Jackson, Wyoming — After a year-long shutdown triggered by a catastrophic mudslide, State Highway 22 through Teton Pass is once again open to public traffic. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) confirmed that the highway resumed normal operations at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, ending a significant disruption for commercial and private vehicles traversing the mountain corridor. This reopening marks the substantial completion of a major reconstruction project that had been delayed by the sudden geological event.

The closure had forced thousands of drivers, including many OTR truck driver professionals, to detour around the pass, adding significant miles to their schedules. The mudslide had rendered the original route impassable, prompting WYDOT to undertake extensive repairs and upgrades while the road remained closed. For owner-operator fleets and long-haul carriers, the loss of this direct route represented a critical logistical challenge, as Teton Pass serves as a vital link between the eastern and western parts of the state for freight movement.

Bob Hammond, the resident engineer for WYDOT, stated that the project is now considered substantially complete and finished on schedule. "We may still have some seeding and reclamation, as well as a few punch-list items to complete, but this project is also pretty much wrapped up, too," Hammond explained. The reconstruction included the replacement of the Snake River Bridge with a modern four-lane structure and a complete redesign of the intersection between State Highways 22 and 390 to improve traffic flow efficiency.

What This Means for Drivers

While the highway is open, commercial drivers should anticipate temporary disruptions starting Monday, July 7, when crews begin applying a protective epoxy layer to the new bridge deck. This process will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction, requiring CDL-A driver professionals to plan for slower speeds and potential delays. WYDOT advises that this work is expected to be completed within one week, weather permitting, ensuring that all lanes are open for the upcoming holiday weekend. Fleet managers and independent operators should monitor local traffic updates closely to avoid being caught in these brief but significant bottlenecks.

Industry Reaction

The reopening is a welcome relief for the regional trucking industry, which had been strained by the prolonged detours. The upgraded infrastructure, including four new wildlife crossings, fencing, and cattle guards, enhances safety for both drivers and animals, a priority for trucking companies hiring drivers in the region who value route reliability. The improved intersection design at Highways 22 and 390 should also reduce congestion points that previously caused delays for heavy commercial vehicles. This infrastructure overhaul supports the broader goal of maintaining efficient freight movement across Wyoming’s mountainous terrain.

Key Points

• Teton Pass on State Highway 22 reopened to traffic at 6:00 a.m. on June 30 after a year-long closure due to a mudslide.
• The Snake River Bridge was replaced with a new four-lane structure, and the intersection with State Highway 390 was redesigned.
• Temporary lane closures will occur starting July 7 for epoxy application on the bridge deck, expected to last one week.
• New safety features include a pedestrian underpass, four wildlife crossings, fencing, and cattle guards.

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