VICTOR, Idaho – A mudslide is causing major impacts to tourists and commuters in the surrounding area.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation says it is working on a short-term solution following the weekend collapse.
Days after the collapse, the disaster continues to send shock waves throughout the Victor region.
“We actually drove over the pass on Thursday and it was blocked off right behind us,” local resident Tyler said. “Then on the way back it had sunk another six inches or so. Then on Friday morning there was a landslide. And then by Saturday I think it had completely collapsed. It’s pretty incredible.”
Even with outside help from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the state of Idaho, it could still be weeks before the new detour is complete.
The closure could have a major impact on tourism in the Teton Valley.
“The impacts will be felt not just by our city, but by all the business owners, by everyone who lives here,” Victor Mayor Jeremy Besbris said, “and it won’t end the day the road opens, it’s going to take a long time to make up for lost revenue and projects that we’ve had to postpone because of lack of funding.”
The tourism director for the Yellowstone-Teton region is hoping that out-of-state visitors will visit other parts of the region.
“We encourage you to take a good look at your itinerary, look at the maps, and consider alternative routes that are available to you,” says Kristy Baumann, marketing director for the Yellowstone-Teton Region. And if it fits into your plans, consider other stops you may not have thought of before, like Ashton Island Park or St. Anthony, because there are so many amazing places here in the Teton Valley and throughout Eastern Idaho.”
“It’s a place where people can have a whole new experience that they haven’t really had a chance to explore. There are camping options, biking options, and there are fewer people competing for a spot, whether it’s on the trail or in a campsite in a big hole,” Bresbris said.
Some workers who commute to Jackson drive hours to get to their jobs.
“My wife went to work today and she said it took her just under three hours,” Bresbris said. “She left at 6am and headed to work. Obviously, this is not sustainable, so if the road isn’t open by August, I think she’ll just have to camp out in the car park and come home for the weekend.”
“I’m worried that it’s going to increase traffic and take longer and make people panic and cause accidents and things like that, but other than that, it’s mainly just taking away a lot of the sunlight that’s just coming back,” Tyler said.
