Interchange – April 2024

Riverside Contracting, Croell win 2024 pavement smoothness awards

2024 WYDOT/AGC Coop meeting a success

By Jordan Young WYDOT and the

Associated General Contractors of Wyoming hosted their cooperative meeting in March, which included the annual asphalt pavement smoothness awards.

WYDOT began presenting asphalt smoothness awards in 2001 to reward excellent work on Wyoming’s highways. There are two different categories for projects, one with and one without a plant mix wearing course. Plant mix wearing courses provide extra durability on high-traffic portions of highways.

Projects are evaluated using an inertial profiler, a machine that measures the International Roughness Index obtained from a measured longitudinal road profile.

In the category for smoothest pavement without a plant mix wearing course, the smoothness award went to Montana-based Riverside Contracting Inc. for their project on Interstate 25 near Midwest. The contractor’s IRI was 30.33 inches per mile, and the resident engineer on the project was Phillip Giffin out of District 2.

Sundance-based Croell Inc. was awarded the smoothest pavement with a plant mix wearing course for their project on Interstate 90 between Buffalo and Gillette near Wild Horse Creek. The contractor’s IRI was 30.09 inches per mile, and the resident engineer on the project was Josh Jundt out of District 4.

A total of 32 projects were evaluated, spanning 374.48 miles of highway. This process also how WYDOT gives contractors smoothness incentives outlined in their construction contracts. Twenty-one projects received bonuses this year, totaling approximately $679,242 that contractors received for a job well done.

Before the smoothness awards, WYDOT executive staff, including Director Darin Westby, and AGC leadership opened the conference with some remarks.

In his speech, Westby mentioned the importance of meetings like the Co-op to combine strengths, make more efficient projects and invest in career development.

“When I came onto the agency nearly a year ago, we had 345 vacancies,” Westby said. “That’s significant. I don’t care what size the agency is, that’s a significant investment that has been lost.”

Westby also talked about how infrastructure like roads, bridges and more are often taken for granted, and his goal is to change that status quo.

“Please help me carry that mission,” he said. “Please help me try to make sure that everybody understands that we got to move that impact of our infrastructure out of the passive expectation and into the active impact so people truly understand the need.”

Conference patrons also saw a presentation from the Wyoming Highway Patrol on Truckers Against Trafficking, a movement to encourage truck drivers to report possible human trafficking situations they may encounter on their travels to law enforcement. There was also an address by keynote speaker Matt Havens and a reception after the meeting for networking.

The following day, the conference hosted a variety of panels and breakout sessions covering a variety of topics related to WYDOT construction projects.

WYDOT Chief Engineer Mark Gillett (right) awards Kurt Kaufman with Riverside Contracting a smoothness award for a project on Interstate 25 near Midwest.

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

WYDOT Director Darin Westby speaks to the crowd gathered for the 2024 WYDOT/AGC Cooperative Meeting in Cheyenne.

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

WYDOT Chief Engineer Mark Gillett (right) smiles as he awards Greg and Tim Wentz with Sundance-based contractor Croell Inc. the smoothness award for a project on I-90 between Buffalo and Gillette.

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Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents.

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to Carlie Dakins, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.

Darin

Doug McGee

Carlie Dakins

Contributors

Carlie Dakins Public Affairs

Matt Groth Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Jordan Young Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

Lt. Kyle McKay Patrol

Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/ wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

almost $9.71 million in contracts in March

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $9.71 million in contracts for nine Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its March 21 regular business meeting.

A $2.67 million bid was awarded to Casper-based 71 Construction for a concrete rehabilitation project involving asphalt paving, milling, traffic control, concrete paving, pavement striping, sidewalk and curb and gutter work on approximately 0.21 mile of Wyoming Highway 220 and approximately 0.32 mile of Wyoming Highway 258 in Casper. The contract completion date is July 31, 2025.

Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors was awarded an almost $2.45 million bid for a mill and overlay project involving asphalt paving, traffic control, milling, fencing and grading work on about 6 miles of US Highway 14 in Sheridan County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

The commission awarded an almost $1.11 million bid to Cowley-based Wilson Bros. Construction Inc. for a storm water drainage project involving culvert cleaning and lining, traffic control, grading and erosion control work at various locations within Big Horn, Campbell, Crook, Sheridan and Washakie Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

A $690,386 bid was awarded to Sundance-based Croell Inc. for an acceleration lane project involving asphalt paving, grading, aggregate surfacing, traffic control and erosion control work on approximately 0.30 mile of Interstate 25 in Platte County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

Sheridan-based Advanced Electrical Contracting Inc. was awarded an $888,332 bid for a signal project involving electrical work, traffic control and pavement striping work at the intersections of Main Street and Fifth Street and Main Street and Eighth Street in Riverton. The

contract completion date is June 30, 2025.

The commission awarded a $776,225 bid to Minnesota-based Bituminous Paving Inc. for a chip seal project involving scrub sealing, traffic control and signage work on approximately 9.5 miles of US Highway 85 in Niobrara County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

A $460,555 bid was awarded to Afton-based K’s Construction Inc. for a guardrail project involving guardrail removal and replacement, traffic control and aggregate surfacing work at various locations totaling approximately 1.7 miles on US 85 in Weston County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

Casper-based Modern Electric Co. was awarded a $502,500 bid for a project involving electrical work, signage and traffic control work at the road closure gate on I-25 north of Cheyenne. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

The commission awarded a $165,031 project to Cowley-based S & L Industrial for a pavement striping project involving thermoplastic and epoxy pavement markings and traffic control work on approximately 1.1 miles of US 85 in Cheyenne. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2024.

All of the projects awarded by the Transportation Commission this month are funded primarily with federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

WYDOT announces upgrades to 511 website, web cameras

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is upgrading the agency’s 511 travel information website, www.wyoroad.info, to provide more reliable and secure services to the public.

WYDOT’s website saw 2.2 billion hits in 2022, and that much traffic can impact WYDOT’s servers. Recent improvements implemented by the agency’s Intelligent Transportation Systems team mean a more dependable and secure website when travelers need it most.

“We know many travelers, and even our own employees, rely on our 511 tools every day,” said Vince Garcia, Intelli-

gent Transportation Systems program manager. “These security and reliability upgrades were essential in maintaining public trust in this vital resource.”

The website has a new banner to attract job seekers to work for WYDOT, and Garcia said users who have bookmarked 511 travel information pages in the past should update their browser’s bookmarks. Users who have relied on third-party aggregations of WYDOT’s website data may see interruptions in service due to the changes.

To further enhance the 511 website’s reliability, WYDOT is replacing 61 inoperable and/or outdated web cameras and related infrastructure around the state.

“We know how crucial the cameras are for the traveling public to put eyes on the road prior to traveling,” Garcia said.

These upgrades are due to persistent technical challenges with outdated equipment. Many of WYDOT’s road information cameras are in remote locations with harsh weather, limited electrical access, lack of internet or cell phone service and other challenges for WYDOT ITS staff.

The infrastructure upgrades will take place as weather, funding and supply chain availability allow. Those factors will also impact camera prioritization, and WYDOT will try to prioritize cameras that have been malfunctioning the longest first.

WYDOT’s 222 web cameras around the state take photos of road conditions every few minutes to give travelers an idea of what road conditions could be like along their route. WYDOT reminds motorists that web cameras only show a snapshot of part of the road, and conditions could be worse in areas where cameras are not located.

WYDOT’s 511 tools are managed and updated 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the agency’s Transportation Management Center. The TMC updates road conditions listed on the website and mobile app based on reports made by boots-onthe-ground employees like snowplow operators and Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers. The public can help WYDOT by using the Wyoming 511 mobile app to submit photos of road conditions along

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the highway; please don’t use your phone while driving. WYDOT’s 511 tools remain the agency’s official source for road and weather information.

District 1

WYDOT reminds motorists driving through construction zones

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation requests motorists use caution while driving through construction zones.

Construction season has started earlier this year due to a mild winter, and WYDOT has some tips and reminders for motorists when they encounter a construction zone.

