Jackson, WY — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) took a decisive step toward safer roads on Tuesday, approving a contract with consulting firm Kimley‑Horn & Associates to conduct a comprehensive transportation safety analysis. The agreement, valued at up to $115,379, will update the county’s “High Injury Network” as part of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
Contract details and timeline
Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the Owner/Consultant Agreement, with Commissioner Wes Gardner absent. The contract calls for a series of deliverables, beginning with an updated High Injury Network slated for April 2027. By June, the firm will identify eight to ten priority locations that exhibit the highest injury and fatality rates, and a final report with cost estimates and recommendations is expected in September.
Why the study matters
The push for a new safety analysis follows a fatal crash on Teton Pass in July that claimed two lives. “We were principally motivated by those fatalities on July 7, but I agree that we need to look at safety county‑wide,” said Commissioner Luther Propst. “But I want to make sure that we don’t underemphasize the Pass, which has such a long history of … serious accidents.”
Transportation Manager Charlotte Frei presented the contract, emphasizing that the study will incorporate recent crash data from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, evaluate high‑risk locations, and propose actionable countermeasures. Potential improvements include raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and curb extensions, depending on roadway configuration.
Methodology and expected outcomes
The consulting firm will begin by summarizing historical crash data and pinpointing segments with higher‑than‑expected crash frequencies. From there, eight to ten priority sites will be selected based on injury severity, fatality rates, and overall crash volume. The analysis will diagnose underlying risk factors and develop short‑, medium‑, and long‑term countermeasures.
Frei noted that the study will also review past safety plans, assess why previous recommendations were or were not implemented, and seek ways to move effective solutions forward. “We’ll look at previous plans, what was recommended in those plans, and why or why not those recommendations were implemented, and then – can we improve upon those recommendations?” she said.
Community impact
Local residents and businesses stand to benefit from a data‑driven approach that targets the most dangerous roadways. By focusing resources on high‑injury corridors, the county aims to reduce traffic‑related injuries and fatalities, protect pedestrians, and enhance overall mobility for families and commuters.
The contract aligns with the broader Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative, which seeks to create a safer transportation environment across Teton County. As the study progresses, officials will share interim findings with the public, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the decision‑making process.
Next steps
Kimley‑Horn & Associates will deliver periodic reports throughout the contract period, culminating in a comprehensive final report by September. County officials will review the recommendations and determine funding priorities for the identified safety improvements.
With the contract now in place, Teton County moves forward on a clear path toward safer streets, honoring the memory of those lost on Teton Pass and working to prevent future tragedies.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
