FEBRUARY 21, 2025|
Photo – The eastbound tunnel at Green River – Courtesy WYDOT
The eastbound tunnel on Interstate 80 at Green River opened to traffic on Thursday.
The tunnel opened to two-way traffic around 10 a.m. on Thursday after highway crews spent the week preparing to reopen the small stretch of interstate highway that was closed due to last Friday’s horrific crash.
Three people died and over two dozen vehicles were involved in the crash.
According to a WYDOT news release, highway crews have placed more than 5,000 feet of concrete barrier and added additional traffic control signage and other devices to help guide drivers through the area.
“We are treating it a lot like a typical construction zone on Interstate 80, but with some added safety measures,” WYDOT District 3 Engineer John Eddins said.
Speeds are reduced to 35 miles per hour through the area at mile marker 90 to the crossover at mile marker 91. Highway workers added screens to top of the concrete barrier to reduce headlight glare from opposing traffic.
WYDOT advises that drivers should plan for delays due to the reduced lane in each direction and lower speeds. Congestion can be expected.
Vehicle size will be a factor. Vehicles must be 10.5 feet in width and 16 feet in height to travel in the head-to-head traffic lanes through the two lanes of traffic in the tunnel. Oversized vehicles should contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s permit office for detours.
Clean-up operations continue in the other tunnel which was the scene of last week’s deadly crash. Structural engineers are conducting assessments and making other evaluations as they determine what repairs are needed in the westbound tunnel.
Motorists are asked to drive cautiously and be aware of roadside workers and vehicles.