Increased signage alerting motorists of changing road conditions, concrete barriers, traffic cones, flaggers and other work zone safety measures will be in place. Lowered speed limits and restricted turns may also have impacts through construction zones. WYDOT urges motorists to please follow all work zone safety measures and avoid distractions like cell phones.

Please remain focused, follow at a distance and expect minor delays while traveling through the work zone. Active construction zones can change rapidly. Haul trucks may be entering and exiting, flaggers may be present and traffic patterns may shift.

Do not follow haul trucks or contractor vehicles into active construction zones. If you find yourself in an active construction zone, please move out as timely and safely as possible.

Fatalities and injuries have happened in Wyoming work zones throughout the years. Crash data can be found at WYDOT’s Highway Safety page. (https:// www.dot.state.wy.us/home/dot_safety. html). Reminder that crews and workers will be present and are very close to live traffic. The roadway is their office and we want everyone to be able to make it home safely at the end of the day.

District 3

Sixth Street bridge closes for repairs

EVANSTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Coldwater Group Inc., closed access to the Sixth Street overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Evanston for repairs. The repairs will take place from April 1 to Oct. 31, 2024.

Drivers connecting to Interstate 80 from Wyoming Highway 89 are advised to detour around the bridge through the Bear River Drive underpass. High clearance vehicles are advised to detour east of the underpass onto Bear River Drive to access I-80. Current height restrictions can be found at http://www.wyoroad.info/ Highway/Restrictions.html.

A temporary signal has been placed and operational at the westbound I-80 off ramp at mile marker 5 to help manage increased traffic due to detours.

On the road signing will notify drivers of the closure area and direct drivers to detour appropriately. Work includes bridge rehabilitation, with repairs and improvements to railing, fence, expansion joints, bridge deck, approach slabs, barrier and lighting.

Crews move temporary signal on WYO 390

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, relocated the signal for southbound Wyoming Highway 390 traffic closer to the intersection at Wyoming Highway 22 on March 19.

The temporary signal was initially placed further up the road on WYO 390 to accommodate the construction of the new signal poles and mast. Now that the groundwork has been completed on the new signal, the temporary signal can be relocated closer to the original signal’s location, which is more familiar to local drivers.

Crews aimed to minimize impacts to traffic with minimal delays. Flaggers were on-site to assist in the intersection operation.

Pothole Repairs on Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction Inc., repaired potholes on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming Highway 22 on March 15.

The patching work took place overnight from 11 p.m.-4 a.m. and required lane closures. Flaggers were on-site to direct alternating traffic through the remaining operational lane. Drivers encountered delays.

Recent freeze-thaw cycles have resulted in numerous potholes, necessitating ongoing maintenance to keep the old bridge functional and safe for travel during construction of the new one.

Please be aware that nighttime work inherently carries more risks for both drivers and construction crews. Please travel slowly through the construction zone and follow all speed limits, direc-

Snake River Bridge continue to form due to numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

Temporary traffic signals at WYO 22/WYO 390 intersection

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Modern Electric Co., installed temporary traffic signals at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 22 and Wyoming Highway 390.

This project is part of ongoing intersection upgrades aimed at improving safety and traffic flow at the WYO 22/ WYO 390 junction. The existing traffic signal was deactivated, and a temporary set was installed on March 11.

Flaggers were on-site to direct traffic around the equipment used for signal

removal. While long delays were not anticipated, motorists encountered some slowing. The temporary signals remained operational until the new permanent signal is constructed – anticipated completion in early April. Traffic flow patterns will be maintained during construction:

• Southbound WYO 390: One lane open for both left and right turns.

• Westbound WYO 22 to Northbound WYO 390 (right turn lane): This lane remained open but was narrower than usual. Drivers were advised to use caution and proceed slowly.

Traffic shift on Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction Inc., shifted traffic lanes on March 6 in preparation for work on the wildlife box on Wyoming Highway 390 and the new signal installation.

Drivers experienced minor lane shifts and experienced narrower lanes. The left and right turn lanes on southbound WYO 390 approaching Wyoming Highway 22 and the left turn lane and through lane on eastbound WYO 22 approaching the WYO 22/WYO 390 intersection are narrower. These changes reflect the first phase of lane shifts; a second shift of WYO 22 traffic onto the newly constructed first half of the wildlife bridge occurring on March 23.

on Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, removed the concrete barriers on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming Highway 22 at its intersection with Wyoming Highway 390.

The work took place Feb. 29 overnight. Crews also took this time to repair the large pothole on the west end of the bridge that they were previously unable to repair a week prior. Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane under flagging operations.

The removal and relocation of the guardrail required multiple hours of work under a single lane closure with alternating traffic. WYDOT and the contractor have elected to perform this work after hours when traffic volumes are reduced to alleviate impacts on daytime traffic. Due to the nature of the work and the material being used for patching, crews were able to perform the work at night without low temperatures forcing extended closure times. The concrete barrier, once removed, was reset on March 6 in another area of the work zone for various operations.

The concrete barrier was initially placed on the bridge at night to protect moving traffic while crews worked on the new bridge adjacent to the old bridge and roadway. The cofferdam work has been completed, so there is no longer a need for the concrete barrier and the original bridge rail has been reinstalled and will remain in place until the traffic moves to the new bridge. Crews hope to finish the work in one night, weather permitting. The delay times varied depending on progress, nighttime traffic and weather.

The work is part of the Snake River Bridge and Intersection project, which was awarded in November 2022. The work includes the replacement of the Snake River Bridge on WYO 22, the reconstruction of the intersection of WYO 22 and WYO 390, wildlife crossings and other work on approximately 1.80 miles of WYO 22 and WYO 390 in Teton County. More information about the project history is available at www.dot.state. wy.us/snakeriver. The completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

District 4

WYDOT resumes work on Sheridan’s Main Street

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Oftedal Construction, began work on the second phase of the Downtown Sheridan Main Street project on April 1.

Phase II includes the blocks between Loucks Street and Coffeen Avenue/ Burkitt Street. Phase II is a continuation of last year’s project and will include replacing water lines, upgrading sidewalks and intersections to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, upgrading traffic signal boxes, and pouring a new concrete roadway.

This year’s closures run from Loucks Street to the north side of the Coffeen Avenue/Burkitt Street intersection.

Beginning April 1, Main Street from Brundage Street to the north side of the Coffeen Avenue/Burkitt intersection will be closed to traffic.

In order to tie into the new utilities at Loucks, Oftedal will close Main Street between Brundage Street and Loucks Street to traffic for a short time to complete that work. The Brundage block will be closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians. When the intersection of Loucks Street is complete, the Coffeen Avenue/Burkitt Street intersection will close.

Work is scheduled to run through mid to late August. As are many businesses, Oftedal is experiencing challenges in hiring laborers thus requiring them to complete this season’s work with one utility crew, which results in a longer schedule with a goal of an anticipated completion date of late August.

In addition to the work being done on the south end of Main Street, Oftedal Constructions subcontractor, S&S Builders will be repairing the Little Goose Creek bridge between First Street and Dow Street. S&S Builders has not determined a start date as of yet.

Citizens reminded to apply for forage permits

SHERIDAN –The Wyoming Department of Transportation issued a reminder to citizens that wish to harvest hay from the state rights-of-way must first obtain a forage permit from WYDOT.

The forage permit allows permit holders to mow and collect the forage free of charge now through Oct. 1.

Adjacent landowners to WYDOT’s rights-of-way had until April 1 to file for a forage permit; after that, permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. All permit applications are scrutinized closely for right-of-way field conditions and re-

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Lane shifting on WYO 22 at WYO 390.

Photo: WYDOT Crews removed barrier

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quirements before a permit is issued. The permittee is required to obtain and show proof of liability insurance coverage.

Offering the public the opportunity to apply for a forage permit allows farmers and ranchers to obtain free livestock forage. It also creates a beneficial relationship that reduces costs to maintain the public roads and provides free forage for agricultural operations.

Removal of tall grasses and other plants from the rights-of-way is a safety and appearance issue. Wildlife and other animals often move to highways when other food sources become scarce. This results in animals being struck by vehicles. Predators and scavengers then inhabit these areas and are involved in other vehicle/wildlife crashes.

