WYDOT addressing landslide movement on US 191

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is cautiously monitoring movement on US 191 north of The Rim at about milepost 133.8. Maintenance crews noted some cracking and a large bulge, where the pavement has dropped about 6 inches in a couple days.

According to WYDOT District Engineer Keith Compton, the movement is being caused by saturated conditions, due to the unusually high amounts of precipitation the area received through the winter.

"It's basically due to the excessive moisture in the ground as well as the continual melting of snow feeding water into this area as temperatures warm," Compton said.

WYDOT Geologists have been on site and will continue to measure and monitor the movement of the road.

Maintenance crews are currently working to patch the area and to smooth out the bulge as much as possible to address current traffic concerns.  WYDOT geologists and engineers will continue to monitor the movement and investigate potential solutions to address the movement.

In the meantime, speeds have been reduced to 30 mph in the area and will remain reduced until a more permanent solution is developed and implemented.

WYDOT is advising travelers to use extreme caution when traveling through this area and to be prepared for reduced speeds and slight delays.  WYDOT will not hesitate to close the road section if conditions deteriorate and become unsafe for the traveling public.

WYDOT is recommending residents and commuters take note of the situation and   allow yourself ample time to reach your destination, as well as obey all advisories and closures.

WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down when driving in adverse conditions, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic control devices.

For more information on closures and weather conditions, please visit the Wyoming Travel Information Service website.

For more information concerning WYDOT activities, contact Stephanie Harsha, Public Involvement Specialist, WYDOT District 3, (307) 352-3065.