Teton County approves letter to YDOT asking for vegetation‑clearing guidance and support for Coal Creek underpass

The Teton County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 27 approved a letter to the district engineer for YDOT District 3 requesting vegetation‑clearing consideration and asking that discretionary funds be used to support a potential pedestrian/skier/biker underpass at Coal Creek.

Commissioner Carlman moved approval of the letter to John Eddins, district engineer; Commissioner Macker seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Commissioners suggested three edits during discussion: add the phrase ‘‘pedestrian and bicyclist safety’’ in place of ‘‘pedestrian safety,’’ qualify a sentence about the Teton Pass Veil connection by inserting the word ‘‘potentially,’’ and emphasize headings in the draft for readability.

Public Works Project Manager Chris Colligan described the safety tradeoffs involved with roadside vegetation. Colligan said vegetation close to the clear zone can reduce driver speed by creating a ‘‘tunnel effect,’’ but removing vegetation may also reduce habitat that draws wildlife into the right of way. Colligan identified the corridor from Willowbrook to Aspens on the west side of the road between the pathway and the highway as an area of concern where YDOT has not cleared in many years because of past community opposition.

Commissioners also asked the letter to request that the district engineer consider using discretionary funds to help fill a funding gap for the Coal Creek underpass; staff and commissioners said that could help leverage grassroots fundraising tied to a separate grant. The motion approved the letter as amended in the meeting.

Responses from YDOT and any follow‑up commitments were not recorded in the meeting; staff will transmit the letter dated Oct. 27, 2025.