A two-vehicle accident took place on U.S 89 in the morning hours of Wednesday July 3. According to information from the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), a white Ford pickup and a black Dodge pickup were both traveling southbound at mile marker 105 near the Wolf Den Motel. As the driver of the Ford stopped to turn onto Clark Lane and was waiting for northbound traffic, the driver of the Dodge did not adjust speed and collided with the Ford in an off-set rear-end collision. The driver of the Dodge was able to make a late swerve to avoid more serious impact and veered off the highway into the ditch. The Ford remained in the roadway. 

The incident required WHP and other responders to close the road for approximately 30 minutes while they worked the scene. Those in the Ford reported minor neck, shoulder and head injuries. The driver of the Dodge was cited by WHP. 

“It’s a busy time even with Teton Pass now back open,” replied Trooper Mike Merritt. “There is a ton of traffic out there. Please pay attention and slow down and use some patience on the roadways.”

While drivers have been able to utilize the five-lane road between Etna and Alpine, a similar project between Etna and Thayne has been working through the construction process but has been delayed until 2028.

According to AAA, there will be more than 60-million drivers who travel at least 50 miles for the Independence Day holiday, an increase of 3-million from 2023.