WHP: Stay Safe, Roads Close for Good Reason

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Louis Tegdesch is reminding drivers to use caution during winter weather after a recent storm forced the closure of portions of Interstate 90. 

According to the Lieutenant, troopers responded to numerous calls for service during the event, including crashes, slide-offs and stranded motorists, while working alongside the Wyoming Department of Transportation to manage road closures and ensure public safety. 

Tegdesch said hazardous conditions such as low visibility from high winds, ice and heavy snowfall can quickly make travel dangerous or impossible. Drivers who ignore road closures not only put themselves at risk but also endanger first responders who may be in the middle of helping someone or then have to attempt rescues in severe conditions. 

Once WYDOT has closed a portion of the road, plows will clear the Interstate and highways the most efficient manner possible and Tegdesch said in many instances, that means going in the wrong direction on a road that should be clear of traffic. During the last closure, some drivers went around the gate creating unsafe situations for WYDOT employees and the WHP.

Lt. L. Tegdesch

As the area transitions into Spring, large snowstorms can change driving conditions quickly. Tegdesch urges motorists to check road conditions before traveling, carry winter emergency supplies and avoid unnecessary travel during storms to reduce risks and allow crews to perform their duties safely.

The Wyoming 511 app is the official WYDOT tool for real-time road conditions, offering map-based, traffic, and web camera data for travelers. Find Wyoming 511 in most app stores for both Apple and Android devices. Find more WYDOT road information by clicking here.