Section of I-80 eastbound in Carbon, Sweetwater counties to remain closed overnight

RAWLINS, Wyo. – Eastbound Interstate 80 from Rock Springs to Rawlins will remain closed overnight due to high winds, snowdrifts and forecast winter weather.

Although WYDOT continues to plow the road and pull resources from other areas, the agency does not anticipate the eastbound lanes reopening before Thursday morning, Feb. 14.

As of Wednesday afternoon, westbound I-80 remains open. Travelers should prepare for the closure or find an alternate route.

Southern Wyoming is experiencing a high wind event today across much of the I-80 corridor. WYDOT weather stations have recorded gusts of 65 mph at Vedauwoo, 73 mph at Quealy Dome, and 74 mph at Herrick Lane.

In western Carbon and eastern Sweetwater counties, high winds from the south continue to blow snow form previous storms onto the eastbound lanes of I-80. Maintenance personnel have reported drifts of about a foot deep, which is causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. 

These drifts are being created in spite of WYDOT plows and other heavy equipment working on I-80. Maintenance personnel said the drifts are forming in between snowplow passes.

Weather conditions between Rock Springs and Rawlins are not projected to improve overnight, with continued high winds and several inches of additional snowfall.

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For information about this news release, contact WYDOT District 1 public information specialist Matt Murphy at (307) 745-2142.

For the latest road conditions, visit WYDOT's 511 website or download the 511 app.

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