Self-proclaimed Geotechnical Engineer Skeptical of Detour Plan
In a recent blog post, a YouTube blogger going by the handle Casey Jones with a supposed engineering background expresses skepticism over the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s expedited efforts to reopen a road after a significant failure. The blogger, who say he is a geotechnical engineer with 38 years of experience, critiques WYDOT’s announcement that they plan to establish a detour within weeks following a road collapse. Citing their own extensive experience in construction-related consulting, the blogger questions the rapid assessment and decision-making process employed by WYDOT.
WYDOT has already initiated construction efforts, deploying teams on double shifts to construct 611 feet of new roadway on the inside of the curve where the slide occurred. Despite their speedy response, the blogger raises concerns about the thoroughness of the geotechnical investigations, which typically require several weeks to gather and analyze data, suggesting that the rushed timeline might overlook deeper structural issues and compromise safety.
The blog highlights how earlier measures, perceived by WYDOT as maintenance, failed to prevent the catastrophic failure. This includes previous patches to the road where cracks had formed, which the blogger argues should have been a clear indicator of underlying instability. The post suggests that the area, having experienced a failure, should be studied more comprehensively before traffic is reintroduced.
WYDOT, meanwhile, has defended its approach, emphasizing their balance between reopening the road quickly and ensuring safety. They have consulted with geologists and are conducting ongoing drilling and soil tests to better understand the landslide’s causes.
The blogger concludes by advocating for more rigorous safety protocols in construction and engineering projects, such as the use of geotechnical instrumentation to monitor slope stability and pore water pressures, which could provide early warnings of potential failures. They express a strong need for WYDOT to provide better explanations and transparency in their decision-making process.
