Landslide disruption: Economic impact of highway 22 closure in Jackson Hole - The National (2024)

When we think of economic disruption, we often think of abstract concepts like market crashes or trade wars. But sometimes, disruption comes in very real and material forms. This summer, in the popular tourist destination of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the community experienced just that, as an unforeseen highway closure disrupted both local lives and the summer tourist season.

The disruption begins

Last Sunday, a landslide occurred on Highway 22, a crucial conduit connecting Jackson Hole with the rest of Wyoming. This natural disaster prompted an immediate shutdown of the highway for an indefinite period, until the road could be cleared and declared safe for use. This unanticipated closure not only affected the local commuters but also the throngs of summer tourists heading to this picturesque town.

Digging deeper

Upon further examination, experts found that years of gradual soil erosion had weakened the mountainside alongside the highway, resulting in the landslide. Moreover, continuous rain in recent days was the final straw that brought down the unstable portion of the mountainside onto the highway.

Economic repercussions

Highway 22 is not just a road; it’s a lifeline of the local economy in Jackson Hole. The closure disrupted daily commutes, affected local businesses that rely on summer tourist traffic and raised concerns about emergency services’ ability to reach certain areas. Given the importance of tourism to the local economy, this event serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected and fragile our economic systems can be.

Roundabout solutions

In response to this crisis, local authorities have put in place detour routes to funnel traffic around the affected area until Highway 22 is reopened. But, as the work on the highway continues, it’s clear that the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges.

As we digest the events in Jackson Hole, it’s essential to remember that economy and ecology are two sides of the same coin. The sustainability and resilience of our economic systems are inextricably linked with our natural world. So, while we may not be able to predict every landslide or storm, we can work towards building economies that are better equipped to withstand such challenges and bounce back stronger. Let’s view this as a learning moment for businesses and governments alike – to plan, prepare and act for a future marked by uncertainty.