Tall vegetation along highways also presents fire danger. Fires can be started by motorists discarding burning cigarettes or vehicles with faulty exhaust systems or brakes. Fires in proximity to highways can also jump across roadways and impact adjacent property.

Paving operations on I-90 near Sundance

SUNDANCE – Motorists traveling Interstate 90 between the Wyoming/South Dakota state line and Sundance will be encountering several paving and bridge repair operations over the next several months.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Croell Inc., are scheduled to complete paving operations on I-90 from the Wyoming/South Dakota state line west to mile marker 202. This work also includes repairing several bridges throughout that stretch of interstate.

Traffic control was placed the week of March 25 in preparation for switching traffic to the westbound lane on April 1.

Beginning the first week of April, eastbound traffic will be diverted to the westbound lane where motorists will encounter head to head traffic and a speed limit of 65 MPH. There will also be a width restriction of 12 feet throughout the construction area.

Croell Inc. anticipates both east and westbound lanes to be open to traffic

Aug. 1, weather and schedule dependent.

The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

Downtown Sheridan

Main Street project public meeting

SHERIDAN – Phase two of the downtown Sheridan Main Street project resumes the first week of April.

A public meeting was held March 21.

During the meeting, WYDOT, the city of Sheridan and Oftedal Construction discussed the scope and schedule of this year’s work to be completed.

The public, businesses and building owners located between Brundage Street and Coffeen Avenue were encouraged to attend.

Bridge repair work on I-90 west of Moorcroft

MOORCROFT – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor S&S Builders began repair work on eight separate bridge structures on Interstate 90 west of Moorcroft between mile markers 152.96 and 147.59. Those bridges cross the Belle Fourche River, Donkey Creek, CR68/D Road, Machinery Pass and Well Creek.

Work began the week of March 4 and included the construction of crossovers and the installation of guardrail. Traffic was moved to the driving lanes in preparation for moving eastbound traffic onto the westbound lanes with head-to-head traffic for approximately 2 miles for replacement of the bridge decks at the Belle Fourche River

Bridge deck repairs were performed on the other structures and typically include removing portions of the concrete deck, rebar structures and approaches and replacing them with new materials. Once the repair work was completed, a rigid concrete overlay was placed on the deck which adds durability and friction to the deck and reduces the risk of hydroplaning and ice formation.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 30, 2024.

District 5

Basketball tourney law enforcement operation

RIVERTON – A Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation over the 1A/2A regional basketball tournaments weekend resulted in 246 traffic stops, four arrests of impaired drivers and 16 speeding citations.

While the Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, officers, deputies and troopers issued 48 citations for other offenses Feb. 22-24. Law enforcement officers also made 13 other arrests, including one for possession of controlled substances.

The task force issued 163 warnings during the three-day operation. The task force issued 11 seat belt citations.

No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force has arrested 17 impaired drivers and made 683 traffic stops during three enforcement operations in 2024.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force includes the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Dubois and Wind River police departments.

The purpose of the Fremont County DUI Task Force is to reduce fatal crashes through the enforcement of impaired driving and seat belt laws. These enforcement efforts are supported by a media campaign that stresses law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving and commitment to seat belt enforcement.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use SafeRide;

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Fremont County law enforcement or dial 911; or

• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.

Slope flattening project underway north of Thermopolis

THERMOPOLIS – A $1.09 million project to flatten slopes north of Thermopolis on US Highway 20/Wyoming Highway 789 began March 4.

Prime contractor is Barnum Inc. of Buffalo.

“Beginning March 4, weather permitting, the contractor began installing temporary fencing, temporary traffic signals and concrete barriers,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project inspector Bret Moore of Basin. “Removal of trees and obstructions will occur to allow for replacement of an irrigation culvert across the roadway at milepost 141.91, about 8 miles north of Thermopolis.”

Moore said the culvert will be replaced one driving lane at a time, with a single-lane highway closure and a 12-foot width restriction.

“Beginning April 1, the contractor is scheduled to begin shoulder embankment fills. During this work, motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes,” Moore said.

Project work includes grading, drainage, traffic control, asphalt pavement surfacing and other work.

The US 20/WYO 789 project is north of Thermopolis between mileposts 141.78 (about 8 miles north of Thermopolis) and 145.51 (2.2 miles south of the Hot Springs-Washakie county line).

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Barnum Inc. on Nov. 17, 2022. Contract completion date is June 30, 2024.

An 8.1-mile project north of Lander kicks off

LANDER – A $4.7 million pavement overlay and pathway construction project on US Highway 287 began north of Lander near Ft. Washakie in March.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland is the prime contractor on the 8.1-mile project

“Pipe extensions and pathway work are scheduled to begin in early March in Ft. Washakie, with the pedestrian/bike pathway project between Tipton Road and Trout Creek Road, just north of Hines General Store,” said Wyoming Depart-

ment of Transportation Project Engineer Brian Martin of Lander. “All work is dependent upon favorable weather.”

Martin said asphalt pavement milling and paving is tentatively scheduled to begin in May between mileposts 24.17 and 31.60, but paving is dependent on seasonal wildlife restrictions in the area.

“During paving and chip sealing operations, traffic will be controlled with a pilot car and flaggers. Motorists should expect a maximum cumulative delay of up to 15 minutes during all work,” Martin said. “In Ft. Washakie, pathway work will require a highway shoulder closure and narrow driving lanes with two-way traffic.”

A 14-foot width restriction is in effect during US 287 paving operations.

The US 287 project includes rotomilling of existing asphalt pavement surfacing, a 2-inch pavement overlay, chip sealing, guardrail replacement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, pathway construction, concrete slope paving, pipe culvert extensions and other work near Ft. Washakie.

The Eastern Shoshone and Northern

Arapaho tribes are partners with WYDOT in the pedestrian pathway project.

Project completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.

Traffic signal project in Cody

CODY – A $564,000 traffic signal project at the US Highway 14A and Blackburn Street intersection began in early March.

“Work consists of installation of a new traffic signal system, including the removal and replacement of the existing curb, gutter and sidewalk to meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act requirements,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

Prime contractor is Casper Electric of Casper. Contract completion is slated for June 30, 2024.

The project is located at milepost 1.13 on US 14A (Big Horn Avenue) where it intersects with Blackburn Street in the Cody city limits.

The times they are a-changin’

Meet WYDOT’s ever-evolving Right of Way Program

By Mark Horan

According to their mission statement, the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Right of Way program provides professional right of way and real estate services, while balancing public and private interests.

Primarily, the 29-person program deals in acquisition of real estate from landowners when a project coming out of WYDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Plan impacts their property. Fundamental responsibilities include land surveying, title research, ROW engineering and appraisal, as well as negotiating with private owners and working with entities such as federal, state and local governments.

Securing rights of way for transportation purposes could be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the project. For example, if a pipe has to be extended onto someone’s property because the road is widening, ROW would obtain a permanent easement from the landowner. Another example is road widening from a two lane to a five lane highway. In that instance, WYDOT purchases the necessary area in fee, meaning they acquire perpetual rights to the land in its entirety - from the center of the earth to the sky. But if permanent rights are not required, such as in a staging area or a topsoil storage area where a crew needs to access private property just to mobilize equipment, then a temporary construction permit would be issued and the owner would be compensated for the temporary use of their property.

The ROW program, based out of WYDOT’s Cheyenne Headquarters, covers the entire state. According to ROW Administrator Kevin Lebeda, the program’s type of work “changed drastically” when WYDOT went into preservation mode 10 year s ago. Prior to that time, when funding was available, ROW was heavily involved in acquiring land for WYDOT shops, rest areas, and other projects involving new infrastructure. These days, the program focuses mainly on tasks like providing permits for construction, junkyards and outdoor advertising, as well as special projects such as the wildlife underpass project and truck parking on Interstate 80 near Evanston.

Additionally, the program often assists local governments in acquiring right of way for federally funded projects, such as the Dell Range/US Highway 30 project in Cheyenne, Wheatland’s 16th Street and Bill Nye in Laramie.

