The Teton Pass highway between Wyoming and Idaho was disrupted by a landslide this weekend, causing significant commuter delays.
The region experienced a sharp temperature rise over the past three days, leading to snowmelt in the Teton Range and triggering the landslides.
The road at milepost 12.8 “catastrophically failed,” officials reported, noting that efforts to create a detour were undermined as the landslide continued to destroy the entire roadway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Drivers are advised to use state Highway 31 to U.S. Highway 26, then turn left in Alpine onto U.S. Highway 89 as an alternative route, adding 20 to 75 minutes to travel time. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg described the damage as “a major disruption.”
“Our DOT team is collaborating with WY officials to support emergency repairs. Meanwhile, plan your travel accordingly if your route includes Teton Pass,” Buttigieg advised. Neither Buttigieg nor the Wyoming Department of Transportation provided a timeline for the repairs.
Part of Highway 22 near the WY-ID border has been taken out by a landslide, a major disruption for travelers. Our DOT team is working with WY officials to assist with emergency repairs. In the meantime, plan ahead if your route takes you over Teton Pass. https://t.co/bFqjtQEPtR
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) June 9, 2024
“I understand the significant impacts of this closure on Teton County residents, regional commuters, and the local economy,” Gov. Mark Gordon (R-WY) stated in a statement. “WYDOT is actively working on repairing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley. Safety is our top priority, and we ask that recreationists and curious locals avoid the area until stabilization is complete.”
Teton County last experienced a landslide affecting its roads in 2011, when 300 feet of Highway 26 were covered by mud, rock, and trees. That road remained closed for about two weeks due to the extreme conditions.
