WYOMING - If you live in Wyoming, you know the wind doesn't just blow—it pushes. While out-of-state drivers worry about driving in the snow, locals know the real enemy is the wind on Interstate 80. The stretch between Laramie and Rawlins (specifically around Elk Mountain and Arlington) is widely considered one of the most treacherous stretches of interstate in the entire country.
It isn't uncommon to see 60+ mph crosswinds here on a sunny day. In winter, this creates "ground blizzards" that turn clear skies into zero-visibility nightmares in seconds. But the interstate isn't the only red zone. From the "Highway of Death" heading to Colorado to the busy intersections of Cheyenne, here are the roads you need to watch out for in 2026.
1. The "Wind Tunnel": I-80 (Elk Mountain / Arlington)
This road closes more often than almost any other major interstate in the U.S. for a reason.
The Danger Zone:
- The "Sisters": The area near the "Three Sisters" curves is a wind funnel.
- The Risk: Blow-overs. Light, high-profile vehicles (campers, empty semi-trailers) are tossed like toys here. If you see a digital sign saying "Closed to Light, High Profile Vehicles," do not ignore it. You will end up on your side.
- The "Ground Blizzard": The sky can be blue, but the wind whips the dry snow across the road like sand, creating "black ice" sheets that are invisible until you hit them.
- The Pileups: This is the site of the state's infamous 50+ vehicle chain-reaction crashes.
2. The "Highway of Death": US-287 (Laramie to Fort Collins)
If you are a UW student or a commuter heading to Colorado, you know this road well.
- The Problem: It is a narrow, two-lane highway carrying massive volume.
- The Risk: Head-on Collisions. Impatient drivers trying to pass semi-trucks on the short passing lanes leads to horrific accidents.
- The Danger: It is deceptive. The long, straight stretches encourage speeding (often 80+ mph), but the sudden curves and heavy truck traffic leave zero margin for error.
3. The Intersection List: 2 Spots to Watch
Wyoming’s cities are small, but their main arteries are surprisingly crash-prone.
A. Dell Range Blvd & Converse Ave (Cheyenne)
This is the busiest retail corridor in the capital city.
- The Hazard: It is a classic "stroad"—wide, fast, and lined with shopping centers.
- The Crash Pattern: Rear-end collisions are constant, especially in winter when drivers misjudge stopping distances on the icy incline near the intersection.
B. 2nd Street & SE Wyoming Blvd (Casper)
In Casper, "Second Street" is the headache.
- The Risk: It is the primary connector for the east side of town.
- The Danger: High traffic volume meets turning traffic from the mall and hospital. T-bone accidents from drivers trying to beat the light are common here.
4. The Mountain Monster: Teton Pass (Highway 22)
For residents of Jackson and Victor/Driggs, this pass is a daily survival test.
- The Grade: It is incredibly steep (10% grades).
- The Risk: Brake Failure. Tourists descending into Jackson often ride their brakes until they catch fire.
- The Winter: It is an avalanche zone. While WYDOT manages it well with the "Gazex" exploders, the road is frequently slick, steep, and terrifying for the uninitiated.
How to Survive the Drive
- Check the WYDOT App: Before you get on I-80, check the "WyoRoad" app. If the map is black or red, stay in Laramie. The wind isn't a joke.
- Don't Pass on 287: Unless you have a clear mile of visibility, stay behind the truck. The "Pumpkin Vine" (as old-timers call the route) is not worth dying on.
- Watch for "blow-overs": On I-80, never drive directly beside a semi-truck in high winds. If it tips, it falls on you.