“There aren’t a lot of right of way experts in the state, so we often work with the cities and counties if they need help,” Lebeda said.

Lebeda said a lot of acquisitions right now are because of requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

“Many times we’re knocking on someone’s door saying we want to buy three square feet on the corner of their property so the sidewalk ADA ramp will fit in there,” Lebeda said.

In order to acquire privately owned land for public purposes, ROW receives plans from the Project Development program outlining what land is needed. ROW writes the legal description of the area that’s going to be acquired regardless of whether it’s perpetual or if it’s a temporary construction permit.

ROW has appraisers on staff to study the market and appraise the property. Under the U.S. Constitution, land cannot be taken without offering “just compensation” to the landowner. Once the compensation has been determined, Acquisition Agents make contact with the landowner to provide project details and discuss the acquisition process and documentation needed for the acquisition of their land

“The ROW program is entrusted to balance the public need versus private property owner interests and to be fair and equitable across the board,” Lebeda said. “We shouldn’t be paying over fair market value, because that’s not fair to the taxpayers. Yet, we shouldn’t be underpaying what the actual fair market value is. We do a balance there and try to treat everybody fairly, and I think we do an excellent job with the rights of the landowner.”

If an agreement about property values or roadway design cannot be achieved, WYDOT could - but hardly ever does - exercise its eminent domain rights to seize private property for public use by initiating condemnation proceedings. WYDOT must prove necessity for a particular project, as well as the necessity for a particular parcel of land, in order to complete said project. WYDOT only buys or uses as much land as it needs. Condemnation is used less than 1 percent of the time.

“If a landowner is strictly opposed, there are things that can be done in the field or through the design phase to help us reach an agreement,” Lebeda said. “A lot of the time it comes down to educating landowners.”

Over the years, Lebeda has seen a lot of changes in the way land acquisition is negotiated, and who it’s negotiated with.

“Years ago, it was all about the relationship our negotiators built with the farmers or ranchers when they went out there,” he said. “Currently, there appears to be an increase in land owned by out-of-state individuals and corporations. Due to the digital age we live in it’s not uncommon to communicate through email.”

Right of Way specialists and District 4 staff walk a project in Buffalo to analyze landowner impact

Photos: WYDOT

Lebeda added that back in the old days when it was farm to market, everybody wanted the road on their property to make it easier to get their goods. But now there’s more of a ‘not in my backyard’ mentality.

“Everybody wants progress, but nobody wants it to be on them,” Lebeda said.

Scheduling and timing in the land acquisition process also proves challenging, especially when so much of the work that WYDOT does is on a seasonal basis. Lebeda said if the ROW acquisition timing doesn’t hit the construction season just right, it could pose significant delays.

Establishing right of way boundaries allows WYDOT to cross property lines in order to provide safe transportation for the public. All WYDOT infrastructure is contained within the ROW, which is generally considered to be fence post to fence post on a highway. That includes bridges, guardrails, high mast lights, signage, and even rest areas and snow fences.

In addition, utility groups use the right of way to run infrastructure such as power lines. WYDOT also allows for fiber-optic cables to run through the right of way in order to increase the state’s broadband capabilities.

Another responsibility that falls under ROW is overseeing the outdoor advertising and junkyard control program. Lebeda’s team includes a specialist who deals with junkyard and outdoor advertising permits.

pose a safety risk for travelers.

“We don’t monitor or dictate what’s on the signs,” Lebeda said. “Our office just regulates how many there are, the size, location and height of the sign.”

Lebeda also enjoys the aspect of keeping an eye on things that other programs aren’t necessarily thinking about.

“Our role is to ensure we’re getting what we need for the safety of the traveling public, but at the same time, sometimes it’s pushing back and saying, ‘Do we really need this?’” he said. “Protecting us, but also keeping the property owner’s interests in mind. We do our best to balance those things by having a lot of meetings with landowners and the public to determine impacts and how things are going to proceed.”

Wanting to preserve the scenic beauty of America’s roadways for tourists, Lady Bird Johnson, first lady to President Lyndon B. Johnson, created the Highway Beautification Act back in the 1960s. That Act sought to limit billboards, junkyards and other visual clutter that impacted the appearance of interstate highways.

As a result, off-premise advertising signs that are within 660 feet of a highway require a permit to be displayed. In addition, junkyards within 1,000 feet are required to be screened so that they’re not visible to the traveling public.

Unauthorized objects in the right of way, like political campaign signage or items for sale, are not only an eyesore but also

As for how the ROW program has developed over time, Lebeda commented that while it’s a technical position, there isn’t necessarily a specialized degree for the job.

“I don’t think anyone in our program, when they were in grade school, ever said ‘I want to be a right of way agent when I grow up,’” he laughed. “You go to school, and then you come here, and then you learn how to do what we do.”

He added that some treat it as a second career, especially in a state with so many sectors prone to boom and bust cycles.

For Lebeda, working in the ROW program is exciting because the work is ever evolving.

“There’s never two negotiations alike, and there’s never two landowners alike, so it never becomes mundane,” Lebeda said. “It’s always something new.”

Ultimately, despite the day to day challenges that the ROW program faces, Lebeda says his staff continue to rise to the occasion.

“We just keep our sights on the fact that we’re here to provide professional real estate services that balance the most public good with the least private harm,” he said.

Lee Burns (left), an acquisition agent with WYDOT’s Right of Way Program, negotiates with a Cheyenne property owner.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT

2024 Legislative recap

Brief breakdown of the bills affecting WYDOT and state employees

By Jordan Young

As mentioned in last month’s issue of Interchange, the state’s 67th Legislature convened for the 2024 session on Feb. 12. The legislators wrapped up their work in Cheyenne on March 8.

This year was a budget session, which means fewer bills are pushed through given the time restraints from focusing on ironing out a biannual budget. However, there were still a few pieces of legislation that passed this session that will affect WYDOT’s employees, operations and jurisdictions, including:

• Light, high profile vehicle closures: increases penalties for violating light/high-profile vehicle closures; driver pays fine, which is now $1,000 for first offense; disqualifies repeat violators from driving commercial vehicle; potential revocation or suspension of CDL (violation deemed reckless driving under W.S. 31-5-229)

• Commercial Driver License – Hazardous Materials Endorsement: allows for 18 year olds to hold a CDL HME for travel within Wyoming (previous age limit was 21)

• Fuel Tax licensee information deadline: lengthens the deadline or fuel tax return and license information when requested by WYDOT (changed from 10 to 15 business days)

• Vehicle lien – amendments: requires towing and recovery service to request title searches within five business days; requires WYDOT to make efforts to identify vehicle own-

ers and lien holders within five to seven business days; and requires notice to lien holders.

• Peace officers – records and reporting: requires personnel files of peace officers, detention officers, corrections officers and dispatchers to be available to Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

• Patrol, warden and investigator retirement: increases employee contributions to retirement (affects WHP)

• Law enforcement retirement – contributions: increases employee and employer contributions (affects dispatch)

• Public retirement – actuarially determined contributions: requires actuarially determined contribution rate for employee/ employer contributions to public employee retirement plan.

• Public employee retirement plan – contributions: increases employer/employee contributions for public employee retirement plan (NOTE: not signed by Governor as of press time)

As of press time, the Governor had not yet signed the budget bill. More information about impacts from the budget bill will be announced as details become available.

Anyone wanting to dive deeper into this or any other legislation passed this session can visit the legislature’s website, www. wyoleg.gov. All legislative meetings are live streamed on YouTube, and viewers can also look back at archived meetings on the Legislature’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @WyomingLegislature

WYDOT Director Darin Westby testifies before the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee during its interim topics meeting on March 7. Nearly every legislative meeting is live streamed on YouTube.

Zoom screenshot/Jordan Young/WYDOT

WYDOT Support Services Administrator Taylor Rossetti (right) and Driver Services Program Manager Misty Zimmerman testify before the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs committee on Feb. 29. Legislative meetings are live streamed and also archived on YouTube so the public can watch when it’s most convenient for them.

