Why Fix It

What is the issue?

Teton County has experienced continued traffic growth, especially on US 89 (Broadway), WYO 22 and WYO 390.  This increase in traffic does put a strain on the current transportation network, especially intersections.  One of the specific intersections experiencing low levels of service is The Y intersection.

Currently, all legs of traffic at the intersection experience some sort of delay. The delay at peak hour volumes has significant impacts to the entire transportation network in Jackson when  traffic backs up through other major intersections and approaches, limiting movement to and from the highway. This not only affects the traveling public, it affects other critical functions, such as emergency response and delivery of goods and services.   WYDOT has been forced to make decisions regarding the timing of the existing signal to best improve efficiencies by prioritizing the movements that create the most traffic delay and the movements causing the most wait times for motorists.  This is heavily affected by traffic counts which fluctuate seasonally and throughout the day.  Any time added to a particular movement or leg of the intersection, will add that same amount of delay to the other legs of the intersection. Because this intersection is nearing, or at, capacity, no additional time can be provided, or shifted to other movements in the intersection, to improve delay experienced.

The project was developed as an interim design to address the increasing potential for gridlock by improving traffic efficiency and flow through the intersection until a more permanent design can be established and implemented in the future.  This interim design will incorporate some minor operational changes to directly improve pedestrian safety and traffic efficiency, while minimizing ROW impacts by working within the existing roadway footprint. 

However, models show this new interim design as a temporary solution.   With traffic numbers continuing to increase, an even more expansive alternative will be needed in 13-15 years.  Due to these calculations, WYDOT will be pursuing a permanent/long-term alternative through the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process in the future.