GREEN RIVER — City of Green River Police Chief Shaun Sturlaugson issued a statement to the public this evening regarding the crash that occurred in the I-80 tunnels yesterday. Traffic from Interstate 80 remains rerouted through Green River on Flaming Gorge Way after a crash occurred in the tunnels Friday. Local authorities, working closely with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), are continuing to manage the situation and ensure the safety of drivers.
WYDOT has implemented various safety measures, including electronic message boards on I-80 on both sides of Green River to direct traffic, barriers to guide vehicles, and additional signage within the town urging drivers to slow down. WYDOT is also in the process of securing more message boards, which will be positioned at both ends of Flaming Gorge Way to further remind drivers to exercise caution.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of both residents and those traveling through the area,” said Green River Police Chief Shaun Sturlaugson. “We are working with WYDOT to maintain smooth traffic flow through town.”
The incident remains fluid, with WYDOT actively working to reopen the affected section of I-80. Structural assessments of the eastbound tunnel have been completed, and it is expected to be safe for travel in the coming days. While traffic flow and dividers are being adjusted, WYDOT emphasized that patience is required as they work to restore normal conditions.
There have been inquiries regarding the installation of additional traffic lights at specific intersections along Flaming Gorge Way. However, officials stress that maintaining continuous traffic flow with minimal disruptions is the safest option. Both the Green River Police Department and WYDOT are in agreement on this approach, aiming to prevent further accidents and keep speeds manageable.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this challenging time,” Sturlaugson added. “We will continue to adapt our efforts to keep Green River residents and travelers as safe as possible.”
The situation remains under active management, and officials urge drivers to remain cautious as work continues to restore normal traffic patterns.
The full Press Release:
Media Release: I-80 Rerouting of traffic on Flaming Gorge Way
As you are all aware, traffic from I-80 is currently being rerouted through Green River on Flaming Gorge Way due to the crash that occurred in the tunnels yesterday morning. We have been and continue to work in conjunction with WYDOT to ensure that this traffic is flowing through Green River in the safest way possible. This includes warnings and directions via WYDOT’s message boards on I-80 on either side of Green River, barriers to direct traffic where appropriate, and additional signage in town asking drivers to slow down. WYDOT is also working on procuring messaging boards that will be placed at either end of Flaming Gorge Way to remind drivers to slow down and drive respectfully.
WYDOT is working diligently to resume traffic flow on the Interstate, but the situation is still developing, is fluid, and will require patience from all involved. Until the Interstate is reopened, there is no other option than to direct that traffic through town on Flaming Gorge Way. The status of the eastbound tunnel opening is expected to happen in the next few days. Structural assessments have been done, and it will be safe to travel. They are working on traffic flows and dividers at this time.
There have been questions about additional traffic lights to be placed at certain intersections on Flaming Gorge Way. Our position, based on past experience and training, is that the safest protocol is to continue the flow of traffic with as few disruptions as possible. This is the safest way to avoid additional accidents and to keep speeds at a reasonable level. This is WYDOT’s position as well.
Again, we would ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We will do our best to continue to ensure that the citizen’s of Green River, and those driving through, are as safe as possible, and will continue to adapt as needed.
Chief Shaun Sturlaugson
Green River, Wyoming
