Wind River Canyon roadway reopens; motorists advised to avoid stopping in the canyon

Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel reopened US 20/WYO 789 through Wind River Canyon to traffic at 6:45 a.m. Saturday.

“The canyon looks good this morning, and WYDOT workers will continue to monitor the area for falling rocks,” said WYDOT area maintenance supervisor Clint Huckfeldt of Thermopolis. “We’re asking motorists to avoid stopping within the canyon for a few days. Please watch for falling rocks and rocks on the roadway.”

Most other roadways are open, too, as of early Saturday morning. For road conditions, visit WYDOT's 511 Travel and Information website or call 511.

“Please drive safely and buckle up,” Huckfeldt said.

Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley is currently working in Wind River Canyon on a rock removal project addressing the flooding and mud slides of the 2015 Memorial Day weekend. WYDOT officials met with Wilson Brothers this week, and the contractor has agreed to help WYDOT clean up this week's rock slides over the coming weeks.

“Neither WYDOT nor the contractor will remove any of the rocks until things are safer, and the cleanup effort will most likely take a couple of weeks to complete,” said WYDOT maintenance engineer Lyle Lamb of Basin.

For information about this news release, contact WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.