Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance Releases Transportation Study Results
The report offers sustainable solutions to ease traffic along WY-22
If you live in or commute to a ski resort regularly, you are familiar with traffic congestion (see: @i70things). Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance recently worked with sustainable transportation consultants, Nelson\Nygaard to study traffic patterns on WY-22, the road that connects Jackson to Victor, Idaho over Teton Pass.
The resulting transportation study proposes solutions that cut down on traffic congestion while preserving the area’s wild lands, forests, wetlands and town character and protecting wildlife (approximately 114 deer, 35 elk and 15 moose are struck by cars each year on the thruway). When asked why the organization would take on traffic infrastructure issues, they responded: “Wilson and the West Bank represent a critical wildlife habitat and a corridor to moose, elk, other ungulates, and diverse wildlife. Bumper to bumper traffic creates barriers and significant challenges.”
The analysis found three key drivers of congestion, which include:
An increase in traffic from commuters (partially driven by a lack of affordable housing)
An increase in summer travel (i.e., more tourism)
An increase in local travel (i.e., remote workers)
While some believe that expanding roadways is the answer to traffic congestion, the study proposes several other sustainable solutions. The study also reminds the reader of the theory of “induced demand,” which is the phenomenon in which adding new lanes actually increases traffic and does nothing to reduce congestion. If you’re interested in reading more about this, I recommend the very excellent book, Walkable City by Jeff Speck (this is an affiliate link).
In regards to this specific stretch of roadway, the study states "Expansion of WY-22 through Teton Pass would have massive environmental impacts and could cost billions of dollars."
Other community groups also oppose a highway expansion. On their website, the Responsible Growth Coalition states “RGC is opposed to making WY 22 a 4-5 lane highway. WY 22 is a busy thoroughfare into and out of Jackson during rush hour mainly during the summer. It is used by local residents, commuters from Idaho, commercial vehicles and tourists. Increasing the number of lanes on Highway 22 will only induce more vehicular traffic and not alleviate congestion.”
Alternative solutions to WY-22 traffic congestion as presented by Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance’s transportation study include:
Increasing bus frequency and implementing a fare-free program
Managing demand through paid parking programs downtown
Improving the regional transit system for commuters (some ideas include: commuter options, vanpools, shared ride)
Increasing safety and neighborhood connectivity for bicycle and e-bike travel
Hold ing off on road expansion projects like the Tribal Trail Connector and WY-22 expansion
Increasing transportation options for tourists (some ideas include: hospitality businesses to offer transit, airport shuttles)
Incentivizing people to use alternative modes of transportation
Building affordable housing near jobs
Improving access to public transit
Forming a coalition of local stakeholders invested in protecting wild lands, wildlife and town character
Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is hosting two public forums to discuss the study with members of the community in February. It will be interesting to see if and how these sustainable solutions are applied in Jackson Hole. Could their success lead to like-minded policies other mountain towns facing similar challenges?
