U. S. Highway 89 between Moose and Moran Junction remains closed
by Grand Teton National Park
January 11, 2017
MOOSE, WYOMING - U.S. Highway 89/26/191 in Grand Teton National Park from Moose to Moran Junction remains closed. This section of road has been closed since Tuesday morning due to limited and no visibility, and significant drifting. It is unknown if the road may open later tonight or perhaps tomorrow. Snowfall and windy conditions continue, and the road will open when conditions allow for safe two-way travel.
Park road crews began plowing park roads this morning at 4 a.m. with the section of road between Moose and Moran Junction a priority. The north-bound lane of the road was completely drifted, and some areas had both lanes drifted with 3-5 feet of snow. Crews are cutting through with large loaders, rotary snow blowers and heavy plow trucks to move the significant amount of snow. According to crew members, as soon as snow is moved, additional snow drifts began to accumulate.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. more than 55 vehicles were escorted by park rangers through the road closure from Moran Junction to Moose. The majority of the vehicles were related to participants in snowmobile and snowcoach tours that had to spend the night north of Moran due to the road closure. Approximately 150 individuals stayed at Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch. Flagg Ranch Company provided overnight arrangements and food for the displaced visitors and staff.
Road crews have also been working to safely maintain other roads in the park, which is proving difficult with accumulating snow and windy conditions. Park offices were closed today to minimize exposure of hazardous travel to employees and minimize traffic on park roads for safe road plowing operations.
Drivers traveling in the park should use caution and drive slowly. Road conditions are snow packed, icy and drifting, with limited visibility at times. Please call the park road condition information line for updated road conditions at 307-739-3682.
Always be vigilant about wildlife near and on roadways. If emergency lights are visible, drivers are reminded to slow down and be prepared to stop. Anyone involved in an accident on park roads should call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 or 911.
|
