WYO 296 public meeting regarding Chief Joseph Slide is May 24

May 16, 2018

A public meeting with Sunlight and Crandall residents and citizens to address a permanent repair to the Chief Joseph Slide is 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 24, at the Chief Joseph RV Park, formerly the Painter Outpost.

Chief Joseph RV Park is located near the Clark's Fork River, about 40 miles northwest of WYO 296's junction with WYO 120.

WYDOT District Engineer Pete Hallsten of Basin and Cody resident engineer Todd Frost will be in attendance to explain the plan for improvements, which are tentatively planned to begin late this summer or fall. The engineers will be available after the meeting to answer questions.

"The U.S. Forest Service has joined WYDOT in this cooperative project along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway," said Frost. "We really appreciate everyone's involvement and collaboration on this important project to address a long-term fix of Wyoming 296."

The Chief Joseph Slide is located about 20 miles east of WYO 120, northwest of Cody. The roadway began sliding on April 19, and single-lane traffic control over the slide area has been in place since then. The slide area is located in the same location as a similar slope failure last spring.

Temporary repairs started May 2 on the Chief Joseph Slide, then more repairs were completed on the switchback directly above the slide. 

Frost said a portable traffic signal will hopefully be installed on each end of the slide prior to the Memorial Day weekend.

Sunlight and Crandall residents, including other citizens, are reminded of the temporary slide web camera located at the Chief Joseph Slide. It is available at www.wyoroad.info.

Also in attendance at the May 24 meeting will be Amy Haas, Shoshone National Forest North Zone Timber Staff/Siviculturist. Haas will present an update on upcoming timber sales related to the Budworm Response Project Environmental Assessment.

For information about WYDOT's work, contact public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.