The Truth About Highways

Ask anyone in Jackson what the pain point in the transportation system is and you’re likely to get the same answer – Highway 22!

Commonly called “Induced Demand” and well proven in research and experience, adding travel lanes to congested highways simply allows more vehicle trips, causing the roadway to become congested again in relatively short order. The indicators for congestion to “fill back in” exist in Jackson – deferred trips, travel outside peak times, increased rates of cycling, etc.

The Cycle of Predict and Provide

Decreased Use of Transit, Walking, Bicycling

Encouragement to Drive

Induced demand or the cycle of “provide and predict” is a threat to Teton County and a reality to be addressed head on as stakeholders plan for the future of Highway 22 and Highway 390.

As with any limited resource, effective management of supply and demand is the key to community health. The Teton County Comprehensive Plan and the ITP state clearly that vehicle demand should be managed downward, and necessary supply offered through sustainable modes—a virtuous cycle. This virtuous cycle requires that local stakeholders:

• Recognize mobility demand exists and will continue to grow.

• Prioritize reliable non-auto travel options—walking, cycling, transit and vanpooling

• Develop and support—with funding and staff—programs, incentives, and disincentives that encourage and educate people on the use of sustainable travel options.

• Build political support for constituents for the new way of travel, using incremental achievements to create meaningful change

Political support grows, more funding

Virtuous Cycle

Reliable options made attractive: cycling, transit and HOV

New trips are added at lower rate of driving

TDM Programs, incentives, and disincentives developed

Destination of trips in the WY-22 corridor between WY-390 and the "Y”.

Expansion of WY-22 through Teton Pass would have massive environmental impacts and could cost billions of dollars. Managing demand for driving between Idaho and Jackson is the best way to solve congestion problems.

Habitat, protected wild lands, scenic rivers flank WY-22.

Making better use of the current highway right-of-way is essential to protecting the wildlife and wild lands that Teton County residents value most.

20-25%

10-15%

WYDOT and Teton County have approved the Wilson Multimodal Transportation Plan, which calls for an urban street design in downtown Wilson that includes one-lane per direction and a center turn lane.

Between the 390 Interchange and the “Y” WY-22 carries 10-15% of all Teton County trips in the peak period. How it functions a ects traveler experience throughout Teton County.