The long-term closure of Teton Pass following major damage caused by a landslide will have far-reaching economic impacts on the region, residents, and visitors.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation announced on Saturday that part of Teton Pass, “a crucial highway weaving through the mountains of western Wyoming,” collapsed in a massive landslide, according to an CBS News article. The landslide “effectively destroyed a whole section of the surrounding highway,” writes CBS reporter by Emily Mae Czachor. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Officials have not released a timeline for repair but said it will likely be closed long-term, which is a major concern for the surrounding region because the pass is the primary transit route between Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, and provides “vital access to Teton County, which includes Jackson, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, for workers who commute there from eastern Idaho,” Czachor reports. Because of the mountainous terrain, the detour route roughly triples the normal 30-minute travel time between Victor and Jackson.
The region is bracing for economic consequences. According to the CBS article, workers who live in Idaho and commute to Teton County make up about 40 percent of the county’s workforce. A long-term closure will have both impacts on those workers, as well as services for visitors and locals in Teton County during the height of the summer tourist season.
FULL STORY: Part of Wyoming highway collapses in landslide, blocking crucial commuter transit route
Los Angeles to Test Road Closure Through Scenic Griffith Park
After a driver killed a cyclist on Griffith Park Drive in April, the city of Los Angeles is studying safety upgrades on streets in its famous park. The L.A. Times says the changes are part of a growing movement.
Report: Collapsed Mexico City Train Line Had Major Structural Flaws
A New York Times investigation uncovered years of government documents showing that officials ignored warnings about major structural flaws and poorly performed work on the train line before its fatal collapse in May.
Blaming ERCOT
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the nonprofit, independent power grid operator for 90 percent of the nation's second-largest state, has become the convenient fall guy for the epic power failure caused by an extreme weather event.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates
District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland