August 2015 Interchange

Interchange August 2015, Vol. 43, Issue 8

High quality traffic control

Traffic Program provides safe, efficient highways

Letters

Wonderfully smooth highways in Wyoming

Appreciation for job well done this spring

My family and I recently made a trip from Cheyenne to Yellowstone, using a route through Thermopolis and returning over the Big Horns.

I want to compliment WYDOT on the excellent conditions of the highways. We didn’t encounter a single pot hole along the way!

Thanks to those who keep Wyoming’s highways in such good shape.

Director Cox, During the early morning hours of June 4, Niobrara and Johnson Counties experienced heavy rainfall. Because Wyoming has had one of the wettest springs on record, which has saturated soils, both of those areas experienced serious damage from flash flooding.

You and members of your agency provided valuable resources during the state’s disaster response as defined in the State Operations Plan. Your various Emergency Support Functions, whether on the ground in the impacted areas or through agency participation in the State Operations Center, were carried out by you and your staff in admirable fashion.

In particular, Kent Ketterling provided invaluable and immeasurable skills, energy and expertise to responders and victims alike. By means of this letter I offer my appreciation and commendations for your commitment and that of your staff during this incident. Thank you and well done!

Lynette West

Truck driving championship event a success

Interchange 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 Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, faxing (307) 777-4289, or sending email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Dear Vicki (Klein), I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Wyoming Trucking Association Council of Safety Supervisors and the Steering Committee of the Wyoming Truck Driving Championships (TDC), to give you a big pat on the back for a job well done.

This event would not have been the success it was without your help. We appreciate the effort you put into helping us and the extra mile you went to make sure everything went smoothly for the 2015 Wyoming Truck Driving Championships. We truly appreciate your donation of time, energy and interest to this event.

Whoever wants to take credit for the sunshine – thanks!

Again, a heartfelt thanks to you and hope to see you back in 2016.

Very respectfully, Guy Cameron Director, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security

Thank you, Kemmerer maintenance

Yours truly, Bart Richardson 2015 TDC Chairman

Opal residents sincerely thank the local WYDOT crew for cleaning out culverts on WYO 30 and the bypass through town.

With the exceptionally wet spring this year, the culverts were clogged with debris.

Good job, WYDOT workers!

Thankful for a clean rest area while traveling

Photo: Jane Broadhead

Jane Broadhead Clerk/Treasurer, Town of Opal

I recently went through your Wagonhound rest area. I was impressed with the lady (Bobbie Jo Robar) cleaning there.

Too many times I have observed people complaining because they must stand in line to use the family/single stall while the men’s or women’s restrooms are cleaned.

We need to be thankful that someone is looking out for the people using these restrooms.

Please thank this young lady for her hard work.

Norma Nyikos

Staff WYDOT Director: John F. Cox Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee Editor/Art Director: Carlie Van Winkle Contributors: Bruce Burrows Public Affairs Dave Kingham Public Affairs Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs Ross Doman District 1 Jeff Goetz District 2 Stephanie Harsha District 3 Ronda Holwell District 4 Cody Beers District 5 Sgt. David Wagener Patrol Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

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DOT publication

Also in this issue:

Contents

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Letters.....................................2 District briefs.........................4 By the Numbers...................8

10

Extra Mile Awards................8 Training at a Glance............8 Noteworthy..........................14

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Training.................................16 District news.......................17

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WTDEA..................................21 Break Time.......................... 23

9 Patrol’s 88th class

Class 88 commissioned; Class 89 graduates POB

10 Traffic Program

Improving safety and efficiency

13 Lusk employs temporary bridge 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.

Acrow structure spans washout

15 Child safety seat check-up events

WHP replaces damaged or outdated car seats for safety On the cover:

Traffic Program oversees the placement of cones and barrels in work safety zones.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

August 2015

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District Briefs Governor names Del McOmie interim director of Workforce Services

Cheyenne – Gov. Matt Mead has named Del McOmie as interim director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS). McOmie has served as WYDOT’s Chief Engineer since 2000. He will work with current DWS Director Joan Evans, who recently announced her resignation, to ensure a smooth transition until a permanent director is named.

“Del is a talented administrator and I thank him for stepping in to manage DWS until a permanent director is named,” Mead said. “I am confident DWS is in good hands.”

The search for a new director will begin immediately. McOmie will be in charge until a new director is named.

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Commission awards $14 million in contracts for highway work Cheyenne – Contracts totaling $14.6 million for six highway projects around the state were awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its July teleconference meeting.

LeGrand Johnson Construction of Logan, Utah, was conditionally awarded a $5.3 million contract for improvements to nearly 6 miles of US 189 immediately north of La Barge. The work will include grinding off 4 inches of deteriorating pavement, mixing it with additives and using it as the base for 4 inches of new pavement. The road also will be widened to include 3-foot safety shoulders. It will be the last section of US 189 to be widened, and the contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2016.

Cheyenne’s Knife River was the low bidder at $3.9 million for improvements to 5 miles of Interstate 80 between the Third Street Interchange in Laramie and the base of Telephone Canyon. The work

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will include milling off deteriorating pavement and replacing it with a new layer of pavement, and it is scheduled to be complete by Oct. 31, 2016.

C.M. Owen Construction of Jackson won a $3.6 million contract to build a runaway truck arrestor system on WYO 22 about 2 miles west of Wilson. The highway’s downgrade on the east side of Teton Pass is 9.5 percent, one of the steepest on any Wyoming highway. The CatchNET system to be installed will be similar to one already in operation on US 16 west of Buffalo, which uses a series of arrestor cables to safely stop trucks carrying loads of up to 90,000 pounds and traveling up to 90 mph. That system has been used successfully six times. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2016.

Geneva Rock Products of Murray, Utah, was the low bidder at $912,000 for microsurfacing on 8 miles of I-80 west of Green River by Oct. 31. The work will extend the life of the pavement by using a thin asphalt overlay to address cracking and other deterioration.

Surface Preparation Technologies of Mechanicsburg, Penn., submitted the low bid of $624,000 for installing centerline rumble strips to improve safety on 400 miles of highways in Albany, Campbell, Converse, Fremont, Lincoln, Natrona, Niobrara, Sublette, Uinta and Weston counties by Aug. 31, 2016. Among the highways getting the rumble strips are WYO 59 from Douglas to the Montana border, WYO 50 from Gillette to Pine Tree Junction, US 85 from Mule Creek Junction to the South Dakota border, US 20-26 from Powder River to Shoshoni and US 287 south of Laramie.

Cheyenne’s Reiman Corp. won a $207,000 contract to repair concrete barriers at two locations along US 14A about 24 miles east of Lovell. The barriers were damaged by two crashes. The contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Bicycle safety zone law now in effect.

Cheyenne – A new bicycle safety zone law recently took effect. The 3-foot safety zone when passing bicyclists became enforceable on July 1, and requires a driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing

a lawfully operated bicycle proceeding in the same direction of travel to allow that bicyclist, when space allows, a 3-foot separation between the right side of the vehicle and the bicyclist.

The new statute is safety oriented and designed to help reduce bicycle related injury and fatal crashes. The WHP is committed to highway safety and the law will become an integral part of Patrol’s mission to serve and protect all people in Wyoming with courtesy, professionalism and integrity.

Interim WHP Administrator Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff stated, “In Wyoming, bicyclists have the same right to operate on our roadways as folks operating motor vehicles. Our main focus, however, is to ensure it’s done safely. The WHP believes this law provides for a necessary buffer between bicycles and vehicles, and that it makes everyone accountable for safety. While we are absolutely committed to education and awareness, clear-cut violations may necessitate enforcement action.”

Motorists are not the only responsible party in bicycle safety. Bicyclists need to remember that their safety is also in their own hands. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic, as far to the right as practical, while watching for vehicles pulling out from the curb and for car doors opening in your path. Bicyclists must also obey traffic laws such as stop signs, traffic signals and travel lane markings. Helmet use and wearing high-visibility clothing also increase a bicyclist’s safety. If riding at night, use a white front light, a red rear flashing light and wear reflective tape or clothing.

The new law carries an enforceable fine of $70.

Interstate work finalized between Rawlins and Sinclair Rawlins – Final work on I-80 between Rawlins and Sinclair in South Central Wyoming began July 13 to apply a wearing course to the highway.

The wearing course is the final step of the project, on the same road section, that last year im-

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Robertson Road to close for final road work

proved four bridge decks.

The project wrapped up in its entirety the last week of July.

The contractor for the $6.1 million project was Simon Contractors of Cheyenne.

Casper – A portion of Roberston Road, on Casper’s west side, was closed July 6, as crews worked to complete the reconstruction project.

The closure occurred between Squash Blossom Road and Rivers Gate. This is the final section of road to be reconstructed including dirt work, new curb and gutter and new pavement.

Following the completion of this section, the entire length of the project will receive a chip seal to help protect the new road. The section will be completed by mid-August.

Message sign installation closures on I-80 Laramie – Work was completed on July 21 on a project to install electronic message signs on I-80 in southeast Wyoming.

The signs were installed near Cheyenne, Laramie, Quealy Dome, Arlington, Wagonhound and Elk Mountain.

The location emphasis for the signs is on road sections that commonly experience unpredictable weather patterns.

The contractor for the project was Custom Lighting Service of West Jordan, Utah. The cost is $ 2.2 million and it is paid for by federal funds.

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Photo: WYDOT

WYO 59 turning lane construction

Dynamic message signs have been installed along I-80 west of Laramie.

Bridge work continues in Cheyenne Cheyenne – Work on the College Drive Bridge at Campstool Road resumed July 23.

The bridge rehabilitation work includes concrete repairs on and around the bridge, curb and guardrail repairs with upgrades, asphalt paving, slab replacement, and an epoxy overlay.

The contractor for the project is S&S Builders of Cheyenne. The cost is $1.7 million and it is paid for with state funds.

The job completion date is Oct. 31.

Douglas – Construction of several new turn lanes is underway on WYO 59 between Douglas and milepost 35.

Some delays are inevitable, although no more than two locations at one time are under construction to help ease potential traffic congestion. Each of the work zones are no more than 2,000 feet long.

Temporary rumble strips have been installed on the approach to each work zone to make motorists aware of upcoming construction.

There are reduced speeds in work zones and flaggers will be stationed at either end of the construction zone.

To ease traffic on WYO 59, contractors are ceasing work during shift changes at local mines.

Turn lanes and/or other highway modifications will occur at the following mileposts: n Milepost 5.8 – Left-turn lane southbound and northbound right decelerate/turn lane at Bill Hall Road; n Milepost 8.8 – Left-turn lane south-

bound onto Flat Top Road;

n Milepost 10.8 – Left-turn lane south-

bound; right-turn lane northbound at Walker Creek Road;

n Milepost 15.7 – Left-turn lane south-

bound onto Robinson Road;

n Milepost 22 – Approach work at

Highland Loop. Widening approach (entrance) to 40-feet with new cattle guard;

n Milepost 29.3 – Left-turn lane south-

bound and northbound right-turn lane onto Esau Road; and

n Milepost 35.1 – Continuous left-turn

lane through Bill.

Mileposts run northward with milepost 0 located at Douglas. The WYDOT District 2/District 4 boundary is located at milepost 56.5. The project should be substantially completed by Oct. 31.

Work at Elk Street Intersection in Rock Springs Rock Springs – WYDOT replaced the overhead signs at the intersection of Elk Street and Center Street and Bridger Avenue the week following the July holiday.

During the course of work, motorists saw only lane closures and reduced speeds.

Crews did their best to minimize closures and reduce traffic disruption. Time spent at each location varied with the amount of work needed and weather conditions, but only lasted about one week.

The sign replacements and upgrades are a part of a district wide contract for overhead sign upgrades in Lincoln, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties.

The work began in February and will continue throughout the summer with a completion date set for Oct. 31. Sign upgrades, replacements and removals will take place at about 50 locations throughout western Wyoming.

The contract was awarded to Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc. of Sheridan for $249,000.

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WYDOT upgrades tunnel lighting Green River – WYDOT is upgrading lighting in the I-80 tunnels outside of Green River. The work consists of replacement of the current lighting with new, more efficient LED lighting. The contract was awarded to Modern Electric Briefs continued on page 6 August 2015

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of Casper.

Traffic was reduced to head-to-head single lane traffic through the westbound tunnel starting July 6 for about three weeks. Crews intend to switch work to the westbound tunnel and traffic will move to the eastbound tunnel for three weeks.

Speeds are reduced to 45 mph through the project area and variable message boards, static signs and overhead signs will be used to notify the traveling public of the lane closures and speed reductions.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Harsha

Lovell – Additional joint sealing and completion of other small contract items were needed to complete the Lovell Streets highway improvement project.

Final work was underway by July 13 on the $4.9 million project.

Prime contractor Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne, and subcontractor Wilson Brothers of Cowley are scheduled to return to the project, according to Will Hensel, WYDOT project engineer in Basin.

WYDOT crews preparing to replace the lighting in the Green River tunnels.

WYO 132 paving at new Mill Creek bridge, Coolidge Canal Lander – Paving was the final work on the $1.73 million project between U.S. 287, north of Lander, and Ethete.

Paving was finalized at the new Mill Creek bridge and new box culvert at Coolidge Canal on WYO 132, according to WYDOT Resident Engineer Erik Smith of Lander.

The prime contractor was Patrick Construction, Inc., of Lander. 71 Construction, Inc., of Riverton is the subcontractor for asphalt paving on the WYO 132 project.

The WYO 132 project has included grading, draining, milling asphalt, removal and replacement of bridges, placing crushed gravel base and asphalt pavement surfacing, signing, fencing and other work on .035 miles on WYO 132 beginning at milepost 0.09 south of Ethete at structures Mill Creek and Coolidge Canal.

Project contract completion date is Oct. 31.

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Little Wind River bridge traffic changes expected south of Riverton Riverton – Traffic patterns changed in early July on WYO 789 following a pair of concrete bridge deck pours and continuing road improvements on each side of the Little Wind River south of Riverton.

Highway and bridge improvements are continuing on the 3.32-mile highway improvement project directly south of Riverton on WYO 789.

WYDOT Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton said about 260 cubic yards of new concrete has been in place on the outer edges of the Little Wind River bridge for nearly two weeks, and traffic patterns are scheduled to change to the outer edges of the bridge across the new concrete.

“The change in traffic patterns will allow the contractor to begin improvements on the inner half of the bridge,” Scheidemantel said. “The prime contractor is continuing excavation of the highway shoulders throughout the project and placement of material for the new fivelane highway section between the Little Wind River bridge and the south end of the project past Wind River Casino.”

Prime contractor on the $11.04 million project is LeGrand Johnson Construction Co. of Logan, Utah.

Construction of the five-lane highway and widening of the Little Wind Bridge carry an Oct. 31 contract deadline, with the chip sealing and seeding contract deadline being June 30, 2016.

The pedestrian/bicycle pathway along WYO 789 remains closed and the speed limit is 30 mph through the area where

the Little Wind Bridge is being widened to five lanes; this lower speed limit is also in place during working hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) in other areas of the project.

When the Riverton South project is complete, a new five-lane roadway will stretch from the Big Wind River bridge on Riverton’s south edge to south of Wind River Casino on WYO 789.

The scope of work for the Riverton South project includes grading, draining, bridge widening, milling of asphalt pavement, removal and replacement of the existing temporary traffic signal at the WYO 137/WYO 789 intersection, placement of crushed gravel and new asphalt pavement, chip sealing, electrical work, guardrail removal and replacement, fencing and other work on 3.32 miles of WYO 789 beginning at milepost 100.86 between Hudson and Riverton.

Photo: WYDOT

Lovell Streets improvement project

Briefs continued from page 5

Little Wind River bridge project continues with minor traffic pattern changes.

Annual hot-mix asphalt patching Dubois – A WYDOT paving crew finished its annual hot-mix asphalt patching west of Dubois.

The paving crew used about 2,450 tons of hot-mix asphalt on U.S. 26-287 in the Dubois area.

The paving crew patched WYO 134 (Missouri Valley Road) with 490 tons of hot-mix asphalt; WYO 28 (South Pass) with 2,470 tons of hot-mix; U.S. 287 and WYO 789 (Rawlins Junction) with 646 tons of asphalt patching; WYO 789 with 394 tons of patching between Hudson and Riverton; and WYO 135 (Sand Draw Road) near Riverton with about 1,150 tons of hot-mix.

The WYDOT paving operation consists of a paving crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling hot asphalt.

New traffic signal receives power south of Riverton; old traffic signal to be removed Riverton – A new traffic signal at the intersection of WYO 137 and WYO 789 south of Riverton began operating in late July as the subcontractor erecting the new traffic signal transitions from the old cable signal to the new permanent configuration.

Highway and bridge improvements are continuing on the 3.32-mile highway improvement project directly south of Riverton on WYO 789, and WYO 789.

Prime contractor of the $11 million project is LeGrand Johnson Construction Co., of Logan, Utah.

Riverton – When vandals steal or paint road signs, or shoot signs with handguns, rifles and shotguns, highway safety is compromised and taxpayers lose.

That’s been the case this year in northwest Wyoming, including Fremont, Hot

An example of the spray paint vandalism to road signs District 5 is seeing.

le Afte yc

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ading!

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Sign vandalism carries big cost for Wyoming taxpayers; compromises highway safety

Photo: Cody Beers

Thermopolis – WYDOT’s annual chip sealing operation was scheduled to move to Wind River Canyon around Aug. 1 for two weeks of work, following completion of chip sealing in Big Horn County.

Chip sealing of about 40 miles of Big Horn County highways began July 6, between Powell and Deaver.

Chip sealing of Wyoming highways throughout the Big Horn Basin began June 25 and concluded the week of July 20.

Chip sealing occurred the beginning of July between Lovell and Greybull on U.S. 310 and continued the following weeks in the Garland, Byron and Lovell areas. Chip sealing moved to U.S. 14-16-20 between Greybull and Cody and the Manderson and Hyattville areas between July 15-20.

Springs, Washakie, Big Horn and Park counties.

WYDOT’s traffic-signing program for northwest Wyoming is taking a big hit this year with 117 signs being replaced and upgraded due to being vandalized.

WYDOT annually inspects about one-third of the road signs in northwest Wyoming during June and July.

“Vandalized and destroyed signs represent 22 percent of the total number of signs being replaced this year (535 signs are being replaced and upgraded in 2015),” said WYDOT Traffic Supervisor Steven Otto in Basin. “Including labor, material and equipment use, it’ll cost $20,695 to replace the signs that were shot or vandalized in one-third of District 5 (Northwest Wyoming) in 2015. This is unacceptable.”

“Of note, 52 percent of the vandalized signs were identified this year in Fremont County,” Otto said.

The vandalism statistics are alarming and are leading to increased enforcement, according to Capt. Tom Pritchard of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We’re using every bit of today’s technology to catch vandals in the act of destroying this public resource. Signs are a crucial element in highway safety,” Pritchard said.

Pritchard encourages citizens witnessing vandalism of signs or other crimes to call the Wyoming Highway Patrol at 1-800-442-9090.

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Worland – Asphalt paving is coming to a close on the U.S. 16 and WYO 433 projects in Washakie County, according to Resident Engineer Dan McAfee of Worland.

Asphalt paving wrapped up on the $11.14 million project in Ten Sleep and west of the Washakie County town on U.S. 16 mid-July.

Prime contractor for the Ten Sleep West project is Oftedal Construction Inc., of Casper.

“We’re very pleased with the contractor’s work on the Ten Sleep West project,” McAfee said.

The Ten Sleep West project consisted of grading, draining, milling asphalt, removal and replacement of sidewalk, curb and gutter in the town of Ten Sleep, placing crushed gravel base and gravel pit run subbase, asphalt paving, a bridge replacement, electrical systems, guardrail, fencing and other work on 3.1 miles of U.S. 16 beginning at milepost 23.74 between Worland and Ten Sleep.

Contract completion date for the Ten Sleep West highway and bridge improvements is Oct. 31.

Asphalt paving on the West River Road (WYO 433) project near Worland also wrapped up mid-July.

Prime contractor of the $5.74 million West River Road project was Oftedal Construction, Inc., of Casper.

The scope of work for the West River Road project included grading, draining, removal and replacement of box culverts, milling asphalt pavement, placing crushed gravel base and asphalt pavement surfacing on 3.48 miles of WYO 433 beginning at milepost 0.66 between Worland and Manderson.

Contract completion date for the West River Road project is Oct. 31.

Chip sealing will also be completed this summer on the new paving projects, West River Road (WYO 433) and South Flat Road (WYO 432). South Flat Road was re-paved this summer by McGarvinMoberly Construction Co., of Worland.

Northwest highway chip sealing under way

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Asphalt paving complete on Ten Sleep, Worland projects

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Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and WeLL.

Coming in August: Date Class PMI Competency 8/6/15 MBTI & Teams Team Player 8/11/15 New Supervisors Orientation Leadership 8/19/15 The Art of Negotiation Communication 8/20/15 Building Teams Through Problem Solving Judgement & Decision Making 8/25/15 Taking Care of the Customer: People Retention Customer Service Coming in September: Date Class PMI Competency 9/2/15 Leading at the Speed of Trust Developing Others 9/10/15 Core Leadership Leadership 9/15/15 Dealing with Difficult People Personal Effectiveness 9/21/15 New Employee Orientation Communication Learning at the WeLL in August: Type Length Course Title Course Series 3 hrs total Listening Essentials Series - includes the following 5 Assets Course 1 hr *The Basics of Listening Course 1 hr *Improving Your Listening Skills Challenge 15 min. *Effective Listening Challenge 15 min. *Listening with Skill Assessment 24 min. *Final Exam: Listening Essentials

Location WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U Location WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U PMI Competency Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication

To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to Jim Boyd (777-4791), Kurt Borgaard (777-4792) or Todd DePorter (777-4790).

Extra Mile

AWARDS Congratulations to our June recipients!

WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients.

The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

Robin Grandpre

Alan Moore

Clyde Harnden

Mike Stroble

Corey Kimzey

Stan Trueblood

Travis King For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Janet Farrar at janet.farrar@wyo.gov or Mel Anderson at mel.anderson@wyo.gov.

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Total number of employees: as of June 30, 2015

2,026

One month ago

2,007

One year ago

1,998

Photo: Rick Carpenter

From left: Trooper Kyle Alexander, Trooper Chad Johnson, Trooper Cody Smith and Trooper Kevin McMaster.

Patrol’s 88th class commissioned; 89th class graduates Wyoming Highway Patrol Class 88 was commissioned at the Wyoming State Supreme Court Building in Cheyenne on July 16.

Class 88 successfully completed 28 weeks of academy training including areas of instruction in traffic law, firearms, impaired driving, crash investigation, custody and control, commercial carrier, child passenger safety, radar/LIDAR use, emergency vehicle operation, active shooter and many others. These troopers will now move onto the field training program on the highways before they begin patrolling on their own.

Kyle Alexander will be stationed in Lander. He was raised in Laramie and graduated high school in 2010. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2010. He spent four years stationed at Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Colo. and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Melanie, his family, and being outdoors.

Chad Johnson will be stationed in Laramie. He has been living in Wyoming since 2003, after spending time in the U.S. Air Force. Upon moving to Wyoming, he attended the University of

by Sgt. David Wagener Wyoming graduating in 2007. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.

Kevin McMaster will be stationed in Newcastle. He was raised in Whittemore, Mich., where he graduated from WhittemorePrescott High School in 2006. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2007 and was stationed in San Diego. Kevin moved to Wyoming in 2012 and worked for the Wyoming Department of Corrections in Newcastle before joining Patrol. He is married to Brandi and has two girls. His interests include spending time with his family, fishing, hiking and rock hunting.

Cody Smith will be stationed in Douglas. He was raised in Cheyenne where he graduated high school. Cody joined the U.S. Army, where he did multiple tours in Iraq. After seven years in the regular Army, he transitioned to the Wyoming Army National Guard, where he still serves. Upon moving back to Cheyenne, he served two years working at the Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office as a deputy in the detention facility. His hobbies are shooting and hunting. n

Wyoming Highway Patrol Class 89 successfully completed the 13-week peace officer basic training (POB) on July 16, and began their 15 week trooper basic academy on August 3.

Class 88 award recipients from their trooper basic academy were Kyle Alexander for firearms and most improved fitness, Chad Johnson for overall fitness and Kevin McMaster for academics and leadership.

The award recipient from Class 89 POB was Talia Fowler for physical fitness.

Congratulations to classes 88 and 89 on their accomplishments. n

Photo courtesy Sgt. David Wagener

Class 89; class awards

From left: Recruits Elliot Vandenberg, Giovanni Ortiz, Austin Bluemel, Aren Peter, Leo Ferguson, Talia Fowler and Momen Elazizi.

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Photos: Rick Carpenter

Traffic Program improving state highways for safety and efficiency

by Bruce Burrows

The goals of enhancing safety and promoting efficiency are core elements of WYDOT’s mission, and the functioning of the agency’s Traffic Program directly reflects those goals,as evidenced by the program’s stated mission of providing “the traveling public safe and efficient state highways through high quality traffic control systems.”

Indeed the Traffic Program, headed

by State Traffic Engineer Joel Meena, can be described as a continuous effort to achieve the right balance of maximizing road users’ mobility while keeping them safe.

“People have high expectations for the Traffic Program, in terms of Meena improving both safety and mobility,” Meena said. “One important aspect of what we do is aimed at reducing the numbers and severity of crashes, and another aspect is finding ways to make best use of traffic control devices (signals, signs and markings) to keep traffic flowing efficiently and in an orderly fashion.”

Meena, along with assistant state traffic engineers Jeff Brown and Paul Jones, manage a staff of more than two dozen program personnel at headquarters, housed in the two locations; the east end of the Lab Extension building and in the Sign Shop building.

A variety of traffic functions are also performed in WYDOT’s field districts by about 70 employees. Authority and responsibilities are shared with the five district traffic engineers.

“Although it’s one of those dotted line relationships – our staff

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here at headquarters work hand-in-hand with the field traffic personnel on a close and collaborative basis,” Meena said. “The ratio of employees working on traffic issues at headquarters compared to field districts is a good balance. At headquarters, in general, our role is more toward policy, studies and design work. It’s in the field where the rubber hits road, so to speak, where most of the important day-to-day work gets done.”

At one time, Traffic at headquarters consisted of two relatively separate groups; one concerned mainly with design issues, and the other primarily concerned with operational tasks.

“More recently, the program has focused on integrating traffic design and operations functions, as well as to become more decentralized. We’re still working to break down silos, a process that includes not only cross-training but also actual job sharing and job switching so our employees can gain real experience in the broad range of traffic tasks,” Meena said. “It’s all part of a concerted effort to increase the breadth of traffic engineering expertise across the program.”

The Traffic Program’s workload breaks down into five main functional areas: electrical design, signing and work zones, traffic operations, geometrics and striping, and studies.

Duties in the Electrical Design Section include compiling plans for both new traffic signals and determining upgrades to existing signal installations. Other elements of electrical design work include planning and design for luminaires (roadway lighting) and a variety of

Photo: Rick Carpenter

WYO 59 between Douglas and Gillette.

The work of the Studies Section includes assessing the timing and cycling of traffic signals along a travel corridor; then recommending adjustments to improve signal synchronization to reduce wait times and improve traffic flow. The section also conducts speed-data collection and analysis used for setting speed limits.

All Traffic Program staff refer to national standards and guidelines set forth in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), compiled and published by the Federal Highway Administration. In addition, Traffic provides statelevel guidance in manuals issued by Traffic governing pavement markings, signing, work zone traffic control, pedestrian and school traffic control, and traffic engineering studies. All of those manuals, as well as wide variety of traffic-related forms, are provided online via the WYDOT website.

Opposite: Cones and barrels safely direct vehicles through work zones. Above: Yield signs Managing access to the state highway system is are likely to be accompanied by white “shark teeth” on the pavement. another important traffic and safety-related responintelligent transportation systems (ITS) devices such as dynamic sibility for the agency. The primary responsibility message signs, variable speed limit signs, automated weather for access control lies with the field districts, but headquarters reporting equipment and remotely controlled road closure gates, Traffic gets involved in maintaining the WYDOT Access Control and commercial vehicle operations.

Manual and designing new or redesigning existing access points.

Tasks undertaken by the Signing Section include design and When a permit is denied by a field district, the applicant has the placement for all permanent signs on WYDOT’s system. The secright to an appeal and Traffic staff become part of the review tion also designs and implements work- zone-specific signing for process. practically all WYDOT projects.

Traffic also works with the districts in conducting speed limit The Traffic Operations Section includes the Sign Shop, where studies, which may involve only a short section of highway, or a wide variety of regulatory, advisory and information signs are an entire travel corridor. Last year, following action taken by the fabricated. WYDOT inspects all permanent signs posted along Wyoming Legislature, the entire rural interstate highway system the roadway on a three-year rotation, and the average service life was analyzed to determine where the speed limit could be safely of a sign varies from 10 to 15 years. The section also includes an raised to 80 mph. Similar work has begun this year, again in acelectrical operations cordance with a legislative decision, to determine where speed component whose limits on non-interstate (mostly two-lane) routes will be boosted personnel perform to 70 mph. diverse technical work “Our approach with these large-scale, comprehensive speed related to traffic signals, limit studies is not to seek where to exclude sections from the luminaires, and wireless higher speed limit, but rather to seek out those sections where a communication nethigher limit is appropriate and safe,” Meena explained. “Someworks related to traffic thing that wasn’t a factor on the interstates, but is when on control devices. two-lane roads is the impact on no-passing zone configurations The Geometrics and sight-distance restrictions anywhere a higher speed limit is and Striping Section is considered.” responsible for planning Another factor in the changing transportation landscape, and design of pavement WYDOT’s increased emphasis on pavement preservation, as markings, as well as opposed to more comprehensive road improvement projects, calculating speed advihas affected Traffic’s workload. Designers now face a quicker sories for curves and the turnaround time as projects are fast-tracked. More traditionally, length and location of specifications for new signs were just one of many components no-passing zones. Secfolded into plan sets for more comprehensive road improvement tion staff also study the projects. Conversely, less complicated pavement projects generneed for and location ally require few, if any, new signs. More typically, signing-specific of passing lanes to be projects are being designed and let to cover multiple installations added to highways. A in multiple locations, to address a wide variety of needs.

Traffic Sign Shop Foreman Vince Lucero recent example was on Traffic has long had a significant interface with law enforceworking on a new overhead sign.

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Multiple methods are used to warn and guide motorists when approaching a highway work zone, both for the safety of the workers and for the motorists.

ment; not only the Wyoming Highway Patrol, but local sheriffs and police departments. Areas of cooperation include working to combat unsafe and distracted driving in work zones, enhancing messaging via signs about the state’s “Move Over Law,” and assisting in campaigns to reduce red-light running.

Throughout the wide range of functions for which Traffic is responsible, the program has a “good feedback loop,” Meena said.

“Whether its internal or external customers, we hear about issues and concerns in short order, and our goal is to answer questions and address problems promptly.”

One upcoming development that should help Traffic build on its record of customer service is the development and implementation of a traffic control device asset management system.

The future also includes expanded use of remote monitoring and control for traffic control devices, thanks to steady improvement in physical communications systems, and Meena credits the staff of WYDOT’s Telecommunications Program and the improved capabilities of the WyoLink digital radio system for making that possible.

Meena says that Traffic has been working to be less reactive and more proactive, and doing so does take more effort. Innovative solutions to traffic issues are always being considered, and in some cases, implemented. Recent examples are roundabouts on two I-25 interchanges in the Cheyenne area, a roundabout at Hoback Junction south of Jackson, and the diverging diamond design at the I-25 College Drive Interchange in Cheyenne. Goals include moving more traffic more efficiently, and at less longterm cost.

“Traffic’s tool box is as big as you want, and it’s constantly changing,” Meena said. “We are learning from other states. We look at best practices with an eye toward those proven by experience, and have to be confident that any change, in design or devices, is intuitive and obvious to our customers.”

Anytime an innovative solution is implemented, there follows a learning curve for drivers, which Meena said is typically three to five years. Another relatively recent example is the change to the permissive left-turn traffic signals, to which drivers are gradu-

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ally becoming accustomed. A current Traffic Program initiative addresses the so-called dilemma zone: as a driver approaches a traffic signal and the light turns to yellow, should the driver speed up to make it through the light, or should they begin braking to stop at the signal? The dilemma-zone problem becomes more pronounced on urban fringe roads with higher speed limits, and Traffic is implementing new technologies to improve the situation.

At the same time, however, traffic engineers still rely on the fundamentals. The basic theory and math remains the same,” Meena said. “You can’t fix poor geometrics with signing or markings. Above all, we have to ensure consistency in all aspects of what we do.”

“It’s also important for road users to remember that ultimately, regulation and restriction only go so far. There’s a practical limit to what engineering can do to keep traffic moving and travelers safe, so we have to judge how much expenditure of time and resources is reasonable on our end, and where does the responsibility of the individual driver begin.” n

BY THE NUMBERS WYDOT traffic engineers and technicians are responsible for about 300 traffic signals on the state highway system.

