(TheRedAlertNews.com) – A dreadful landslide has destroyed a mountain pass road near the renowned tourist hub of Jackson, Wyoming, causing extensive damage and significantly increasing travel time.
The collapse occurred at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass, where the road “catastrophically failed,” resulting in the disconnection of a substantial portion of the serpentine route.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has announced that the road will remain closed while they formulate a strategy for repair, Fox News reports.
“We understand this highway is a lifeline for commuters, deliveries, medical care access and tourism, especially with limited alternatives and the summer season upon us,” stated WYDOT Director Darin Westby.
Following the incident, aerial imagery and drone footage revealed a stark chasm where the pavement once lay, with a guardrail left hanging over the void, amidst scattered debris of dirt and stones.
Prior to its collapse, efforts were underway to address a significant fissure that had appeared in the road the previous day and was worsening as the terrain continued to shift.
“WYDOT engineers, surveyors and geologists mobilized quickly to try to maintain highway viability as long as possible, but catastrophic failure could not be avoided,” Westby explained.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to equipment when the road ultimately failed, officials confirmed. Governor Mark Gordon expressed his gratitude for the preventive measures taken by the WYDOT team.
“I am grateful for the efforts of WYDOT staff to protect public safety during this developing situation, and am thankful no one was injured during this incident,” he remarked.
Governor Gordon noted that WYDOT specialists are assessing the site to devise a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the collapsed roadway.
“At this point, we do not have an estimated timeline for the road to reopen. I recognize the impacts this closure has to Teton County residents, regional commuters and the local economy, and we are in direct communication with local officials,” he acknowledged.
The disruption forces motorists to take a detour that extends the journey between Jackson and Victor, Idaho by over 60 miles, according to Stephanie Harsha, a spokesperson for District 3 of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, speaking to The Associated Press.
This diversion adds about an hour to any commute.
Teton Pass serves as a crucial conduit for daily travel between small communities in eastern Idaho and Jackson, a town nestled in the affluent Jackson Hole valley, famed for skiing and close to Grand Teton National Park.
The median home price in Jackson was $2.8 million as of May, as reported by Realtor.com.
NEW: Landslide destroys the Teton Pass highway connecting eastern Idaho to Jackson, Wyoming.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon shared video footage at milepost 12.8 from someone who nearly got swept away as the ground gave way.
Thankfully, no one was injured however a 30-minute… pic.twitter.com/NIjbDxRw6m
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 9, 2024
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