WYOMING – During a special meeting on Friday, August 2, the Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a nearly $12 million contract to Ames Construction to repair damage caused by the “Big Fill” landslide at Teton Pass.
According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), the funds will be used for the first phase of a multi-phase project to repair HWY22 and the landslide at mile marker 12.8. The temporary detour was completed on June 28, and this phase of construction is intended to provide a long-term solution.
“Our sincere thanks go to the Governor for his swift action with the June 8 emergency declaration and to our federal delegation for their push in DC, which quickly released critical federal emergency funds for our repairs to this vital economic corridor,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby Buckrail.
Initial work will include clearing landslide debris, installing soil anchors, traffic monitoring and other earthworks. Stephanie Harsha, public relations specialist for the WYDOT district, said Buckrail that workers began hauling dirt to the site on Monday, August 5. WYDOT estimates that excavation will take about a month.
“Excavation is underway and crews will be working over the next four to five weeks to prepare the site for the next phase of work,” WYDOT said on Facebook. “Crews will work from the top down, adding soil nails as temporary support to gain access to the bottom of the fill.”
Once phase one is completed, teams will immediately begin phase two of the project. Funding for phase two is not yet available. The work has been split into two packages to maximize efficiency.
WYDOT said the second phase of the project will include adding coupled micropiles (small diameter steel rods or tubes 200 feet deep) to further stabilize the foundation, as well as adding lightweight, reinforced fill to the area.
According to WYDOT, crews will work double shifts to expedite work while the weather is still favorable. WYDOT and the contractor are committed to maintaining traffic flow in both directions for travelers as much as possible, and work in phase one should have limited impacts on traffic. Drivers over Teton Pass are asked to use caution in the work zone.
