Interchange July 2020
Vol. 48, Issue 7
Sand barrel array active on Teton Pass System in place to stop runaway vehicles
A sand barrel array stands in place of the catch-net vehicle arrestor system which is being modified for WYO 22/Teton Pass.
Sand barrel array temporarily replaces the catch-net system for runaway vehicles JACKSON – The new sand barrel array system to stop runaway vehicles was active by May 30 on WYO 22/Teton Pass. The sand barrel array system is located within the existing catch-net vehicle arrestor system, which is being modified and re-opened later this summer. The barrels, which are filled with various levels of soft, sand material, disperse after being struck by a vehicle and slow the vehicle to a stop. Recently, WYDOT opened up WYO 22/Teton Pass to trailer traffic under a
60,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. WYDOT also lowered the maximum speed limit on the pass and closed the parking area on top of the pass to use it as a mandatory brake check area for vehicles. The maximum posted speed on WYO 22/ Teton Pass was reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph for trucks. Dynamic message signs are used to notify drivers of the brake inspection station at the Teton Pass Summit pullout. These additional restrictions are still in place in conjunction with the active sand
barrel array system. Parking is actively restricted until the catch-net arrestor system is functional again. Currently, there is only one escape ramp open on WYO 22/Teton Pass, located at milepost 8.2, which is approximately a mile above the current closed vehicle arrestor. The Wyoming Highway Patrol increased patrols in the area and the Weighin-Motion system (WIM) on Teton Pass continues to notify authorities when vehicles are over the 60,000 lbs restriction.