WILSON, Wyoming – The temporary detour at Teton Pass will be closed to traffic on Wednesday, August 21, for road work.

The detour, built after the landslide that washed away a section of WY22, will be closed for sealing work on Wednesday, weather permitting, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

Chip sealing involves spraying a layer of liquid asphalt followed by small pebbles that are pushed into the road by the vehicle’s wheels. Chip seal is less likely to crack when exposed to the elements and can extend the life of a road, but it also creates more friction for drivers.

Vehicles will still be able to travel through the pass on both sides of the construction site, which will take place at mile 12.8, but will not be able to travel between Wyoming and Idaho. According to WYDOT, the top of the pass will be accessible on the east side and there will be access up to the Coal Creek parking lot on the west side.

“The grit sealing work is part of WYDOT’s efforts to prepare the detour for winter traffic in the event that permanent construction cannot be completed this season,” the agency said in a press release.

WYDOT’s goal was to complete the permanent repair before the onset of severe winter weather.

WYDOT reminds drivers that there is a 60,000-pound weight limit on the pass year-round. Drivers are asked to sign up for road condition alerts here.