JACKSON, Wyo. – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday $6 million in emergency funds are immediately available for “quick release” to the Wyoming Department of Transportation to aid in the reconstruction of Teton Pass.
The federal funding comes after a landslide on June 8 caused a complete loss of a section of Highway 22.
The emergency funds are meant to help rebuild access to the roadway as soon as possible ahead of the busy tourist season.
Teton Pass is an important roadway for travelers to get to and from places like Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.
The funding will also aid in creating a detour route for commuters.
“The goal is to restore essential traffic flow between Wyoming and Idaho for the residents, commuters, and tourists who rely on this critical roadway to reach their destinations. Without a direct route, a normal 30-minute commute can take an hour and a half,” a release from the U.S. DOT states.
