Wyoming Teton Pass road collapse: Rebuilding timeline uncertain

Wyoming mountain pass road collapses, cutting off commuter link, sparking emergency declaration and long-term repair plans. #WyomingRoadCollapse #EmergencyDeclaration

In a stunning turn of events, a significant portion of a winding mountain pass road in Wyoming has collapsed, creating a massive gap in the highway and cutting off a crucial commuter route between small towns in eastern Idaho and the popular tourist destination of Jackson.

Aerial images and drone footage of the collapse reveal the Teton Pass road split with deep crevices, with a large section of the pavement completely disappearing. The guardrail hangs precariously over the edge, while bright orange traffic drums signal the danger zone. The road was fortunately closed at the time of the collapse, preventing any accidents.

The trouble began when a crack and subsequent drop in the road led to a motorcycle accident on Thursday. Geologists and engineers dispatched to the scene observed that the crack was expanding rapidly, prompting a temporary patch-up job by a paving crew. However, further complications arose when a mudslide occurred a few miles away, prompting another closure of the road.

Subsequent inspections revealed that the damage to the pavement had worsened significantly. By the following morning, it was discovered that the road had completely given way, posing a serious risk. Fortunately, no one was injured, and equipment remained unharmed during the collapse.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation announced via social media that the road had "catastrophically failed" at milepost 12.8, but the timeline for repairs remains uncertain. The closure of this vital route has forced commuters to take a detour of over 60 miles, significantly impacting travel times and the local economy.

Governor Mark Gordon has declared a state of emergency to expedite repair efforts and secure additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration. The transportation department is working diligently to find a long-term solution to rebuild the crucial roadway and minimize disruptions for residents and commuters in the region.