August 28, 2024

Emergency Detour on Teton Pass

In response to a catastrophic failure on the Teton Pass Highway due to a massive landslide, Oldcastle Infrastructure partnered with the WYDOT and Avail Valley Construction to construct an emergency detour in time for the 4th of July weekend.

This project aimed to restore connectivity between Idaho’s Teton Valley and Jackson, Wyoming, ensuring safe passage for commuters and tourists. The urgency of completing this project before the upcoming 4th of July holiday imposed significant time constraints

The challenge

The project presented several critical challenges. To begin with, a swift turnaround was essential, with the detour needing completion in under 15 days to minimize disruption and restore this vital transportation route.

Logistically, transporting 120-feet worth of box culvert from Oldcastle Infrastructure’s Nampa, Idaho, plant to the project site required meticulous planning and coordination due to the distance and logistical constraints.

The solution

Oldcastle Infrastructure responded to these challenges with decisive action. Our engineers quickly produced and obtained approval for CAD drawings to expedite the manufacturing processes, and we promptly cast 19 box culverts, meeting project specifications and timelines.

Collaboratively, Oldcastle Infrastructure partnered with other CRH companies and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to seamlessly integrate the box culvert into the detour construction, ensuring efficient project execution and compliance with safety standards.

Benefits

The completion of the emergency detour yielded several key benefits:

Timely Restoration:
The detour opened successfully before the 4th of July weekend, enabling uninterrupted travel for over 15,000 daily commuters and tourists.

Enhanced Safety:
The new detour, featuring a bidirectional roadway with concrete barriers, ensures safer passage.

Community Impact:
Oldcastle Infrastructure demonstrated a commitment to supporting local communities in times of crisis.

Shorter Onsite Construction Time:
Oldcastle Infrastructure’s efficient processes reduced onsite construction time, minimizing disruption to traffic and local businesses.

Resilience:
The robust design of the detour ensures long-term durability against natural elements, providing a reliable transportation route for years to come.

Oldcastle Infrastructure’s rapid and collaborative efforts with WYDOT and a “One CRH” approach exemplify effective crisis management and community service.

By swiftly addressing the challenges posed by the Teton Pass landslide, Oldcastle Infrastructure not only helped restore a critical transportation link but also ensured the safety and convenience of thousands of commuters and tourists.