Winter Tragedy Strikes Wyoming Highway Travelers

At approximately 11:35 AM MST on February 14, a crash on westbound I-80 in Wyoming resulted in the closure of the westbound Green River Tunnel near Milepost 90. The Wyoming Highway Patrol reports 26 vehicles were involved in the crash, 10 passenger vehicles and 16 commercial vehicles. Rescue efforts were hampered by a fire that broke out in the tunnel following the crash. The fire destroyed six semis and two passenger vehicles. Tragically, three fatalities have been confirmed because of the crash and subsequent fire while 18 additional individuals were treated for injuries sustained in the crash.

The initial incident occurred near the west end of the tunnel where a small pickup and a commercial vehicle collided, resulting in partial blockage of both lanes of westbound I-80. This resulted in additional vehicles crashing at the tunnel exit in an accordion effect wherein commercial vehicles colliding in both westbound lanes came to rest at a point just outside the tunnel exit. An additional semi jackknifed inside the tunnel a short distance to the east of the westbound tunnel exit, effectively blocking the tunnel at that point.

The fire began as additional collisions occurred near the center of the tunnel as westbound traffic continued to enter the tunnel. Several vehicles were destroyed toward the east end of the tunnel while vehicles toward the west end were left unburnt.

At the time of this tragedy, the roadway was wet to slippery in spots and visibility was good. The WYDOT variable speed limit through the area at the time of the crash was set at 55 MPH. Investigators believe that water had been tracked into the tunnel and then froze on the roadway, resulting in the small pickup losing control and initiating the incident, though no official cause has been determined. The secondary crashes were likely the result of driving too fast for conditions, inattentive driving, following too close, and driver distractions.

This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of reducing speeds when operating in winter conditions, particularly in roadway tunnels and on bridges. The roadway inside a tunnel is shaded and therefore several degrees cooler than the same roadway outside of the tunnel. The AAMVA CDL Manual recommends that drivers reduce their speed by one-third on wet roadways and even more in snow or ice.

Drivers are also reminded of the importance of managing the space ahead, or that space you are driving into and maintaining extra distance from the vehicle you are following. Be extra cautious when driving in winter weather and stay safe.