Seasonal passes now open

A sign of summer in the Valley, even despite the unseasonable weather recently, is the opening of the Wyoming Highway 130, or Snowy Range Scenic Bypass, and Wyoming Highway 70, or Battle Pass.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced the opening of both seasonally-closed sections for the summer on May 23. According to a press release from WYDOT, work on the 23-mile stretch of highway between Encampment and Baggs began in early May with the use of multiple rotary plows, snowcats and other heavy equipment. Work on the 12-mile stretch of highway between Saratoga and Laramie, meanwhile, began in mid-May with drifts as tall as 15 feet.

While it may be warming up in the lowlands of the Valley, drivers can still experience snow and ice on the two season bypasses. Eric Anderson, WYDOT District 1 Area Maintenance Supervisor, warned drivers in the press release “spring snowstorms can still happen at high elevations. Conditions may be impassable overnight. Travelers should take their time and be aware there may still be road hazards.”

Over the next few weeks, WYDOT maintenance crews will be in the area to make repairs to guardrails or sign posts damaged by the snow. Drivers are asked to remain alert for workers and be prepared to slow down.

Wyoming Highway 70 has a target opening date of the first week in June. Last year and in 2022, it reopened on May 25. The highway reopened on May 20 in 2021, May 21 in 2020 and June 3 in 2019.

Wyoming Highway 130 has a target opening date of Memorial Day weekend. Last year it opened on May 25. It opened on May 26 in 2022, May 21 in 2021, May 18 in 2020 and May 25 in 2019.