Zoom screenshot/Jordan Young/WYDOT

G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award

Basin Maintenance Workers Honored for Life-Saving Heroism

By Cody Beers

A recognition ceremony was held March 25 in Basin for four Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance workers who saved the life of a man on U.S. Highway 14 east of Greybull in the Bighorn Mountains.

Fred Sherburne, Craig Brown, Catarino Zapata and Logan Whipple, all of Basin, were presented with the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award for their heroic actions on Jan. 3 near Shell Falls.

The G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award recognizes acts of heroism by WYDOT employees either on or off the job.

WYDOT Transportation Commission Chair Susan Holmes of Sheridan and Commissioner Mike Baker of Thermopolis were in attendance at the awards luncheon, along with WYDOT Director Darin Westby, District 5 Engineer Peter Hallsten and other WYDOT employees.

Hallsten said the group’s actions involved management of the entire work zone scene, including traffic control on US 14, administering first aid, and skillfully and safely bringing emergency medical personnel, including air ambulance services, into a small work zone on the west side of the Bighorn Mountains.

“For these men, heroism is more of a habit than a single act,” Hallsten said. “The citizen was really fortunate to run into these four highly-trained men. Every one of these men serve their community with humility, and they are trained to be very comfortable at the scene during an emergency.”

Sherburne, Zapata and Whipple are trained volunteer firefighters; that training would come into play.

The Basin maintenance workers arrived at their US 14 work site on Jan. 3 to clean up an ice flow that was moving toward the highway 28.9 miles east of Greybull in the Bighorn Mountains.

Zapata and Brown were the first to arrive at the work site and began placing traffic control signs on each end of the work zone. While placing the last work zone sign, a citizen pulled off the side of the highway. Zapata approached the vehicle. The citizen was bleeding, and Zapata started to help.

By radio, Zapata informed Sherburne of the situation. Sherburne and Whipple arrived on the scene within minutes, while Zapata and Brown administered first aid to the injured citizen. The workers were able to contact WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center in Cheyenne, and Sherburne contacted local Emergency Medical Services and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Sherburne continued to try to keep the citizen calm and started administering first aid. Whipple provided traffic control on each end of the area.

The first Emergency Medical Technician arrived in his personal vehicle and assisted Sherburne. Zapata and Brown backed out of the life-saving effort and began helping Whipple with traffic control of the area. The first ambulance arrived, then the Wyoming Highway Patrol arrived, then the second ambulance arrived. Sherburne continued to assist the EMTs in administering first aid.

An air ambulance was dispatched and arrived on scene at about the same time as the second ambulance vehicle. Brown and Whipple were able to clear a highway pullout of snow so the helicopter could safely land. Upon arrival, traffic was stopped on each end of the WYDOT work site and the road was closed to allow the helicopter to land, take off and transport the injured citizen to a Billings hospital.

The injured citizen survived.

“Thank you for your quick thinking and decisive actions,” WYDOT Director Darin Westby said at the ceremony. “When faced with a serious situation, you stepped up and reacted professionally and compassionately in this man’s time of need. Your integrity and dedication to your neighbors and travelers throughout our state makes me incredibly proud to work alongside you and your fellow employees.”

Since its inception nearly 55 years ago, 62 WYDOT employees, including the Basin employees, have been honored with the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award.

The Wyoming Highway Commission established the award in 1969 in honor of the late G. Clyde Larson of Jackson, who was appointed to a six-year term on the Wyoming Highway Commission (now Transportation Commission). The Larson family remains involved in the award.

A ceremony was held on March 25 to present the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award. From left: WYDOT Director Darin Westby, award recipients Craig Brown, Fred Sherburne, Catarino Zapata, Logan Whipple and Transportation Commissioner Mike Baker.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Noteworthy Veteran’s Affairs Secretary meets WYDOT, WHP crews

McDonough praises “veterans who make this great state work”

By Cody Beers and Jordan Young

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough wants Wyoming veterans to know that the agency is available for help.

McDonough visited Wyoming in late February to talk VA benefits and visit the state’s VA Medical Centers and other hospitals. While he was in town, he also had the chance to meet veterans with WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

In a press conference at the Sheridan VA Medical Center, McDonough said he had the chance to meet with snowplow operators, WHP Troopers and other WYDOT “veterans who make this great state work” while he was in Dubois.

“As you all know better than I do, if the roads are not plowed during these very demanding months of winter, then Wyoming citizens can’t get around,” he said during the press conference. “I’m so proud of the work that veterans do across the country, in every corner of the country, to keep this awesome country running.”

While he was visiting Wyoming, McDonough also had the chance to briefly meet with veterans who work with WYDOT and WHP in Sheridan, Casper and Laramie. While the visits were very brief, there were still good discussions.

He also squeezed in visits to a hospital in Jackson, the Cheyenne VA Medical Center, and outpatient VA clinics in Riverton and Cody

Beyond the shout out to state employees, McDonough spoke about benefits the VA provides veterans, especially in Wyoming, including telehealth options and special benefits for Native American veterans.

“I’m here to say that there is no limitation on access to VA benefits,” he said in the press conference. “Every veteran has earned access to the VA.”

McDonough also made sure to honor the late Sheridan Police Department Sergeant Nevada Krinkee, an Army veteran, who was killed in the line of duty in February.

WYDOT and WHP employees in D4 had a brief chance to talk with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough (far left) during his visit in February.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

WYDOT and WHP employees in Casper had the chance to listen to McDonough (center) make some quick remarks during his short visit.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Denis McDonough, US Secretary of Veterans Affairs, (right) laughs as he chats with WYDOT and WHP employees from District 5 during his visit to the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

TOASTMASTERS

Roadmasters Chapter

How many times do you say “uh” when speaking to a friend or in front of a group?

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPED AND PRACTICED TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE.

BEING A PART OF TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP PREPARE YOU FOR THAT NEXT WYDOT JOB INTERVIEW.

Do you know of an employee who has gone the extra mile?

Are you terrified of speaking to a group, no matter

Contact Spencer Travis or Brian Rentner for more information. The group meets at noon every Monday in the I-80 Training room.

save a life LOOK TWICE

The Director’s Extra Mile Award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact dot-humanresources@wyo.gov.

WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES

HR Happenings HR Roundup

A compilation of recent announcements from A&I Human Resources

By Jordan Young

The Department of Administration and Information’s Human Resources Division has recently announced a variety of programs and updates of interest to WYDOT/WHP employees and their families.

EGI Retiree Benefits Q&A Session

Employees’ Group Insurance will present information regarding retiree insurance benefits. Whether you are retiring or considering retirement, it’s important to know who qualifies, how to enroll, and what benefits can be retained.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of every month from 12:00pm -1:30pm. The google meet link should be the same for each meeting: meet.google.com/xmj-hkht-ckj

You can also watch a retiree insurance benefits video on the egi.wyo.gov website.

PMI season approaches!

We are nearing the end of the 2023-2024 evaluation period. The evaluation phase opened April 1, 2024. As a reminder, all steps associated with this phase must be completed by May 15, 2024.

Again, supervisors will see the tasks associated with rating and evaluating employee performance at this time. In order for employees to be evaluated, all planning and mid-year steps should have been completed by March 31, 2024. If these steps are not completed, an employee will not be eligible for an evaluation.

If you have outstanding evaluation steps, you should receive notifications from NeoGov. You can also use your NeoGov dashboard to check for incomplete steps yourself. You will see current and/or overdue steps in your “My Tasks” widget under the Performance tab.

Recent changes made to the PMI process include:

• Forms and associated tasks will not reset for any non-position changes. For example, if an employee is assigned a new supervisor at some point during the evaluation period, the employee and new supervisor will not have to start over. Instead, the new supervisor can pick up where the previous supervisor left off. Please note, any position changes or promotions will still require a form reset because a new position comes with new expectations.

• Target ranges will be assigned based on class code and will not require adjusting by supervisors. If a supervisor identifies a need to make a change, that supervisor can work with the agency’s HRD representative to update the form. HR will ensure consistency with the level of expectations provided.

