Work to complete emergency detour following Wyoming mudslide nears completion

In a statement to the press, WYDOT said that the Teton Pass currently remained closed as crews continue work on the detour after a mudslide destroyed the road on June 8.

Drone footage of Evans Construction working on the detour on June 17 2024. Photo: WYDOT

The new detour will feature a paved roadway with two 12-foot lanes, one in each direction. The detour will also have concrete barriers protecting motorists from any hazards. The detour has been constructed on the interior of the curve, away from the unstable slide area. Geologists are also mapping the site to confirm there are better native soils under the roadway.

WYDOT added that more permanent reconstruction plans are underway. WYDOT engineers are working internally with their geologists, environmental services and planning and design departments to develop long term reconstruction options.

Crews have already begun work on a project to improve drainage at milepost 15, the location of the recent mudslide. The Wyoming Transportation Commission recently awarded the US$880,600 emergency bid to Idaho-based Avail Valley Construction during a special meeting.

Avail Valley will construct a box culvert at the slide area. The culvert will help improve drainage. WYDOT and crews from Avail have already begun mobilizing for the work. This work was originally scheduled for completion around the same time as the temporary detour, but to provide more flexibility in the schedule, the work may carry on after the temporary detour at milepost 12.8 is opened. 

“WYDOT’s engineers, geologists and other licensed professionals with several decades of experience have done their due diligence to ensure the detour is safe for traffic,” WYDOT Director Darin Westby said.