Truck crash causes delays in Wind River Canyon

The crash of a tractor-trailer rig hauling bulk sugar took out 400-500 feet of guardrail on US 20-WYO 789 in Wind River Canyon about 10 miles south of Thermopolis late Thursday, causing traffic delays that extended into Friday.

Until the guardrail repairs are completed, temporary reduced speed limits of 45 mph and 30 mph will be in effect, according to WYDOT Traffic Engineer Randy Merritt of Basin.

A company under contract to repair guardrail has been notified, and repairs could begin as early as Sunday.

Motorists traveling through Wind River Canyon Friday and possibly Saturday should expect stop delays of up to an hour as officials work to remove debris from the crash.

"The crash happened around 11 p.m. (Thursday) night in an area called 'Big Windy' inside Wind River Canyon," said Russ Dowdy, WYDOT maintenance foreman in Thermopolis. "It's my understanding the driver of the truck is OK."

After taking out the guardrail, the truck rolled down a steep embankment to the river.

"Please slow down through the area, and drive for the winter conditions inside the canyon," Merritt said. "Please be patient as the truck is being towed from the river bank, and also while repairs are under way. Safety is WYDOT's No. 1 priority."