On Feb 15th, Governor Mark Gordon, joined by Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Director Darin Westby, traveled to Green River for a briefing on the Green River Tunnel crash on Interstate 80. The Governor and Director Westby visited the tunnel, met with local emergency response teams, were briefed by Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) on the crash, and were updated by WYDOT engineers about damage to the tunnel.  

“Thank you to the Sweetwater County emergency responders and all those locally helping support those working on the ground,” Governor Gordon said. “This is a tragic incident, but we will respond together and help our neighbors. That is the Wyoming way.”

The Governor and Director Westby also held a briefing for local elected officials and the media this afternoon. Joining the Governor and the Director were WHP Major James Thomas, WYDOT District 3 Engineer John Eddins, and WYDOT Bridge Inspector Randy Ringstmeyer. Together, the panel spoke to a full room in the Sweetwater County Commission's Chamber to provide the latest updates and answer questions. A recording of the briefing is available online.

The Governor emphasized the importance of driver attentiveness for the safety of all motorists. He also acknowledged the strain the current temporary detour is placing on the community of Green River, as well as the risk to infrastructure beneath local roads from the weight of commercial vehicles. It will take WYDOT several days to construct a more permanent detour, and the Governor thanked residents for their understanding as additional traffic will impact local travel. The Governor further underscored the value of the Mineral Royalty Grants program to communities that require support for local infrastructure.

Governor Gordon has been in contact with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and pledged to devote all resources available to assist the Green River and Rock Springs communities as they address the impacts of this tragic event. The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently on scene assisting local emergency responders, WYDOT and WHP. Later this evening, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will arrive, where the incident investigation and ongoing communications regarding the investigation will transition to NTSB management. 

Governor Gordon extended his gratitude to all agencies and partners that have been involved in responding to the accident, including WYDOT, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Sweetwater County Emergency Management, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, Sweetwater County Commissioners, local legislators, the cities of Green River and Rock Springs, Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital staff, the Green River Fire Department and the Green River Police Department.