WYDOT Announces Opening of US 14A

The Wyoming Department of Transportation announced that US 14A is now open. A WYDOT news release states that with the exception of a short stretch of roadway at Observation Point, where  motorists will encounter loose gravel and soft shoulders due to a construction project near mile marker 85, the majority of scenic highway is ready for the summer season.

According to WYDOT, US 14A is one of four mountain passes that are affected by seasonal winter closures, as WYDOT closes these routes in the late fall once maintaining the roads due to heavy, drifting snow makes it difficult and impractical. US 14A is a 22-mile scenic stretch of mountain road that is located in the Bighorn Mountains and is typically closed for the winter at the end of hunting season.

Crews from both the Lovell and Burgess Junction sides began snow removal operations earlier this month with a target date of Memorial Day to open. The two crews met up just west of the Bighorn and Sheridan County line on Wednesday, May 13. WYDOT Highway Maintenance Foreman, who is stationed at Burgess Junction, said that both crews encountered areas of deep snow, some as deep as ten feet. Although access to many forest service roads is not available right now, motorists are asked to stay on 14A and not attempt to access any other roads at this time.