• The midyear process is getting revamped! The questions are in the process of being updated. In addition, the timing will be adjusted as well. Midyear tasks will no longer be available immediately following the completion of the planning phase. Instead, these tasks will be assigned starting Oct. 1. If there are things that come up in the meantime, journal notes are a great tool to help document in the system, and the employee or the supervisor can enter and share these at any time during the evaluation period.

Training available on NeoGov

A&I is in the process of adding quality courses available to all users. Be sure to check the “training” tab of your NeoGov dashboard regularly so that you can stay up-to-date on what’s available.

Counseling Access for Wyoming Ag

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is providing vouchers for up to six counseling sessions for individuals working in agriculture, rodeo, and/or farming communities.

Asking for help, seeking support, resources, education, and simply reaching out are positive steps to take to deal with the overwhelming uncertainty that our agriculture, rodeo, and farming community are faced with every day.

Instructions for accessing the sessions:

• Reimbursements for counseling services are available until

August 2024 or until grant funds are fully spent

• Mental health professionals licensed in Wyoming are eligible to submit for reimbursement on behalf of their client’s working agriculture, rodeo, and/or farming communities.

• Please send invoices and a W9 to Sheila Ricley at sricley@ thealignteam.org for reimbursement consideration.

• Invoices must include licensed mental health professional’s first and last name, date(s) of services, client connection to eligible industry and cost per session (less any insurance coverage). Invoices must not include any personal information for the client.

Onboarding now available on NeoGov

Please use the following link for a quick introduction to Onboard: https://youtu.be/C3f9pM7yqJY and look for more information and training in the future as HR transitions onboarding material into Onboard.

This may sound like something that doesn’t benefit current employees, but it does. As you can see in the video, links and

resources provided to employees during their onboarding experience are accessed through a NeoGov portal page. This information will be visible to all employees, both current and new. Therefore, if you can’t recall where you find a particular form or summary, check out Onboard. It may have the answer you need. If not, it includes a direct link to HRD’s staff directory.

Reminder: Referral bonus is still available

One year ago, the State of Wyoming had nearly 460 active job postings. Today, this number hovers down around 350. A&I HRD commends and thanks agencies for this huge improvement in filling difficult and much-needed positions.

We still have around 350 available positions that need to be filled so that Wyoming state government can continue meeting the needs of Wyoming’s great people. Please take advantage of these opportunities as well as the opportunity to earn a $250 referral bonus!

U.S. Forest Service

Year three of prescribed burning in Upton/Osage area

Approximately 1,200 acres are planned for treatment with prescribed fire in Weston County, Wyoming

By Aaron Voos, U.S.

Forest Service

For the third time in four years, USDA Forest Service fire/ fuels staff implemented spring prescribed burning in the Upton/ Osage area of the Thunder Basin National Grassland. As early as the second weekend in March, weather forecasts predicted suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions to provide a window of opportunity for the vegetation treatment on approximately 1,200 acres.

The Clay Spur burn units are located on National Forest System lands managed by the Douglas Ranger District in Weston County. The prescribed fire areas are bordered by natural fuels breaks, roads, livestock trails and creek bottoms.

The area is 16 miles northwest of Newcastle and five miles north of Osage. The hills and draws of the burn units are composed of ponderosa pine, intermixed with juniper, cottonwoods, with grass and sagebrush flats. Elevation is 4,600 feet.

Approximately 500 acres were successfully burned in the area during spring 2021, as well as 300 acres in spring 2023.

Much of the vegetation within the project area has not experienced fire in the past 50-100 years. The Clay Spur treatment will mimic historically natural fire disturbances by burning in a mosaic pattern. The burn will benefit a variety of vegetative species and their age class diversity, as well as wildlife habitat and domestic stock pasture. Fire danger will also be reduced by

removing potentially hazardous fuels.

Necessary smoke permits were obtained from the state of Wyoming. Smoke was visible in surrounding communities and along US Highway 16.

Each prescribed burn planned by the Forests has gone through an environmental analysis and has a detailed burn plan developed in advance.

For more project information, contact North Zone Fire Management Officer Shay Rogge at (307) 358-7119 or Nick Collard, Fuels Assistant Zone Management Officer, at (307) 358-7117.

Approximately 800 acres of the Clay Spur prescribed burn was successfully implemented on March 9.

Photo: U.S. Forest Service

Employee Safety

Most common type of workplace injury at WYDOT?

Slips, trips and falls

By Jordan Young

As WYDOT starts to transition from winter to summer activities and tasks, Employee Safety would like to remind all employees to make safe choices, especially when dealing with heights.

Slips, trips and falls are currently the most common type of workplace injury at WYDOT. In 2023, there were 44 fall injuries across the department, the highest amount seen since 2020, which also saw 44 injuries. Unfortunately, this trend shows no signs of slowing down; so far in 2024 there have been 13 slip, trip and fall injuries around the agency reported to Employee Safety.

“These types of injuries are 100 percent preventable when proper safety measures are taken,” said Jordan Striff, Employee Safety program manager.

There are two types of falls WYDOT sees: falls to the same level and falls to a lower level. Falls to the same level include slipping on ice, tripping over an item, or improper footwear. Employees should not be complacent about either type of fall; falls to the same level can still cause serious injury.

WYDOT isn’t the only one seeing too many slips, trips and falls; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says on its website that falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction sector, with 351 fatal falls out of 1,008 total construction fatalities nationwide in 2020.

OSHA recommends three primary prevention methods for avoiding these types of incidents:

1. PLAN ahead to get the job done safely: decide what proper safety equipment is needed to complete each task on the job

2. PROVIDE the right equipment: Learn about WYDOT’s options for fall protection equipment on the Employee Safety page of the intranet (https://employees.dot.state.wy.us/home/employee_safety/fall-protection-program.html)

3. TRAIN everyone to use equipment safely: If you aren’t sure, ask for additional training

Preventing falls to lower levels involves proper fall protection, which is composed of three essential equipment components: a harness, an anchorage point, and a lanyard or lifeline.

WYDOT’s fall protection program was revamped in 2020, with fall protection equipment required if an employee could fall 4 feet or more to a lower level or hazard.

The policy and program, which are conveniently located on the Employee Safety page of the intranet, detail fall protection

equipment requirements, including the three components listed above, as well as requirements in a variety of other scenarios. The website also has safety flashes, the Site Specific Fall Protection Plan, and other important materials.

“While safe practices sometimes take extra time, care and attention, these measures could save someone’s life,” Striff said.

Obviously a safer workplace for employees is the primary goal. But a safe workplace has additional benefits, including saving money. Between July 2020 and February 2024, workplace injuries cost WYDOT around $4.5 million annually when accounting for workers compensation payments, lost work time, lower produc tivity, and other indirect and direct costs.

Employee Safety hosted a fall protection class in August 2022 where attendees learned hands-on about fall protection. Check NeoGov for more fall protection opportunities.

Photo: WYDOT Employee Safety

Training Adding Training to your 2024 PMI

By Amy Bale, Training Services

Yep, it’s that PMI time of the year! How many times has your boss asked if you have any goals you want to put on your PMI –and you didn’t have an answer? How many times have you asked yourself if there’s something more you could be doing to enhance your work at WYDOT – and didn’t know where to find ideas? Consider some in-person or online training that may help you answer both questions!

Training Services provides multiple opportunities for WYDOT employees to take advantage of training, both professional and leadership topics.

At WYDOT University you can take classes in personal and organizational leadership, whether it’s a single class like Franklin Covey’s the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or an online course in NeoGov like Communication Fundamentals.

For those in technical jobs, AASHTO Technical Training Services has an online website (https://store.transportation.org) with courses in construction, maintenance, traffic and safety, pavement preservation, and materials that are free for WYDOT employees (many of those courses can also be found in NeoGov).

Also consider looking into online courses through LinkedIn Learning (https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login), which is free to state employees with a Wyoming library card, and offers hundreds of courses in business, technology, creativity and certifications.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

In addition, through the Transportation Learning Network we offer more than 30 webinars every year on topics ranging from “Asphalt and Paving 101” to “Work-Life Balance.” TLN also has pre-recorded courses on their website (https://tln.learnflex.net) that you can take any time.

