FEBRUARY 18, 2025|
Photo – Thick, black smoke rolls out of tunnel – Courtesy WYDOT
The Wyoming Department of Transportation reported the Highway Patrol has completed collecting data at the Green River Tunnels, the scene of a deadly crash Friday that killed three people.
According to the statement from WYDOT, troopers do not expect additional fatalities.
An off-duty state trooper was involved in the crash but was uninjured. The unnamed trooper attempted to help people evacuate the tunnel following the crash. The trooper’s name has not been released.
In a statement Monday, Colonel Tim Cameron, the top administrator for the Wyoming Highway Patrol, said, “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of these three individuals, and we mourn with their loved ones. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the families as they grieve.”
The state patrol has not released any details about the fatalities.
Outside the tunnel on Monday, Major James Thomas with WHP talked about the scene inside the tunnel in the aftermath of Friday’s crash.
Investigators will use all the evidence collected from the westbound tunnel to reconstruct the crash with computer software to determine narratives, causes and other details.
WYDOT is working to reopen the eastbound tunnel to traffic. DeBernardi Construction was busy Monday placing concrete barriers in the eastbound lanes to create separate lanes of travel. The speed limit for traffic moving head-to-head through the tunnel, underneath the sandstone formation known as Castle Rock, will be 35 mph. Delays are expected.
WYDOT Engineer John Eddins said the state highway department has experience moving traffic head-to-head in the tunnels. “With reduced speeds and additional signage, we see this as a safe solution to minimize traffic impacts to the community of Green River,” Eddins said in statement.
The highway engineer also advised that with high traffic volumes on I-80, drivers can expect delays.
In addition to the 35 mile-per hour speed limit, a 10.5-foot width and 16-foot height restriction on vehicles will be enforced for the head-to-head traffic through the tunnel, which is listed as 1,138 feet in length.
The tunnel, which opened initially in 1966, reportedly could reopen to interstate traffic as early as Wednesday.
In the meantime, federal investigators were inside the tunnel on Monday studying the aftermath of the fires and looking into winter roadway treatment prior to the crash and other aspects of the crash scene.
The investigating agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration and WYDOT are requesting copies of any videos or photographs that citizens might have taken in the aftermath of Saturday’s crash as they study the conditions leading up to and surrounding the tragic event.
Governor Mark Gordon said that he has been in contact with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and pledged to devote all resources available to assist the Green River and Rock Springs communities as they address the impacts of this tragic event.
