Snake River Canyon reopened
by Sweet Sage Communications
May 29, 2011
Wyoming Department of Transportation crews were able to reopen US Highway 26 and 89 in the Snake River Canyon between Jackson and Alpine, Wyoming at 7:00 a.m. this morning (Sunday, May 29).
The highway is now open to two-way traffic. There are gravel patches on the highway from the repair work and the area is still under construction. Flaggers will guide traffic as necessary and travelers are asked to drive carefully as major equipment continues to work in the area.
Crews worked around the clock to get the road reopened after it was closed by a massive landslide on May 16 (Editor’s correction: The slide occurred on Saturday, May 14th). A 60-inch culvert pipe needed to be installed beneath the damaged highway to divert water and debris that continued to come down from the landslide adjacent to the highway. The highway now has a temporary gravel surface.
WYDOT crews worked continually to reopen the highway which was closed after the massive landslide covered the highway in mud, rock and debris that at times was 50 feet deep, 300 feet wide, and an estimated 2,000 feet in length.
Road crews will continue to work in the area, and motorists should expect reduced speeds and possible 20-minute delays while driving through the construction zone.
The landslide is just east of the Blue Trails Slide area. Traffic is now permitted on a temporary gravel surface over the repaired 50-foot wide by seven-foot deep trench that had been cut by the landslide.
Restrictions on Wyoming Highway 22, Teton Pass, have returned to the max gross vehicle weight of 60,000 and trailers will be allowed during commuter hours now that US 26/89 is open to traffic.
Travelers can dial 511 or go to www.wyoroad.info for up-to-date information on the status of highway’s in the area. Commuters are encouraged to sign up for WYDOT’s 511 Notify service to get automatic e-mail and text alerts about the status of US Highway.
|
