WYDOT asks river recreationalists to use left channel near construction work

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has begun work on the Jackson South II (Snake River South Section) project just north of Hoback Junction.

The project is the second half of a broader corridor improvement project between the Hoback Junction and Jackson on US 26/89/189/191. The upcoming construction will have an effect on the river below the bridge just North of Horse Creek. The bridge has steep slopes, and WYDOT and the contractor are concerned that rolling rocks could create an unsafe environment for recreationalists on the river. WYDOT is asking that river users take the river’s left channel to avoid the section under construction, and has asked forest river rangers to post warnings at Wilson and South Park boat ramps. The bridge is located approximately 3.42 river miles downstream of the South Park boat launch facility. 

“The safety of the traveling public is first and foremost, be it on the pavement or the adjacent water way,” WYDOT project engineer David Kaufman said. 

As material is placed in the river on the north side of the channel, water will be pushed over the the south side of the channel and the velocity will be increased as the channel is narrowed. WYDOT is asking recreationalists and other users note this change, along with the potential for rolling rock debris to enter the river along the north side of the channel while work is underway.  

The scope of work will include grading, draining, full depth reclamation, paving and a bridge replacement, placing post-tensioned precast concrete retaining walls, as well as miscellaneous work on approximately 3 and a half miles of roadway. The contract was awarded to Oftedal Construction Inc. this past May for about $67.5 million. All work schedules are subject to change. WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in work zones and be alert and cautious of roadside workers. For more information on road construction, closures and weather conditions, please visit WYDOT's 511 website. 

For more information about this project contact:

David Kaufman, WYDOT project engineer, (307) 733-3665

Bob Hammond, WYDOT resident engineer, (307) 733-3665