A drive along U.S Highway 26-287 from Dubois to Moran provides a glimpse of what makes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so unique. As it climbs nearly 4,000 feet to Togwotee Pass, the road bisects an area with high ecological value. North of the highway is one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48 states and to the south is the Wind River Range, with vast wilderness areas and Wyoming’s highest peak. Wetlands and streams, big-game migration corridors, glaciers, peaks and passes are common throughout the area. Grizzly bears, wolves, lynx, elk, moose, deer and other species regularly cross the highway that interrupts their habitat.

However, road crossings by these animals may become more difficult in the years to come. A final environmental impact statement on reconstructing a 38-mile stretch of the highway between Dubois and Moran Junction was released in October by the Federal Highway Administration and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). The agencies’ preferred alternative would create 12-foot travel lanes with eight-foot shoulders throughout the route. A reduction in the posted speed limit from 65 to 55 mph and the addition of four sets of passing lanes are also included. A wildlife study will be undertaken to determine where and what species of wildlife cross the highway. The project is expected to cost around $100 million and take from seven to 14 years of construction with corresponding travel delays.

The lengthy construction period could severely impact businesses in Dubois, Riverton and Lander, all of which depend on highway travelers.

WOC and other conservation groups acknowledge that some highway improvements are necessary but have several concerns with the preferred alternative. First, we are concerned that a straighter, wider road, known to encourage faster driving despite posted speed limits, will increase the likelihood of vehicle/wildlife collisions – an undesired outcome for both humans and wildlife. Wildlife underpasses and overpasses may reduce such collisions, but the proposed alternative currently includes only underpasses for snowmobiles.

Underpasses are cheaper than overpasses and are popular because they provide both drainage control and crossings for wildlife or snowmobilers. However, some species, like the grizzly bear, prefer overpasses and are less likely to use underpasses. In addition, combined underpasses for snowmobiles and wildlife are bound to increase human/wildlife conflicts and may substantially inhibit wildlife use during the winter.

WOC is also concerned that the lengthy construction period could severely impact businesses in Dubois, Riverton and Lander, all of which depend on highway travelers. A simpler design with safe but narrower lane widths, fewer passing lanes and less realignment would need less construction time and reduce threats to tourism-dependent businesses.

Fortunately, WOC may be able to influence highway-design decisions to better accommodate wildlife and lessen impacts on local communities. After WYDOT issues its Record of Decision, an advisory committee will be formed to guide the design of the highway. WOC has a seat on this committee, along with representatives from state and federal agencies and local counties. The advisory committee will make important design decisions as the project progresses. WOC will use the wildlife study that is currently underway to advocate for the most appropriate crossing structures to protect wildlife along the highway corridor.

A copy of the Togwotee final environmental impact statement can be found on WDOT’s website.