Another 150 signals are maintained by local jurisdictions, mainly municipalities, and WYDOT provides technical assistance to locals on request.

In 2014, WYDOT’s Sign Shop fabricated more than 10,000 signs, which were distributed to the field districts for installation by local crews. In all, Traffic keeps track of more than 63,000 signs posted along the state highway system.

Traffic maintains a database of approximately 70,000 approaches to state highways.

An average year sees about 30 requests for speed limit studies. Most of these request are initiated at the local level.

A special and large-scale speed limit study completed last year covered more than 900 miles of rural interstate highway, resulting in a speed limit increased to 80 mph on just under 500 of those miles. Work is in progress on a study of nearly 5,000 miles of the state’s predominantly two-lane non-Interstate road network to see where a 70 mph speed limit may be an option.

In a typical year, Traffic works with Procurement Services to purchase nearly 350,000 gallons of striping paint and more than 2.5 million pounds of glass beads which are added to the paint to enhance nighttime reflectivity.

Studies have shown that implementation of traffic signals with permissive flashing yellow arrows not only improve traffic flow, they result in a 20 percent reduction in crashes.

Lusk employs temporary Acrow bridge for span July was a busy month for WYDOT in Lusk, with as many as 20 agency employees, drawn from a number of locations in Wyoming, working hard to assemble a temporary modular steel bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The temporary bridge takes the place of the US 85 bridge that collapsed during the June 4 flash flood that raged through the Manville and Lusk area.

WYDOT is using equipment manufactured by Acrow Corporation of America, a leader in modular steel bridging technology. The agency already owned some Acrow bridge parts, left over from previous installations in District 4 near Buffalo and Gillette. Additional parts needed for the much bigger Lusk structure were rented from Acrow.

The assembly process involved bolting together literally hundreds of steel panels into truss-like sections. The assembly took place on the north approach to the bridge, and as sections were completed, the assembly was pushed forward, incrementally, atop a series of rollers, by a bulldozer. The assembly was prevented from pitching forward down on the tracks by continuously calculating the center of gravity. This allowed the crew to determine the safe distance of each “push,” which was then followed by adding more sections onto the back end. The process was repeated until the gap was closed.

The final step was lowering the Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

Photo: Bruce Burrows

Photo: Bruce Burrows

Photo: Bruce Burrows

by Bruce Burrows

assembly onto concrete footers placed specifically for the temporary bridge, then dropping in steel plates which underly the bridge deck and driving surface.

During assembly of the bridge, traffic through Lusk continued to be detoured via a detour on local streets. Access to the downtown area and all local businesses was maintained at all times.

The two-lane temporary bridge spans 200 feet from footer to footer, including the approximate 100-foot gap over the railroad between the damaged abutments.

The structure carries most US 85 traffic, with the exception of oversize and overweight loads, which are being directed on an alternate route on WYO 270 via Manville and Lance Creek.

Oversight of the assembly process was provided by District 2 Maintenance Engineer Calvin Goddard, while Dustin Hockett, Buffalo maintenance foreman, supervised the day-to-day work. The list of other WYDOT workers assigned to the project includes, and is not limited to: Jerry Carr (Douglas); Kevin Hestrom, J.R. Howe, Joe McGuire, Spike Smith, and Ben Walker (Casper); Erik Dieckmann (Lusk); Mike Bennett, Mike Leibee, Anthony Morris, and Franklin Peck (Buffalo); Bruce Kent (Pole Creek); Dereck Anton and Jason Smesler (Gillette); Jake Weber (Shoshoni); and Shane Sheepman (Ten Sleep).

“These gentlemen have been in Lusk since the start of constructing the temporary Acrow bridge,” Goddard said.

“Generally, they arrived around July 8 and have worked continuously to try to complete this project and open it as quickly as possible. They are due a great deal of appreciation.”

“Countless others have helped hauling materials, filling in for a day or so when needed; building forms and constructing the reinforced steel for the footers, moved equipment to Lusk and other necessary tasks. We really appreciate the effort of everyone involved,” he added. n

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Noteworthy

of the people of Wyoming.

Schell now serves as supervisor of Division B in Casper.

Kirkman, also stationed in Casper, responded to assist Casper Police with a domestic dispute on Sept. 30, 2014. He found two police officers engaged in a standoff with a male subject inside a residence and armed with two handguns.

The suspect was agitated and pacing, and on several occasions said he and was going to kill himself. When the officers approached Troopers Mitch Kannier and Kent Hutchinson were awarded the residence and the suspect pointed a handgun at one of them, the Luke Schauland Medal Of Life at the annual Wyoming Highshots were fired and the suspect was killed. way Patrol Association Awards Banquet June 19 in Sundance.

Kirkman was recognized for taking a leadOther awards given at the banquet were: ership role in verifying the well-being of the • Distinguished Service Medal – Lt. Chris officers and then securing the crime scene.

Schell and Trooper Bill Kirkman.

The Meritorious Conduct Award is • Meritorious Conduct Award – Justin presented to any Patrol employee who, in any Brown and Andrew Gardner, Cheyenne; unusual or unique incident, performs at a Andy Harkins, Sheridan; and Trooper level deserving of peer recognition.

Colton Lenz, Sundance; Brown and Gardner, dispatchers in the • Top Trooper – Marc Russell, Douglas; Patrol’s Cheyenne Dispatch Center, received the award for their professional and efficient • Top Port of Entry Officer – Troy Tyree, management of communications on April 26, Sheridan; 2014, when two troopers were involved in an • Top Civilian Employee – Richard Smith, Justin Brown and Andrew Gardner are two recipients of the Meritorious Conduct Award. incident in which a suspect was shot.

Cheyenne; From left: Capt. Troy McLees, Dispatchers Harkins, a port of entry officer in SheriGardner and Brown and Capt. Jim Thomas.

• Canine Purple Heart – Robbie; dan, was on his way to work on July 23, 2014, when he came upon a medical emergency • Top Port of Entry – Alpine; along WYO 345. Harkins stopped and ren• Top Division – Division H, Rawlins; and dered CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene, and then he assisted • Top District – District 3, Lincoln, Subwith traffic control. lette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counOn Nov. 3, 2014, Lenz recognized a vehicle ties that was the subject of an Amber Alert conThe Luke Schauland Medal of Life is cerning the abduction of a child in the Casper awarded for quick, direct action, saving the area.

Lenz stopped the vehicle, separated the life of any person who would have died, had Port of Entry Officer Andy Harkins also reabductor from the child and made the arrest, the recipient not acted with skill and urgency. ceived the Meritorious Conduct Award. Here, allowing the child to be returned to safety.

Trooper Kannier, stationed in Rock retired Col. John Butler congratulates Harkins.

