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Teton County approves amendment for Wilson active-transportation project after talks with YDOT stall on proposed crosswalks
Summary
County commissioners approved an amendment to the Jorgensen task order for the Wilson active-transportation project but discussed next steps after the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) rejected proposed rapid rectangular flashing beacons and some crosswalk features.
Teton County commissioners on May 20 approved Task Work Order No. 2, Amendment 2025-3 with Jorgensen Associates Inc. to continue design work on the Wilson Active Transportation improvements, while debating how to respond after the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) declined some pedestrian safety features.
The amendment covers additional design work and public-engagement responses on the Wilson project. Brian Schilling, pathways coordinator for the town of Jackson and Teton County, told commissioners Jorgensen had updated 90% plans and that YDOT returned comments last week requiring technical clarifications on items including crossings, conduit pipe selection and signage.
Commissioner Carlman asked for the item to be removed from the consent agenda to allow public observation and to get an update; he emphasized the need for safer crossings on Highway 22 in Wilson. Schilling said the team had made the engineering case for rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) and striped crosswalks but that YDOT’s comments indicated they were not justified under YDOT’s standards.
“YDOT has responded that they don’t feel they’re justified,” Schilling said, adding the project team plans to meet with YDOT to reconcile comments and to return to the board with a clearer plan in mid‑June.
Several commissioners urged escalation beyond YDOT staff-level review if necessary. Commissioner Brooks suggested taking the issue to the county’s state delegation or the governor’s office, saying Rock Springs-based YDOT reviewers “may not have the same values that our community does.” Chair Newcomb and Public Works Director Heather Overholser said staff would meet again with YDOT, consult the county’s liaison, and return to the board on June 17 with a 95% design and a request to authorize bidding if appropriate.
The motion to approve the amendment was made by Commissioner Carlman and seconded by Commissioner MacKern; the motion carried unanimously.
Because YDOT must clear the final plan set before bidding, staff warned additional design changes requested by YDOT could require further amendments and additional time and cost. Schilling said a meeting with YDOT is being scheduled to work through outstanding technical comments so the county can submit a single, YDOT‑cleared plan set for bidding.
Looking ahead, commissioners asked staff to prepare a memo summarizing the commission’s position that could be used to elevate the issue to legislative or executive contacts if YDOT maintains its current stance on crosswalk and beacon treatments.
