TransAm Section 5, Teton Pass is closed, 2024 (Teton Valley Alternate)

[John Nettles]

It appears that the Wyoming Dept of Transportation has reported that Teton Pass (between Victor, ID & the ID/WY border) is closed indefinitely due to a massive mudslide that wiped out the road. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwydotjackson%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02pgMLAyfAYkPBZLkMkY53B5UDYSFzzxFfpiXoS2GD8XudEhDyeL4bScDhfyJy9BQbl&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" >

I believe this closure is on the Yellowstone Bypass (not sure of the official ACA title) that goes from West Yellowstone to Jackson via Idaho on the west side of the Tetons to bypass Yellowstone NP.  From the pictures, it does not appear you can get around the slide easily if at all.

Here is a possible detour but note that it will have greatly increased traffic due to the closure and there are little to no shoulders until you get to Hoback, WY where a bike path begins.  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47034658

If ACA comes out with an official closure posting, feel free to delete this posting.

[jamawani]

There's always Old Teton Pass Road.  (Used to live in Jackson)
Since the landslide (MP 12. is on the west side, the western segment starts .2 miles west of Teton Pass.
It is a rough, steep, dirt road. Much easier pushing your bike up than trying to ride down.

BUT - - -
They might not want anyone up there besides the construction crew. Period.
So, the road may be closed to all use.
You can also take Old Teton Pass Road up the east side - much better road than west side.
Still, you have to get on Hwy 22 for that .2 miles at the pass.
And they may prevent cyclists from doing that.
Not to mention that the entire segment may be unstable.

Then there's the mudslide at MP 15.
My guess is that WYDOT will put clearing that up on the back burner.
Since the major issue is the road completely out above.
And the mudslide will also discourage folks from trying to get thru.
So, even if you do use Old Teton Pass Road - you still have the mudslide.

[jamawani]

Then again - -
Why not just ride thru Yellowstone?
The secret is to ride super early from sunrise to 9 or 10 a.m.
Then quit for the day and enjoy the park.

Evening riding is also pretty good - with most cars and almost all busses off the road.
And since the campgrounds have hiker.biker sites, you are fine getting in late.
Not to mention that you see more wildlife in the early and late hours.

[davidbonn]

Doesn't look like it is going to be opened soon.

[John Nettles]

That pic makes it look like a bridge or a large culvert would be better but I am obviously not a road engineer.  Hopefully, they will make it so cyclists can walk through some how white it is being fixed but I won't hold my breath.

[jamawani]

I've biked Teton Pass a few times.
I biked the Old Pass Road and skied it in winter.
Plus, I've driven the pass bunches of times.

There is almost no space for equipment,
so it will have to be marshalled along the roadway itself.
WYDOT will not be allowing anybody in there.

Perhaps like the Blue Mesa Bridge in Colorado -
The Old Pass Road will be upgraded to a bare minimum standard
and cars and small trucks will be allowed thru at certain times with a pilot truck.
Then the question becomes - will they shuttle bikes in the pilot truck?

A huge number of employees (who make less than $100K)
commute from Idaho to Jackson over Teton Pass.
Hotels, restaurants, park service, the hospital.

[amywally]

The official ACA name of the alternate is the "Teton Valley Alternate", which is a digital-only alternate. We do not have any detours around this landslide, nor do we plan on creating one. The Main Route through Yellowstone is still open. It is recommended to ride very early in the morning to avoid the peak traffic.

[John Nettles]

Amy, would you like me to delete this post so ACA can make an official posting?  Tailwinds, John

[amywally]

No, that's okay! There's some good information already here. But if you could edit the forum post title to say "TransAm Section 5, Teton Pass is closed, 2024" that would be helpful.

Thanks!

[John Nettles]

Done.  I will turn over any further updates to ACA at this point.  Thanks for all you and the rest of the ACA do to make bike touring enjoyable!

[eorogers]

WDOT link - scroll down to Big Fill slide photos June 10 for drone shots.  They are working on a temp detour.

https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/news_info/media-kits.html

Eric

[jamawani]

TEMPORARY DETOUR in TWO WEEKS

A WYDOT press release on Tuesday afternoon stated the detour could be completed in two weeks.

“WYDOT continues to work closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies to secure the area and investigate long-term reconstruction options. Currently, WYDOT geologists and engineers are confident they can build a safe, temporary detour around the slide area using local fill material and paving two temporary lanes,” the press release stated.

Westby praised the work of the geologists, engineers and construction crews as they work round-the-clock at both sites, as well as the cooperation of local, state and federal officials.

<<<>>>

Please do not attempt to "go around" as some have suggested.
Construction is going on 24/7 and there is a $750 fine.

https://oilcity.news/wyoming/2024/06/11/transportation-commission-approves-teton-pass-detour-detour-could-open-in-two-weeks/

[rafisher14]

Published 6/18/2024: Temporary fix might be open by middle of next week:

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/06/18/teton-pass-temporary-fix-could-be-paved-and-re-open-by-middle-of-next-week/

[amywally]

https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/the_hole_scroll/teton-pass-closes-to-cyclists/article_365d4636-2f57-11ef-a708-f32ae67aed15.html

Starting 6/21/24, bikes will no longer be able to travel up the closed Teton Pass highway.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contractors will be hauling crushed base and asphalt to the detour site at milepost 12.8 where a portion of the highway collapsed on June 8.

Bikes must use the pathway or the Old Pass Road on the east side to access the area for recreation, a WYDOT press release said. The road will be closed to bikes through the weekend.

"Officials hope to have the detour paved and the detour opened to traffic by the end of next week," the press release stated.

More updates, like what day the detour will open and its speed restrictions, should be available next week.

[jamawani]

I spoke with the Wyoming DOT office in charge regarding bicycle access once the emergency detour west of Teton Pass is opened.
They stated that bicycles will be permitted; however, caution is advised given the traffic volume and ongoing construction.
Cyclists should continue to use the Old Pass Road Trail between Wilson and Teton Pass.

The new detour will feature a paved, bidirectional roadway with two 12-ft lanes.
It will also have concrete barriers protecting motorists from any hazards, WYDOT says.
The detour has been constructed on the interior of the existing road's curve, away from the unstable slide area.
The detour will create a slightly sharper curve and steeper grade than before,
and WYDOT plans to reduce the speed through the area to accommodate the grade and increased curvature.

https://www.enr.com/articles/58861-emergency-detour-nears-completion-along-teton-pass