GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A major tunnel for an interstate highway in Wyoming is close to being back to normal after a massive pile-up and fire in the tunnel claimed three people's lives earlier this year.
The Green River Tunnel cuts through Castle Rock in Sweetwater County, with one tunnel in each direction of I-80.
On Feb. 14, a chain reaction of vehicle crashes, involving multiple semitrailers, caused a fire in the westbound tunnel. Three people were killed: 20-year-old Christopher Johnson of Rawlins, Wyo., 22-year-old Quentin Romero of Rawlins, and 30-year-old Harmanjeet Singh of Nova Scotia, Canada.
WATCH: Drone video shows devastation left behind in Wyoming tunnel
Since Feb. 20, the tunnel has remained partially open, with both directions traveling through the eastbound tunnel.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has announced that the westbound tunnel repairs are making "excellent" progress, and they expect to reopen it at the end of November. However, there will be reduced speeds as the lighting infrastructure won't be completely done yet.
"Crews have completed the concrete repair work on the tunnel liner, curb and roadway pavement inside the westbound tunnel and will be working on cleaning and sealing the joints this week. In addition, the preparatory work for the installation of the lighting is also close to completion," a press release from WYDOT said.
Some of the final steps will be adding stripes, guardrails, temporary traffic control and signage.
The department also reminded truckers that oversize loads are still not allowed through the tunnel at this time. Drivers with oversize loads are told to take an alternate route; they can contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol with questions. More information can be found on the WHP website HERE.
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