Teton Pass bridge will be closed to traffic for 10 days

Teton Pass is one of the most heavily traveled routes for truck drivers in Wyoming, serving as a vital corridor for the trucking industry.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation announced on November 5 that, for up to 10 days, the Teton Pass bridge will be closed to traffic in order to lay new base material and repave the surface.

Teton Pass is one of the most heavily traveled routes for truck drivers in Wyoming, serving as a vital corridor for the trucking industry as well as for many other vehicles that use it as part of their daily commutes. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a detour through the town of Wilson, along West Street, Main Street, Second Street, and HHR Ranch Road, though with some exceptions.

According to DOT data, prior to the closure approximately 6,000 more vehicles than usual traveled daily along Highway 89 south of Jackson, indicating a significant increase in traffic compared to previous years. In the summer, the pass typically sees around 10,307 vehicles per day, with peak traffic reaching up to 15,000 vehicles.

Teton Pass detour

In June 2024, Teton Pass collapsed, forcing Idaho commuters to drive through Swan Valley and Star Valley to get to work. The restrictions on Teton Pass were enacted under Wyoming law, which allows the limitation of vehicle travel if continued use of certain types or weights of vehicles would cause undue damage to county roads or bridges, according to the DOT.

According to the official notice from the Wyoming DOT and Teton Pass County, detours will be limited to passenger vehicles and essential service vehicles. This includes fire and emergency medical services, buses, waste collection, and fuel and propane delivery.

Restrictions and enforcement on Teton Pass

A gross weight limit of 60,000 pounds will remain in effect on all detour routes, which could result in wait times lasting several hours. Any “nonessential or exceptional” load requiring access via the detour must contact the county at least 48 hours in advance for authorization, according to the restriction order.

The Teton County Sheriff will be responsible for ensuring that all restrictions are enforced as established by authorities. Penalties for violating the restrictions were not disclosed; however, it was stated that they will be applied as necessary.

In addition to the sheriff, four flaggers will be stationed at various points along the detour to guide heavy trucks. Reiman Corp., the Cheyenne-based company selected by the Wyoming Department of Transportation to carry out the work, pruned trees along the detour route to allow clearance for tall buses, according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

Drivers are advised that the detour passes by Wilson Elementary School, so the Teton County School District has modified the school’s drop-off and pick-up zones to ensure children’s safety. Parents will be instructed to drop off and pick up their children at the rear entrance of the school using the fire lane that circles the building.

The detour is expected to last only 10 days; however, motorists are encouraged to take precautions in case of possible delays.