CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming lawmakers are considering a third lane for Interstate 80 following a series of pileups that blocked the highway for long periods of time.

Former legislative transportation chairman Sen. Michael Von Flatern says a third lane would have provided an escape route for sliding vehicles.

On Monday, 18 miles west of Laramie, the interstate was closed for about 32 hours for investigation and cleanup of a fiery chain-reaction crash involving over 60 vehicles. Two people were killed.

On April 16, 17 miles west of Cheyenne, I-80 was closed for two days after nearly 40 separate traffic accidents, including several large pileups. About two dozen people taken to the hospital.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune, Republican Rep. Dave Zwontizer of Cheyenne says building a third lane would be too expensive.

 

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