A catastrophic failure of the Teton Pass road in Wyoming occurred on June 9, 2024, leaving a large gaping chasm where the pavement once was. The collapse severed a vital commuter link between small towns in eastern Idaho and Jackson, Wyo., adding significant travel time for those who rely on this roadway.
The first signs of trouble emerged on Thursday when cracks and drops in the road caused a motorcycle crash. Engineers and geologists were dispatched to assess the damage, but by Friday morning, the situation had worsened significantly. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reported that maintenance crews noticed that the damage to the pavement had become more pronounced and was no longer able to be maintained.
The roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass completely failed, leaving a large section of the winding mountain pass road in ruins. No one was injured during the collapse, but crews were unable to prevent it despite their efforts to maintain the road.
WYDOT engineers and geologists are currently conducting assessments on the pass to determine the cause of this catastrophic failure. The transportation department expects a long-term closure, and Gov. Mark Gordon has signed an executive order declaring an emergency to help access additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration for repair work.
The Teton Pass road is a vital artery for people who live across the border in Idaho and work in Jackson, Wyo., which is also close to the popular Grand Teton National Park. An alternate route between Jackson and Victor, Idaho adds more than 60 miles (97 kilometers) to any commute.
The collapse of this section of highway comes after a previous landslide caused damage that required repairs. The road was closed at the time of the collapse to prevent further damage or injury.
