Photo credit: Terry Butler
If it doesn’t seem that long ago that Interstate 80 was closed due to inclement weather, it’s because it hasn’t been that long ago.
Last year, in fact, the state hit a record for the number of times I-80 was closed down due to Mother Nature.
And she struck again today.
On Sunday afternoon, portions of the most-infamous part of Interstate 80 were closed due to winter-like weather and a series of accidents.
“10 semis and at least five cars and trucks are in a pileup wreck,” Terry Butler wrote on the Facebook page Wyoming Road and Weather Condition Updates. “There are at least 300 semis and vehicles behind them.”
Butler was referring to an accident that occurred east of Cheyenne near Burns.
Here’s the latest:
I-80 between Cheyenne and Rawlins (both directions are closed) and the estimated reopening time is 18-20 hours.
If you are stuck, hopefully you have fuel, warm clothes, boots, Internet access, food, something to drink, seats that fully recline, an iPad, and a Netflix account.
Ideally, you would be driving in an RV. That way, you could take a shower, cook a turkey, stretch out on the couch, and watch NFL Red Zone. RV is the way to go.
I-80 eastbound between Creston Junction and Rawlins due to rolling closure. No estimates on that reopening.
I-80 westbound between Pine Bluffs and Cheyenne due to crash. No estimates on reopening time.
US 30/287 between Bosler and Walcott Junction. This is a rough stretch of road weather-wise. If you are stuck here, hunker down. Your estimated reopening time 18-20 hours.
US 287 south of Laramie (estimated reopening time unknown).
The winter storm is impacting travel throughout the region, with strong winds and blowing snow making for very limited visibility.
No unnecessary travel on I-25 or mountain passes like WYO 70 through Battle Pass or WYO 130 through the Snowy Range.
If all of this is making you wonder why Interstate 80 was built where it was, check out this interesting article.
And you can check here for the latest road conditions.
For latest road conditions, go to wyoroad.info, download the 511 app or call 511.
