebuild the roadway.
Landslide Damages Teton Mountains Highway Ahead of Summer Tourism Season
A landslide in the Teton mountains caused severe damage to a highway connecting Idaho to Jackson, Wyo., leading to its indefinite closure. The disruption comes at the onset of the area’s summer tourism season, potentially impacting travel to Jackson Hole, a major hub for tourism in Wyoming.
No Injuries, But Long-Term Closure Expected
The section of the Teton Pass experienced a catastrophic failure, but no injuries were reported. The Wyoming Department of Transportation had shut down the highway west of Jackson before the collapse. A detour is currently being constructed to bypass the damaged area. Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming has announced that a long-term solution to rebuild the road is in the works.
Impact on Wyoming’s Second-Largest Industry
The closure of the important roadway presents a notable challenge, particularly as it serves crucial functions for Jackson Hole. The area is a notably popular tourist destination, part of Wyoming’s second-largest industry—travel and tourism. Teton County earned roughly $1.7 billion from tourism-related spending in 2022.
State’s Response to the Landslide
Darin Westby, the director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, acknowledged the highway’s importance for commuters, deliveries, access to medical care, and tourism, especially during the summer season. The department’s engineers, surveyors, and geologists have promptly begun efforts to maintain the highway’s functionality for as long as possible.
Alternate Routes for Travelers
Despite the closure, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce informs visitors that they can still access the Jackson area from the west via two other roads through the Snake River Canyon. However, this detour extends the driving time by over an hour. The affected section of the Wyoming State Highway 22 was initially shut down earlier in the week due to surface cracks, reopened after patching, then closed again after a separate mudslide led to debris cluttering the road.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
The Department of Transportation stated that its crews are currently working to clear the debris and mud caused by the landslide.
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