Teton Pass in Wyoming was closed in both directions on Tuesday morning after snow fell at the summit overnight and created slick conditions on the steep mountain road, CDL Life reported.
Source: CDL Life
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) issued a driver alert at 9:42 a.m. on October 27 notifying motorists of the closure due to “winter conditions and crashes westbound from Wilson to the Idaho state line”. WYDOT announced the reopening of the pass only about 30 minutes later, at about 10:12 a.m., CDL Life said.
A trailer ban had been imposed on the pass at about 11 p.m. on Monday night, and level 1 chain restrictions were issued on and off all night, according to Buckrail News cited by CDL Life. By Tuesday morning at least one semi truck had got stuck trying to climb the pass, and multiple commercial vehicles, including semi trucks and buses, were seen sliding in the roadway. Other motorists also struggled to climb, and law enforcement instructed several to turn around and drive back down, Jackson Hole News reported via CDL Life.
New Safe Pass rules for heavy vehicles
The slippery morning comes under a new safety regime for the pass. Since October 1, WYDOT has required drivers of vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds, and those towing trailers or operating recreational vehicles, to complete a self-certification through its WY22 Safe Pass program before travelling the pass, Transport Topics reported on October 26. The process takes about 10 minutes and includes videos, maps and brake guidance.
Source: Transport Topics
Teton Pass has 10% grades and sharp curves, and the existing gross vehicle weight limit on Highway 22 is 60,000 pounds. All trailers are prohibited on the pass from November 15 through April 1, and officials encourage commercial drivers to use US Highway 26 instead, Transport Topics said. “Beyond fines and statutory penalties, we want to make one thing clear: Ignoring these safety materials and warnings could put your life, or someone else's, at risk,” Wyoming Highway Patrol Captain Marc Russell said.