Teton Pass roadway ‘catastrophically failed’ after landslide

WYOMING — A landslide has caused extreme damage to Teton Pass in Wyoming, forcing the roadway to be closed.

Wyoming Department of Transportation said in a statement on its Facebook page that the pass had “catastrophically failed” due to the landslide.

WYDOT stated that crews were working on Saturday to construct a detour around the road. However, the landslide moved and took the whole road with it.

Director Darin Westby with WYDOT said in a statement that the damage could not be avoided. According to the statement, engineers, surveyors and geologists attempted to save the roadway when it failed.

“WYDOT remains on site decisively engaged on fixing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley,” Westby said.

“Safety is our utmost priority, and we ask that recreationists and curious residents avoid the area until it can be stabilized.”

Westby also talked about how Teton Pass is a lifeline for the area, especially with the summer season starting.

Saturday morning Wyoming’s Governor, Mark Gordon, also let out a statement on his Facebook page.

“This morning I met with state officials from the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to coordinate a response to the catastrophic landslide that has closed Teton Pass,” Gordon said.

“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.”

Gordon stated that geologists and engineers were looking for a way to fix the road using a long-term solution.

The governor stated that there is not an estimated date of re-opening for Teton Pass at this time.