WYDOT to hold public meeting on vehicle arrestor on Teton Pass

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will be hosting a public meeting at the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center, 5655 Main Street in Wilson, on March 20, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The purpose of the meeting is to share with the public WYDOT's research on a second vehicle arrestor location on Teton Pass and present an opportunity to the public to provide feedback on the project.  Public participation is strongly encouraged.
 
The purpose of the first arrestor was to eliminate the potential of head-on crashes with vehicles that have lost their brakes and have tried to use an existing truck escape ramp located on the opposite side of the roadway.
 
The first vehicle arrestor project on Wyoming Highway 22 at reference marker 7.4 was let to contract in late 2015.  This arrestor has been used three times within 7 months of its opening by vehicles experiencing brake failure.
 
Steep grades exist over 5.2 miles of Highway 22 prior to the town of Wilson. With a long descent, one arrestor won’t be able to capture all of the errant vehicles that lose their brakes. Accidents are still occurring after numerous other safety devices have been implemented.  
 
“Having one arrestor a few miles below the pass has shown to capture runaway vehicles and prevent accidents. An additional arrestor somewhere else will further reduce the risk and danger to the driver, passing motorists, pathway users, as well as the residents of Wilson,” WYDOT District 3 Engineer Keith Compton said.
 
WYDOT will present their evaluations and research at the meeting and solicit public comment on the project.  Please let me know if you need to request any special accommodations.  Please feel free to forward this email to any interested parties.