Jackson Hole access Partial Road Closure. See post #10

[skiingfast]

The primary road into Jackson Hole is currently closed due to a land slide across US89/US26.

While the road could be cleared quickly, forecasts of rain, and melting snow saturating the ground may increase the risk of more mud slides.

In the link provided a map of the alternate route is shown. Note that the town of Swan Valley on the left part of the map is where traffic from Interstate 15 who exit in Idaho Falls would reach this area.

http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/

If the link is no longer attached to the mentioned article please feel free to PM me if you need road information. I have many friends who commute the closed road and am happy to contact them for up to the date information as to wether the road is open or closed.

 

[skiingfast]

Picture of the slide. Note that when I first posted this slide was on the road but not down to the river. In fact it is covering the two lanes of roadway and a large pull out. It's still unsure when it will stop moving.

http://bradlyjboner.photoshelter.com/image/I0000Cgz00SfZ.cs

 

[skiingfast]

I just wanted to add a couple things. Tourist have started to show up in Jackon Hole so I wanted to give a warning that might help some people.

Teton Pass that is part of the alternate route is closed to trailer traffic 6am to 9am and again 3pm to 6pm. This means any and all trailers. Tractor trailers, campers pulling cars, trucks pulling boats anything and everything. It's being strictly enforced. It's just meant to keep traffic moving faster over the pass during the commute hours as a lot of Jackson Hole workers will be coming through.

If you are coming through SLC it's about a 5 hour drive, so if you are towing something consider this alternate route. I-80 west to Exit 18. Take US 189 North, it will go through the town of Kemmerer, Wy. Continue on US 189 to Daniel Junction. Make a left staying on 189 which combines with 191. This will go to Jackson Hole. Be aware this whole route has lot of animals, so be careful or deer and pronghorn crossing the road during all hours of the day.

Also this link worked junky for me, but there is a video making the rounds of the creeping slide. Now it's posted on weather.com http://www.weather.com/outlook/vide...from=shared_videos_face&cb=878914152942#20670

Again if you have any questions please feel free to PM me so I can assist you travel needs.

 

[skiingfast]

From weather holding up and not adding to the problem WYDOT has announced a best case senario. I wouldn't call it best case, but good case.

WYDOT changed it's prediction of when the slide could stabalize and the road cleared from 10 days to 5 days. Perhaps it will be open for Memorial Day weekend when the town of Jacksons hosts its Memorial Day parade.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Wow, that's some slide! We vacationed there every June, but not in the last couple years. Unbelievable!

 

[skiingfast]

Slide debris is being moved right now. While the slide is still active they are being cautious about removing too much which could widen the path of the slide. The slide has sped up which should let it stabilize quicker as loose material leaves sooner.

No update on when the road will open back up.

 

[skiingfast]

Yesterday max removal of material was permitted by WYDOT. Expecting to have one lane open by the end of the week.

However as they cleared the road, a piece 30 feet wide and 7 feet deep is missing. No word on how long this may extend the closure.

 

[skiingfast]

Just want to add while it's expected one lane will be open for the weekend.
In any case the partial ban on trailers going over Teton Pass (the alternate route) will be lifted for the weekend including the Monday Holiday.

 

[mekongtours]

Thanks all

 

[skiingfast]

Today the highway opened. One lane through the slide area. A portable/temporary traffic light controls traffic through the one lane. Expect delays of upto 20 minutes. Work will be going on to open the second lane and permantly fix the road, so expect truck traffic in both the North and Southbound direction.