Teton County is in a pivotal phase regarding Highway 22: Balancing the escalation of traffic and safety needs with environmental, community, and wildlife preservation concerns. The debate centers on whether a lane expansion is the best answer, or if smarter, lighter alternatives can address congestion without the costs and impacts of widening.
What Is Being Proposed?
- WYDOT is exploring expanding Highway 22 between Jackson and Wilson from two lanes to four (or more), as part of its broader WY 22 Corridor Project “to improve safety and mobility for all users”.
- The proposal could also include adding HOV/BRT lanes, reconfigured intersections, and wildlife mitigation features (crossings, fencing).
What’s Driving the Debate…(see what I did there?)
Community & Conservation Concerns
- A public meeting on June 30 revealed strong opposition from residents.
- Common concerns include:
- Widening may induce more traffic, leading to similar or worse congestion.
- Potential harm to wetlands, wildlife, and existing conservation easements.
- Noise and pollution impacts, and the loss of local character.
- Calls for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) rather than a lighter Environmental Assessment.
Supporters of Expansion Argue
- WYDOT and some local officials maintain the expansion is needed due to:
- Rising traffic volumes peaking at ~24,000 vehicles/day in summer.
- Congestion, especially at the “Y intersection” in Jackson and the WY 22/390 junction.
- The need to reduce crashes and improve turning movements.
Wildlife Considerations
- The corridor is known for frequent wildlife–vehicle collisions. Teton County has identified WY 22/Snake River Bridge area as a top priority for wildlife crossings.
- Proposed infrastructure improvements include four wildlife crossings and fencing along the expanded route.
What’s Next?
- The Board of County Commissioners is pushing for the highest tier of environmental review before moving forward.
- No final decision has been made. Teton County officials and WYDOT are still evaluating public input, cost estimates, potential EIS requirements, and alternatives (like traffic circles, turn lanes, speed and parking management).
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
