Massive Landslide Severs Crucial Wyoming Highway, Disrupting Regional Transit

In a catastrophic event, a massive landslide on Saturday morning caused a section of Teton Pass, a vital highway connecting western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, to collapse entirely. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has not provided a timeline for repairs, but officials warn that the road closure could persist long-term, potentially disrupting nearly half of the workforce that commutes to the popular tourist destinations of Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park.

The Teton County branch of WYDOT announced the "catastrophic failure" early Saturday, sharing images on social media that depicted the extent of the damage at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass. According to officials, crews were initially attempting to build a detour around the initial collapse when a further landslide effectively destroyed an entire section of the surrounding highway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

"WYDOT is now reviewing a long-term solution and repairs, and more information on planning efforts will be available soon," the department stated in their announcement, adding that crews were also clearing debris from another mudslide at the 15th mile mark on Teton Pass.

Why This Matters: The 17-mile Teton Pass, carved into the Teton mountain range, serves as the only direct route between Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, providing vital access to Teton County for commuters, deliveries, medical services, and tourists. Despite its treacherous conditions during certain seasons, necessitating periodic closures, the highway plays a crucial role in connecting eastern Idaho to the popular tourist destinations of Jackson, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks.

Key Takeaways:

• A massive landslide on Saturday caused a section of Teton Pass, a crucial highway in western Wyoming, to collapse entirely.
• WYDOT has not provided a repair timeline, but officials warn of a potential long-term closure.
• Nearly half of the workforce in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park commutes from eastern Idaho, making the closure highly disruptive.
• The 17-mile Teton Pass is the only direct route between Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, providing vital access to Teton County.
• Alternate routes involve lengthy detours, taking approximately three times longer than the direct route.