Highway 22 Expansion Proposal
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is considering widening the Highway 22 corridor between Jackson and Wilson from two lanes to four or more. This proposal would harm conservation easements, wetlands, and wildlife habitat, without addressing the root causes of congestion. Decisions made through this process will permanently shape our community.
What's at stake
The expansion proposal undermines long-standing conservation efforts. It would impact a sensitive landscape, conservation easements, wetlands, and crucial wildlife migration corridors. Expanding the roadway would disturb or destroy natural resources and fragment a critical wildlife corridor.
Road widening would only temporarily alleviate congestion. In a short time, congestion would return to previous levels as vehicle volume and travel demand increase. Expansion without a comprehensive approach is shortsighted. Our community deserves a modern and thoughtful solution. We will not settle for long-term construction congestion and environmental damage, with no long-term measurable improvement to daily travel.
What we’re calling for : A comprehensive alternative
The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance does not support the proposed widening of Highway 22. We are advocating for a comprehensive alternative that improves safety and reliability without significantly expanding the roadway footprint. Our approach prioritizes incremental improvements, context-sensitive design, and protection of conservation easements, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
JHCA successfully urged WYDOT to pursue a rigorous environmental review process, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS will allow for continued public oversight of the project and ensure fair and transparent analysis of a comprehensive alternative. WYDOT indicated the EIS process could begin as early as October 2026. See Resources below to read JHCA’s letter to WYDOT.
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WYDOT indicated there is a need to improve the safety and mobility for all users and modes of transportation along Highway 22 between Jackson and Wilson.
WYDOT initiated a pre-NEPA process to draft alternative traffic designs and gather public input.
JHCA was a part of the Project Advisory Committee which was created to help review WYDOT’s designs and provide feedback.
Numerous concerns regarding WYDOT’s designs became apparent, including environmental damage, conservation easement condemnation, and fragmentation of a critical wildlife corridor.
JHCA recognized the need for another solution to both improve safety and mobility, and protect the corridor’s important resources.
JHCA began working with a professional traffic engineer in Fall of 2025.
A coalition of organizations was formed to help inform the Comprehensive Alternative.
The Comprehensive Alternative will:
Limit new pavement throughout the corridor
Improve safety and mobility, starting with major intersections in need of modern engineering
Support the construction of wildlife crossings and help reduce wildlife vehicle collisions
Utilize the same data and design horizon year as WYDOT’s alternatives
Improve multimodal intersection safety and access for all users
Status
WYDOT is evaluating alternatives for the Highway 22 corridor between Jackson and Wilson.
WYDOT has determined it intends to pursue an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which could begin as early as October 2026.
County Commissioners have called for a more comprehensive review to fully evaluate impacts to conservation easements, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
A community coalition is advocating for a comprehensive alternative for Highway 22 which supports both people and wildlife in the corridor.
Timeline:
2025 — Pre-NEPA planning and agency coordination ✓
2026 —
JHCA submits letter to WYDOT and FHWA in support of EIS ✓
WYDOT determination to pursue EIS ✓
TBD — WYDOT initiates NEPA process (likely October 2026)
TBD — Formal scoping (public comment period) begins
TBD — Final Record of Decision
