Purpose of this project?

 Replace the existing bridge with a new structure that meets current standards and accommodates future needs of the corridor.

Why do we need this project?

 

 To address a bridge that does not meet current design and functional standards, address congestion and improve safety. The bridge is structurally deficient. The heavy traffic volumes and a narrow roadway within the project limits cause substantial congestion, reduced emergency vehicle access and increase safety concerns. This bridge is the only viable route across the river from Teton Village, Wilson, and Idaho communities, to Jackson; it is a critical route for commuters, tourists, locals, and emergency responders. 

 

 

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Environmental Process Timeline


  • Planning and Environmental Linkage Study for corridor completed 2014
  • Added to the WYDOT's State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) in May of 2016
  • Identify Scope of work - Reconnaissance field inspection held May 2017 - (Attendees WYDOT, Teton County, USFS, Greater yellowstone Coalition, JH Conservation Alliance, HDR)
  • Identify project location and area of impact - Reconnaissance Final Report issued November 2017
  • NEPA documentation level - Identified in the Recon Report, concurred by FHWA on May 2017 
  • Draft Purpose and Need - Drafted in Reconnaissance Report. Refined during project development.
  • Traffic Memo - August 2017 - Intersection type recommendation
  • Collect Environmental Field Data - summer 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020
  • Preliminary Plans - issued October 2018.
  • Coordination with Wyoming Game and Fish - Oct 31, 2018 - continues after every plan issuance.
  • Establish Stakeholder Group - List confirmed November 2018 
  • Coordination with BLM asking to participate in stakeholder group - Dec 11, 2018 
  • Stakeholder Meeting #1 - December 18, 2018
  • Wildlife Subgroup Meeting #1 - January 16, 2019
  • WYDOT/WGFD Moose Collaring Assessment - January 2019
  • Stakeholder Meeting #2 - January 29, 2019 - Bridge alternatives discussed
  • Public Notice - Press Release in Buckrail and News and Guide, newspaper ad (N&G 2/13/19 & 2/20/19, Jackson Hole Daily 2/4/19 to 2/21/19), Radio ads (Teton Media Works from 2/18/19 to 2/21/2019)
  • First Public Meeting - February 21, 2019
  • Collect  and Address Public Comments
  • Project Website Page Created - Spring 2019
  • Moose Collaring Update - April 5, 2019
  • Stakeholder Meeting #3 - April 24, 2019 -Shoulder width discussion
  • Wildlife Subgroup Meeting #2- April 25, 2019
  • Moose Collaring Update - June 10, 2019
  • Wildlife Subgroup Meeting #3 June 11, 2019
  • Stakeholder Meeting #4 - June 12, 2019
  • Transit Subgroup Meeting #1 - June 12, 2019
  • Wildlife Subgroup Meeting #4 - July 16, 2019
  • Stakeholder Meeting #5 - July 24, 2019
  • Finalize Purpose and Need - July 2019
  • Public Meeting #2 - October 17, 2019
  • Collect and Address Public Comments
  • Grading Plans - Includes preliminary environmental impacts
  • Structural Selection Report 
  • Stakeholder Meeting #6 - Nov. 19, 2019
  • Right-of-way/Engineering Plans 
  • Stakeholder Meeting #7 - March 26, 2020
  • Stakeholder Meeting #8 - August 20, 2020
  • Right-of-way/Engineering Plans - December 2020
  • Stakeholder Meeting #9 - December 14, 2020
  • Cut off for Final Public Comments to be included in NEPA document - January 31, 2021 
  • Determine Final Environmental Impacts - expected January 2021
  • Draft NEPA Document/WYDOT QA/QC - expected February 2021
  • Final NEPA Document and FHWA Review - expected March 2021
  • NEPA Document Approval from FHWA - expected April 2021
  • Final Plans - expected April 2021
  • Project Letting - late 2022 or early 2023

Construction Starts - expected Spring 2023