We invite you to look at our annual training schedule and the NeoGov online catalog, as well as AASHTO, TLN and LinkedIn. See what might fit your needs, and consider how it might benefit your team, program, or the agency. Then, during your PMI planning discussion, talk it over with your supervisor and decide which learning you would like to add to next year’s goals!

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Internet of Things devices

What are Internet of Things devices, and what kind of security risk do they pose?

By Enterprise Technology Services

The Internet of Things continues to transform how businesses operate and individuals go about their daily lives. IoT refers to the billions of physical devices connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. Whether it’s a fitness tracker monitoring your health, a smart TV allowing you to enjoy your streaming services, or security cameras monitoring an area, all these networked devices make up the IoT.

IoT presents exciting opportunities for businesses to optimize processes, reduce costs, and offer new services.

By connecting equipment, vehicles, and inventory to the Internet, companies can monitor their assets in real-time and gain invaluable insights. Supply chains can be tightened, preventative maintenance can be scheduled, and inventory can be managed more efficiently.

The IoT enables businesses to be more agile and responsive to market or production environment changes.

Consumers also benefit from IoT technologies that provide greater convenience, automation, and control over their environments.

Smart home devices allow people to monitor and adjust things like lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely.

Wearables provide real-time health and fitness data. Cars are becoming more connected, providing navigation, entertainment, and safety features.

The applications of consumer IoT are rapidly evolving.

While IoT devices bring exciting new possibilities, they also bring concerning cybersecurity risks that individuals and businesses must address.

As more internet-connected devices permeate homes and offices, the attack surface expands. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices to infiltrate networks and steal data.

Weak default passwords in many IoT devices allow easy access for attackers. Lack of firmware updates leaves known software bugs unpatched for the long term.

The interconnectivity of IoT devices means a security flaw in one can compromise the entire network.

To mitigate risks, businesses should implement robust IoT security strategies.

Perform regular audits of connected devices and ensure strong password policies are in place.

Restrict access between IoT devices and core networks to limit damage from potential breaches.

Stay vigilant about installing firmware and software updates to patch vulnerabilities quickly.

With vigilance and proactive security measures, businesses can harness the potential of IoT while safeguarding their most vital systems and data.

To mitigate risks in the home, regularly update the software on all connected devices to install the latest security patches, and consider setting up a separate user network just for your IoT devices to limit access to other systems.

Look for IoT devices that prioritize privacy and security in their design.

For additional peace of mind, add layers of protection like firewalls and a Virtual Private Network.

A cybersecurity system designed for home use can monitor network traffic and detect potential threats.

The key is not to let the risks discourage you from embracing helpful IoT technology but to take proactive steps to minimize those risks. Do your research and prioritize security; your smart home can offer convenience without compromising your safety.

Photo: Adobe Stock

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Kristina Bliss, Financial Services-Payroll; Sean Eddy, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Michael Ivers, Bridge-Engineering Administration; Daniel Laffin, Compliance and Investigation; Brooke Wilkison, Grants and Contracts-Administration; and Nathan Willis, Geology.

Promotions and Transfers

Rebecca McOmie, GIS/ITS – 15 years; Kacey Brown, Management Services – 10 years; Marc Correra, Port of Entry-Cheyenne US 85 – 10 years; and Trisha Young, Patrol Dispatch – 5 years.

Barak Capron, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey; Christopher Corriveau, Patrol-Dispatch; Yasmin Galindo, Driver Services-Policy and Records; and Nicholas Graf, GIS/ ITS.

Service Awards

Dennis Byrne, Executive Staff-Chief Financial Officer – 30 years; Ryan Fisk, IT-Engineering Apps – 20 years; Renee Kocina, Driver Services-Administration – 15 years;

Wildlife Biologist Thomas Hart hit the 20 year mark back in October 2023. Hart, on the right, shakes hands with Environmental Services Program Manager Scott Gamo.

Retirements

David Norby, a photogrammetry and survey specialist with Highway Development at Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in February with 16 years of service.

Congratulations

District 1

Welcome

Photo: WYDOT

Jacob Burch, left, receiving his FOS certificates from Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger.

Photo: Robert Roland/WYDOT

Lance Jenkins, right, receiving his FOS certificate in hydraulics from Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger.

Photo: Robert Roland/WYDOT

Daniel Nesvik, left, receiving his FOS certificate in power trains from Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger.

Photo: Robert Roland/WYDOT

James Rawley, left, receiving several of his FOS certificates from Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger.

Photo: Robert Roland/WYDOT

Joseph Kelley, Rawlins Maintenance; Troy Lawrence, Rawlins Maintenance; and Bryan Surrisi, Elk Mountain Maintenance. Wilkison Galindo

Kocina Young Norby

Capron

Byrne

Correra

Lawrence

Kelley

Promotions and Transfers

Walker Kupke, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Michael Picerno, Rawlins Construction.

Service Awards

Gary Bohl, Cheyenne Construction –35 years;

Alan Branscom, Laramie Maintenance – 25 years;

Tyler Chapman, Patrol-Rawlins – 20 years;

Daniel Kindsvater, Emergency Communications-Telephone – 5 years; and

Jaxon Penfield, Traffic-Signing – 5 years.

Retirements

Mark Coler, a technical operations supervisor with Emergency Communications in District 1, retired in February with more than 22 years of service.

Emergency

District 2 Welcome

Joseph Betzold, Port of Entry-Torrington; Michael Brown, Douglas Maintenance; and Kimberly Mullenix, District 2 Administration.

Service Awards

Wesley Shafer, Casper Maintenance –20 years;

Kevin Blantz, Douglas Maintenance –15 years; and

Aaron Meidinger, Casper Construction – 15 years.

(Front row, from left) Noah Todd, David Shepard, Mark Coler, Neil Gardner and (back row, from left) David Kindsvater and Jason Gilmore celebrate Coler’s retirement from

Communications in February.

Photo: Mark Kelly/WYDOT

Andrew Mathison with Casper Maintenance has achieved WYDOT Master Technician status having passed his last FOS test for rigging.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Toby Bessie (left) and Joe Hackett of Casper Maintenance stand with their FOS certifications. Bessie passed his engines and general shop tests and Hackett passed engines, general shop, power trains and electrical.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Douglas technicians Chris Jepson on the left who attained Master Technician Status having passed his final test in welding and Brian Parnell on the right, who passed engines and hydraulics.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Torrington technician Zach Freouf, who passed his rigging FOS test.

Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT

Surrisi Picerno Kupke

Bohl Chapman Branscom

Kindsvater Penfield

Shafer

Blantz

District 3

Welcome

Leon Moore, Pinedale Maintenance; Joseph Ponder, Pinedale Maintenance; Robert Shumway, Afton Traffic-Striping; and Robert Yoak II, Rock Springs Traffic-Striping.

Promotions and Transfers

Darrell Jent Jr., Lyman Maintenance. Service Awards

Thomas Izzo, Jackson Maintenance –25 years; and Travis Fitzgerald, Jackson Construction – 5 years.

District 4

Welcome

Alan Assmus, Port of Entry-Sundance; and Robert Brooks Jr., Gillette Maintenance.

Letters

Promotions and Transfers

Jason Gillespie, Gillette Construction.

Service Awards

Charles Thompson, Pole Creek Maintenance – 25 years;

Luz Craig, Driver Services-Regional 2 –10 years;

Seth McKee, Sundance Mechanics – 5 years; and Crimson Scherer, Gillette Maintenance –5 years.

Motor Vehicle Service earns thanks

Hi Shanda (Rice),

The woman who did our company’s IRP renewal for 15 years retired and the duty fell to me. I was given very little instruction, but was trying my best to get it taken care of. Unfortunately, since I had no idea what I was doing, I ended up having a problem with the CCOWS website and was completely overwhelmed. When I called for help, Luke Rerucha answered the phone.

Not only did Luke calm me down, he emailed me all the forms I needed to submit, and also fixed the issue I had created on our account. However, when I tried to complete our renewal after that, the website froze up and wouldn’t let me edit anything. Long story short, I ended up sending Luke all of the information he needed, and he took care of the entire thing for me. I was probably a nightmare for him, but he’s my hero for taking care of what I had been stressing over for weeks.

