Commission Discusses New Dead End Pathway for Highway 390 Trail Project

The Teton County government meeting on August 18, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding the development of local pathways and trail systems. A significant point of contention was the proposed removal of a section of a trail from a build grant, with officials expressing a desire to move forward with this decision.

Commissioner Carlman emphasized the need for a practical approach to the trail's terminal points, suggesting that they do not necessarily require extensive parking or asphalt. He noted that existing pathways, such as the one at Highway 390, currently end in less developed areas, which could serve as suitable endpoints without the need for additional parking facilities. This perspective aims to alleviate concerns about unauthorized parking at more developed locations, such as the way station.

Carlman also highlighted the current situation at Trail Creek Campground, where users are not treating the area as a park-and-ride location, indicating that it has sufficient parking for those starting their journeys on the pathway. He reassured attendees that there are multiple alternatives for terminating the pathway, including options that do not connect directly to the highway.

Additionally, the meeting touched on recent positive interactions with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT), particularly regarding traffic signal prioritization for transit. This collaboration was noted as a hopeful sign for future projects, despite frustrations with previous responses from YDOT.

Overall, the discussions reflect Teton County's ongoing efforts to enhance its trail systems while addressing community concerns about parking and accessibility. The next steps will involve further planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful development of these pathways.