US 14A closed Tuesday

LOVELL — Blowing, drifting snow and poor visibility has accelerated the annual fall roadway closure of U.S. 14A between Lovell and Burgess Junction.

U.S. 14A officially closes for the season Tuesday.

Last year’s seasonal closure went into effect Dec. 1.

“It’s winter on 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.”

A handful of elk hunters are still using U.S. 14A. Elk season closes today.

The annual fall closure of U.S. 14A, west of Burgess Junction, is 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.