WYDOT Says Cars Crashing Into Highway Closure Gates Are Increasing

As part of its Quick Hits series, this article reports that 23 vehicles have crashed into road closure gates since 2020, with incidents increasing during recent winters, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Officials say drivers often ignore or miss warning signs and electronic message boards, sometimes traveling at full speed onto closed highways before gates can be manually lowered. Assistant Chief Engineer Mark Ayen emphasized that motorists are risking safety by attempting to access closed roads, not realizing crews may still be en route to secure gates. Repairing and replacing damaged gates has cost nearly $180,000 over the past five years. WYDOT urges travelers to obey all closure signage and check 511 road conditions before departing.