WHP and WYDOT kept roads open and travelers safe during recent storm

Winter Storm Jaxon resulted in 177 crashes, caused several road closures and made travel challenging for motorists in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to 65 crashes on Interstate 80, 32 on Interstate 25 and 80 on the other roads in the state during a 40-hour period. The crashes began around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 through 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22.

“The dedicated men and woman of the Wyoming Highway Patrol worked hard to ensure the traveling public was safe during Winter Storm Jaxon,” said WHP Col. Kebin Haller. “We appreciate their dedication and professionalism to serve and protect the public each and every day and especially during these types of events.”

Out of the 177 crashes, 30 of them were commercial vehicles. During the storm, troopers performed about 19 crash investigations during the middle of the night.
 
WHP dispatchers also responded to a higher call volume. Dispatchers had about 2,576 incoming and outgoing calls because of the storm. Out of those calls, 922 events were created. Dispatchers also made about 677 outgoing calls for wreckers and troopers, and made return calls.

Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplow crews were out maintaining roads and keeping them open. However, there were times when WYDOT had to close some roads intermittently because of winter conditions and crashes.

“WYDOT’s snowplow crews worked hard keeping the roads clear and safe for our traveling public,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick. “We are lucky to have such dedicated men and women working long hours during adverse weather conditions to make sure the traveling public can get safely to their destinations.”

The storm produced snow, blowing and drifting snow, windy and icy conditions and poor visibility, making travel unsafe.

Whenever motorists head out on Wyoming’s state roads, they can find the latest road and travel information before they go by visiting WYDOT’s 511 website. 

Watch a video about winter driving preparedness below.