U.S. 14A  winter closure began Tuesday

LOVELL — The annual fall roadway closure of U.S. 14A between Lovell and Burgess Junction begins at noon Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Last year’s seasonal closure went into effect Nov. 24 following a harsh period of winter weather, including snow and high winds.

“Dec. 1 is our typical closure date for U.S. 14A between Lovell and Burgess Junction; it was a remarkably warm fall, but it’s beginning to feel like winter is coming to the Bighorn Mountains,” said Jason Fleming, Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance foreman in Lovell. “Winter weather and slick roads present safety concerns for snow plow drivers and travelers on this high-mountain highway.”

The annual fall closure of U.S. 14A, west of Burgess Junction, will be in effect at milepost 76.04 on the Lovell side of the Big Horn Mountains. The seasonal road closure at Burgess Junction is just east of milepost 98.1.

WYDOT annually closes this 22-mile stretch of scenic mountain road in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming about Dec. 1 at the conclusion of the fall hunting season. It usually opens by Memorial Day weekend.