The Patrol named its top trooper, division, Springs, was dispatched on June 4, 2014, to district, port of entry, port of entry officer and the Little America area, where an infant was reported to be having civilian worker based on evaluations of perfora seizure. Kannier found the infant not responsive or breathing. mance measures and goals met or exceeded.

Suspecting the child was choking, he took immediate lifesaving Russell was named the Top Trooper for action, dislodged the blockage, and revived the child. His swift and 2014.

He was honored for his positive outlook, decisive action saved the infant’s life. leadership, dedication and hard work toward Hutchinson, stationed in Evanston, responded on July 2, 2014 to attaining Patrol goals and increasing highway a report of a medical emergency on Interstate 80. He found a hussafety.

Lenz band administering CPR to his nonresponsive wife. The husband Tyree was honored for his productivity in was exhausted, and Hutchinson took over, continuing CPR for 16 issuing permits and completing inspections at minutes until emergency medical technicians arrived on scene. the Sheridan-Dietz Port of Entry.

He was given high marks for his Through Hutchinson’s efforts, the EMTs were able to regain a attitude, teamwork, customer service and professionalism reflectpulse and begin advanced medical care. ing the eight core values of the Patrol.

Distinguished Service Medals are presented for displaying an Richard Smith was named the Patrol’s Top Civilian Employee unusually high degree of intelligence, courage, fortitude, strength, for 2014 for his work as port of entry quality control analyst. Smith skill or tenacity above and beyond the general call of duty to enwas recognized for performing at a superior level while doing the hance the efficiency or safety of the Patrol and its employees. work of two analysts, training a new employee to take over one of Schell was honored for his work as the Patrol’s academy prothe positions and overseeing upgrades at the US 85 port south of gram coordinator from 2006 through 2014. During that time, he Cheyenne. improved the academy training process, procedures, curriculum Robbie, the canine partner to Trooper Dave Chatfield, was and overall training environment through his dedication. killed on Oct. 19, 2014, when he was struck by a truck on I-80 east Schell’s efficiency, intelligence and skill in the training of over of Elk Mountain. n 130 state troopers enhanced the image of the Patrol and the safety Photo courtesy Sgt. David Wagener

Photo courtesy Sgt. David Wagener

Kannier, Hutchinson among many honored at Patrol awards banquet

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A combined effort enabled law enforcement and Safe Kids Wyoming to check 70 child car seats and replace 30 seats which were damaged or outdated at the Evanston event.

day training course and have maintained their certifications by hands-on work with car seats and vehicles, and a community safety seat checkup event.

Safe Kids is a nationwide network of organizations working to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 14.

According to the Safe Kids USA website, unintentional injuries kill more than 830,000 children annually worldwide and permanently disable even more. To combat this problem, Safe Kids was founded in 1987 by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson.

To learn more about Safe Kids Wyoming, visit www.safekidswyoming.org. n

Photo: WHP

Photo: WHP

The Wyoming Highway Patrol annually partners with other law enforcement agencies and Safe Kids Wyoming at child safety seat check-up events across the state.

This year, there was an event held in Evanston with WHP, Utah Highway Patrol, Evanston Police Department and Safe Kids Wyoming – Uinta County on June 24 at the Bear River Greenway Pavilion. Another event was held in Mountain View on July 9 by WHP. During the event, officers inspected child car safety seats looking for improper installation or outdated models. Troopers replaced car seats which were either damaged or outdated, free of charge to families. At the Evanston event, 70 seats were inspected with 30 seats being replaced because of damage or age.

The Mountain View event garnered 26 seat Little ones waiting patiently while their seats inspections, with 11 are checked by a trooper at the Evanston replacements. inspection event.

In addition to the seat checks, the officers provided instruction to parents and guardians on how to properly install the new child safety seats into their vehicle.

The ever-popular seat belt convincer was at each event giving hands on experience on how seat belts can keep both kids and adults safe in a crash. At the Mountain View event, bicycle helmets were also being provided by WYDOT Highway Safety. The bicycle safety portion of the event registered 151 children, with 98 bike helmets being fitted and given to the children.

These safety events help to educate and prevent unnecessary injury or death to children, should they become involved in a motor vehicle or bicycle crash. These proactive measures by Patrol, WYDOT, Safe Kids Wyoming and other law enforcement agencies are an essential part of serving and protecting all people in Wyoming with courtesy, professionalism and integrity.

The officers in attendance at this event from both states have attended specialized training and are certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs). They have successfully passed a three

Photo: WHP

More than 40 unsafe car seats replaced at child seat checks in southwest Wyoming

Troopers at the Mountain View child safety seat event. From left: Remington Roberts, Mike Adams and Division D Supervisor Lt. Tim Boumeester.

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Training

outside of headquarters,” said Boyd. “It’s another endeavor to give people the opportunity to make them better employees at WYDOT. It’s exciting.” Additionally, it is training which is targeted for a specific group of WYDOT leaders, namely front-line supervisors.

From a practical standpoint, 10 trainings will occur every

by Kurt Borgaard, Training Services six weeks. Each of these sessions will be held at three different At the age of 27, the life of Chad Hymas was changed in an locations that will rotate throughout the state. In that way, no one instant. A 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck leaving him employee will have to travel too far to attend the trainings. Likea quadriplegic. Instead of letting that accident be a life-paralyzing wise, the expectation is that the front-line event, 14 years later, Hymas continues to supervisors who participate in this program take his message of safety and leadership will commit to it in its entirety. to those to whom it can make a vital difCarlson also points out that employees ference. For Hymas, it’s all about creating do not have to wait for this program to be a zero-harm culture, insuring that every rolled out in January to take advantage of employee makes it safely home every day. the Chad Hymas safety training at WYDOT. That’s the bottom line.

The Employee Safety section of the employNext year WYDOT will partner with ee intranet site has a section designated ‘Roll Hymas. The goal is taking safety leaderwith Safety Training Materials’. The section ship training statewide, equipping fronthighlights numerous five-minute safety line WYDOT supervisors with knowledge videos and slides which can be utilized for and skills to be strong and capable leaders. training with a crew or individually. Also, Creating and fostering meaningful relationTraining Services has resources that can be ships between participating supervisors, as checked out and utilized. well as with their employees. Identifying In addition to the training of front-line more clearly the specific safety training that supervisors, this program will also feature is needed and necessary. Being an organizathe ‘Roll With Safety Zero Harm’ Safety Bus. tion with a zero injury rate.

Chad Hymas is a motivational speaker who Hymas and his staff will participate in local With the coordinated efforts between stresses safety and leadership to audiences community events and schools throughout District 5, Employee Safety, Highway nationwide.