Luke was absolutely wonderful to deal with, and I am incredibly grateful for all of his help! I just wanted to make sure you, as his supervisor, knew what an amazing job he’s doing.

Have a great weekend!

Valerie Parrish

Rocky Mountain Reclamation

District 5

Welcome

Ryan Casad, Traffic-Electrical; and Michael Gallagher, Riverton Maintenance.

Service Awards

Cathy Titmus, Thermopolis Construction – 35 years;

Robert Perkins, Lander Mechanics –20 years; and

Clinton Adams, Emergency Communications-District 5 Radio Shop – 5 years.

Thankful for I-80 snow plow crews

Earlier this week (Feb. 27, 2024), I was traveling from Cheyenne, Wyoming, back to Boise, Idaho, for work and there was some pretty intense weather along the way on the I-80.

I just wanted to reach out and say your team was doing an amazing job on the roads that day to keep them plowed, sanded and melted.

Thank you for the safe travels sincerely,

Bryan Cromar

Kudos to Jackson crew

I want to be sure to express to you, and all at WYDOT, my deepest thanks for the incredible work of your WYDOT crew in the Jackson area over the course of the winter (and all year).

Our highway demands in this snowy area are immense and ever changing and the quality and reliability of the WYDOT crew, not to mention their friendly demeanor and consistent presence, are incredibly appreciated. I work as a backcountry ambassador on Teton Pass and can relate how many people regularly express their appreciation for the work of the WYDOT crew.

Please pass along my thanks to Brendan Cronin and the rest of the crew (especially the plow drivers) who do such a great job. Rick Gordon

District Engineer Pete Hallsten presented a 25-year service award to District Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb (right) and a 20-year service award to District Construction Engineer Randy Merritt.

Photo: WYDOT

Gillespie

Brooks

Craig Scherer Thompson

McKee

Jason Klassen with WYDOT Construction pulled a tag for this moose in the Snowy Range area. He harvested this beautiful bull moose on opening day of archery season.

Photo: Jason Klassen

Passings

LeRoy N. Everitt

LeRoy Nelson Everitt, 86, passed away on March 12, 2024, surrounded by family at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

He was born Oct. 7, 1937, in Elmira, New York, to Linton and Ruby Everitt. In 1955, Everitt enlisted in the United States Air Force. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of senior master sergeant. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal among numerous others. He spent his 26 years on active duty as a USAF surveyor. He was stationed throughout the world including Japan, Germany, Philippines, Taiwan and many states throughout the U.S., retiring in Cheyenne, in 1982. He was passionate about surveying, and after retiring from the Air Force worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation Right of Way division. He retired in January 2021 after 35 years of service to the state of Wyoming.

As a young airman stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, he met Marilyn Sizemore and later married her on Aug. 4, 1963, at Fuchu Air Station, Tokyo, Japan. In 1971, they welcomed their son, Lee.

Everitt was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, devoting his time as a Sunday school teacher and serving as treasurer for United Methodist Men.

He was a member of both the Cheyenne Shriners Club as a Shrine clown and the Masonic Lodge where he reached the distinguished position of Past Master.

A celebration of life service took place March 21 in Cheyenne. Burial with full military honors followed at Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners or Davis Hospice Center are greatly appreciated.

Margie L. Richmond

Margie Lorene Richmond, 99, of Cheyenne, died March 18, 2024, at Cottonwood Creek Memory Care in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

She was born March 8, 1925, in Oakley, Kansas, the only daughter of Esther (Brittian) and Loren Hancock. When she was seven years old, her parents divorced. She and her mother came to Cheyenne in 1936 when she was 11, where she attended elementary and high school. She married on Feb. 28, 1942, in Goodland, Kansas, to Lester Richmond, a service man, before the Army sent them to California and Oregon.

After her husband’s discharge from the Army, he entered the trades as a stone mason and together they traveled to and lived in several Wyoming cities to follow brick construction work before returning and settling in Cheyenne around 1952. They were blessed with four children –two sons and two daughters. They began building a home on four acres of property on the east end of Dell Range Boulevard in 1957. They moved into the house on the first of May 1959, where Margie lived until 2019.

Margie was employed over a span of 46 years. Her employment included full and part-time positions. In her earlier years she was employed at the Princess Theater to manage concessions. The following employment included Cal’s Restaurant and Bowling Alley as a maître d’, Deluxe Cleaners as a presser, Frontier Refinery as a secretary, and the Wyoming High way Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in the Road Design division (now known as Project Development) as an assistant to the road engineers. She retired in 1986 at the age 61.

activities and interests. Her top favorites being dancing; trips to Lakeside Amusement Park, in Denver, Colorado; flower gardening; painting and crewel embroidery; Frontier Days and Rodeo, where she held 16 season tickets for the semi and final days; and traveling with friends and family in the U.S. and abroad.

Her hospitality and love of her children and grandchildren was unparalleled. There was always room at Margie’s “inn” with good eats.

When her thought processes and memory deteriorated in 2019 to the point that she needed assistance she first moved to her son’s home. Then in 2020 she became the second resident at Cottonwood Creek Memory Care Center where she lived until her death. Before her death, she held the rank of oldest resident in age and residence!

Services were held March 28, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel followed by burial services at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.

She was also a very inventive entrepreneur with her crafts and artistic talents. Richmond was a happy and caring person, taking life as it came, winning her an abundance of longtime friends. Margie was also a member of the American Legion, Post 6. She enjoyed many

Everitt

Richmond

WTDEA Bowling employee tournament

Saturday April 20 4:30 PM*

*4 pm check-in

Two bar bowl

700 E. Carlson St.

One employee required per team of four $25 per person

Contact Stephanie Lowe (or your rep)

Registration deadline is April 12

WTDEA

A successful HQ Chapter membership drive

By Stephanie Lowe, WTDEA Headquarters Chapter

The Headquarters Chapter of the WTDEA held their annual member drive on Feb. 29, complete with coffee and donuts provided to those who came by. The Member Drive raffle winner was Jason Gilmor with Emergency Communications.

A new and improved brochure outlining what has been done by the chapter as well as highlighting upcoming events to look forward to was distributed. Prior to the member drive, 20 people had paid dues and another 75 stopped by the event to renew their membership or to sign up as a new member.

A separate mini-member drive event on March 8 went “on the road” to stop by the Driver Services building on Etchepare Circle where another six members were added to the membership base.

Headquarters Chapter plans to host more events for members this year and is planning for a fun holiday party at the end of the year.

District 2 Chili Cook-off a success

By Debbie Herbold, WTDEA D2 Chapter

The WTDEA District 2 Chapter Chili Cook-off was a huge success with 41 people being fed. There were nine delicious chilis for participants to vote on. Voting took place after each platter of nine taster cups had been sampled. The overall best chili went to Beth Hansen on the Casper striping crew.

At the event, other raffles and winners were announced. A 50/50 raffle was held with District 2 Maintenance Engineer Chad Aagard being the winner and taking home more than $100.

Casper Maintenance Tech Geoff Morgheim was the lucky winner of the Ruger American Go Wild 300 WinMag from the District 2 gun raffle also announced at the cook-off.

District 2 WTDEA would like to thank Pepsi for donating the sodas and Wooden Derrick Cafe for donating the portion cups.

Tracey Firnekas (left) with Kaycee Maintenance and winner of the Chili Cook-off, Beth Hansen. She is with Casper Striping.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Casper Mechanics Andrew Mathison (top) and Daniel Francom enjoying the selection of chilis.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Break Time

Sudoku time! What are the 3 rules of Sudoku?

• Each row should have numbers 1-9, no repeats.

• Each column should have numbers 1-9, no repeats.

• Each 3x3 quadrant should have numbers 1-9, no repeats.

Have fun!

The answer to the March 2024 Break Time sudoku puzzle:

A glitch in the system caused the answer to the February 2024 Break Time football puzzle to go missing. Here it is:

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or

2) Send an email to Carlie Dakins at carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.

Change my address

Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.

Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.