ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — While Wyoming Department of Transportation officials are still “very distraught” by the Feb. 14 tragedy that forced the closure of the westbound tunnel, they are “relieved” to get traffic moving again in both lanes through both tunnels prior to the worst of Wyoming’s winter weather, according to a WYDOT spokesperson.

WYDOT reopened the westbound tunnel to two lanes of traffic on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

“With some early delivery of new electrical components and some use of temporary materials, crews were able to expedite work on the lighting system and signage,” Stephanie Harsha, WYDOT District 3 Public Relations Specialist, told the Rocket Miner.

She noted the tunnels were initially reopened with a speed limit of 35 miles an hour. WYDOT adjusted the speed limit from 35 mph to 50 mph in the westbound tunnel after WYDOT, the consultant team and the Wyoming Highway Patrol evaluated the current level of visibility for drivers.

The work is still not complete, according to Harsha. Construction will resume on the westbound tunnel in the spring, when crews will return to complete the lighting for both lanes in the westbound tunnel.

Harsha said completion of the project will be dependent on material delivery, but the initial date is set for June 30, 2026. Drivers can expect similar conditions, with head-to-head traffic in the eastbound tunnel this spring while crews complete the final stages of work.

In addition, WYDOT engineers are putting together a second project to upgrade safety and communication systems in both tunnels, she added.

“That project is currently in the design phases.”

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