October 13, 2022 |
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is erecting gates on Highway 230, east of Riverside, to close a section of the highway during hazardous weather.
Andrea Staley, a WYDOT public relations specialist, said these added safety measures were planned for a long time.
Snowy and icy conditions will often cause WYDOT to close certain roads. Staley recommends people apply for the W-Tap program so they don’t get stranded when the roads close.
The gates are mostly there to prevent commercial traffic from rerouting down surface streets when I-80 is shut down. Staley said, even without W-TAP authorization, residents shouldn’t have trouble getting through when necessary.
Wyoming is known for its harsh winters. Snow and wind can cause havoc on the highways. People from out-of-town, such as long-haul truckers, may be unaware of just how dangerous the roads can get. WYDOT’s Staley said the gates are there to keep commuters out of danger.
The new closure gates on Highway 230 shouldn’t be a problem for locals traveling into and out of the Platte Valley. There are designed to prevent unauthorized travel during bad weather.
