February 22, 2023 |
As heavy snow pounds the region, the Wyoming Department of Transportation is fighting to keep roads open and safe.
Except for a few overnight hours Monday night into Tuesday, Interstate 80 has been closed between Laramie and Rawlins due to high winds and drifting snow since Sunday morning. WYDOT Public Relations Specialist Andrea Staley said crews were working to clear I-80 before today’s blizzard.
To prepare for snow, WYDOT trucks spread a dirt and salt mixture on the roads. The salt helps prevent ice buildup while the dirt provides extra traction. Staley said high winds tend to blow the gritting material away before it can be effective so plow crews mostly focus on removing drifts.
The expected snow will impact every road in Carbon County. Staley said plow crews will be working on I-80 around the clock. Some roads will see less attention than others. Staley directed people to the WYDOT website for road closure updates and to sign up for the W-TAP program.
WYDOT advises people not to travel when the weather is bad. If you must be on the roads, Staley said the best way to stay safe is to obey the speed limit. She said WYDOT monitors conditions along I-80 and will lower the speed limit when necessary.
On January 28th, a 44-car pileup occurred on I-80, claiming the life of one person and injuring many more. Saratoga bus drivers were called to ferry the uninjured to Laramie where Red Cross volunteers were set up at the Albany Fairgrounds. Staley said speed was a contributing factor in the crash.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study published in January of 2021, I-80 is the 9th most dangerous road in the country. High winds combined with ice and snow makes the stretch of highway between Arlington and Elk Mountain especially dangerous.
Travelers are advised to check road conditions at wyoroad.info or download the Wyoming 511 app before setting out.