Wyoming on behalf of WYDOT. They will Safety, Training Services and the support of share a zero-harm message highlighting Executive Staff, Hymas will deliver yearWYDOT’s Highway Safety Program’s educational messages such long Safety Leadership training to first-line WYDOT supervisors as Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and Click it Or Ticket. throughout the state. Although a number of details are yet to “I hope it can turn into a way that these messages can be more come and planning is in its early stages, training will likely begin impactful. And rather than just being catchy phrases, we can in January 2016. connect what these messages actually mean with kids and the According to District 5 District Engineer Shelby Carlson, community,” said Highway Safety Program Manager Matt Carl“Chad is very inspirational. He believes it, he lives it, he wants to son. “The hope is that in learning more about these educational share it so accidents won’t happen to others.” Carlson played an messages kids and adults will make better behavioral choices instrumental part in arranging for Hymas to bring this program when it comes to safety.” to Wyoming and WYDOT. Carlson is inspired by the way Hymas Over the coming months look for more information on this teaches motivational safety, and that it’s “not about just you.” year-long event. For more about Chad Hymas and his programs Rather, it’s about how it impacts others. on the Web you can visit rollwithsafety.com and chadhymas.com.

“Sometimes you have to get awkward and it can be uncomn fortable. But as a leader it’s about serving others. He teaches you to care enough about people to help them out and keep them safe,” said Carlson.

“This will give us the opportunity to open people’s eyes up to TLN is offering PE Exam Preparation for Civil Engithe importance of safety,” said Employee Safety Program Manneers via webinar, starting Sept. 15 with a final exam Oct. ager Ron Chavez. For Chavez, it helps to educate employees to 30. The webinars will cover separate subject areas and are give more thought to what they do every day. scheduled for 5-7 p.m on Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 15“A key component of this training will be to show people how Oct. 1. Registration deadline is Sept. 4. significant they are at WYDOT, at home, in their communities, This PE Review is intended for PE Exam candidates. in every aspect of their lives,” said Chavez. “The investment that It consists of nine hours of interactive webinars covering WYDOT puts into training is like putting insurance on what’s the most common areas of the PE Exam. Below is more most important – our people.” detailed information on the program.

Training Services Manager Jim Boyd sees this as a good opAttendance is limited for this webinar. For more inportunity to offer training outside of headquarters in Cheyenne formation please contact Todd DePorter, 777-4790, Kurt and get it into the rest of the state.

Borgaard, 777-4792, or Jim Boyd, 777-4791.

“It’s the first full leadership training of its kind to be done Photo courtesy Chad Hymas

Leadership and Safety Matters

PE Exam Preparation

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District News Headquarters

Welcome Patrick Keefe, Bridge-Operations Inspection; Jonathan Miles, Telecommunications-District 1 Radio Shop; Leroy Rusk, Equipment-Mechanics; and Mary Thieken, Financial Services-Payroll.

Promotions and Transfers Ravid Ingram, Materials-Bituminous; George Nykun, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection; Tracy Romero, Driver Services-Training; Delsa Sanderson, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection; Alliek Tomlin, Driver Services-Policy and Records; and Daniel Wyrick, PatrolCommercial Carrier.

Service Awards Chris Foster, Materials-Surfacing – 35 years; Kenneth Hixenbaugh, Materials-Surfacing – 35 years; Hixenbaugh

Trojovsky

Doering

Sullivan

Grauberger

Patton

White

Deborah Trojovsky, Driver Services Administration – 25 years; Hank Doering, Highway Development-Project Development – 20 years; Aiden Martinez, Information Technology-Financial Systems – 20 years; Todd Sullivan, Geology – 15 years; Scott Grauberger, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 5 years; Brandon Patton, Information Technology-Engineering Apps – 5 years; and Matthew White, Management Services – 5 years.

Burkett and McHenry retire Agency veterans Susie McHenry (Highway Safety) and Merri Burkett (Aeronautics) both retired in June, ending careers of 39 and 37 years, respectively.

McHenry, who departed June 30, started in June 1976 as a clerk-typist with the Motor Vehicle Division of the old Department of Revenue and Burkett Taxation. In 1991 during state government reorganization, she transferred to the then-new WYDOT, working in Driver Services. Seven years later, she moved to Highway Safety, where McHenry she managed motorcycle safety education.

Burkett, who left June 1, started her state-government career with the Attorney General’s Office in 1978. She moved to the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in 1980 as a fiscal processor in Accounting.

She transferred to Aeronautics in 1999 where she was most recently a grants specialist.

Both McHenry and Burkett are graduates of Cheyenne East High School and both attended Laramie County Community College.

Haka Bixler retires after 25 years with Driver Services Marianne Haka Bixler, a senior supervisor at Driver Services, retired on July 2, ending a 25-year career in state government.

The Deadwood, S.D., native began her state service with the Department of Revenue, and came to WYDOT in 1991, Haka Bixler when the reorganization of state government transferred driver license functions from that department to the new WYDOT. She started out as a clerical specialist and worked her way up to a supervisor position in 2007. She helped develop, implement and operate the vehicle insurance verification system mandated by the Legislature in 2006.

Haka Bixler also helped administer the ignition interlock program required by law for anyone convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .15 or greater, or of two DUIs within a 10-year period.

She is a graduate of Lead High School, in Lead, S.D., and attended Laramie County Community College.

Hay retires from Bridge David Hay of the Bridge Program retired in mid-June after compiling 36.5 years of service, all with the Bridge Program. He joined the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in January 1979 as a drafter and later served as a engineerHay ing technical supervisor and senior design specialist.

Hay, a native of Worthington, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s of music degree in french horn performance from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1976. He also studied engineering at the University of Wyoming.

After relocating to Wyoming, he continued his involvement in music, serving Continued on page 18 August 2015

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Headquarters, cont.

Lt. Doug Dome retired from the Highway Patrol on July 1, ending a 32-year career serving the people of Wyoming.

Dome spent 15 years as supervisor of Patrol’s Commercial Carrier compliance review officers, and the Overweight Loads and Grants/Financial sections at headquarters.

He was commissioned as a trooper in 1983, and started his career in Rock Springs.

He transferred to Cheyenne in 1990 and became a motor carrier officer. He was promoted to lieutenant and the supervisor position Dome in July of 2000. He worked closely with the trucking industry in the position, including serving as a judge during the Wyoming Truck Driving Championships.

Dome is a graduate of Randolph High School in Randolph, N.J., and studied administration of justice and political science

Welcome

Retirements

Welcome

Nathaniel Buscher, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Stacey Fitzgibbons, Laramie Construction.

Robert Westbrook, District 1 Maintenance Staff.

Daniel Francom, Casper Mechanics; Anna Jones, Douglas Construction; and Richmond Ruedy, Wheatland Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

John Murray retired from Laramie Maintenance on June 11, ending 33-years of service to WYDOT and the state of Wyoming.

A Laramie native and graduate of Laramie High School, MurMurray ray signed on with the Wyoming Highway Department in 1981 as an equipment operator.

Before joining WYDOT, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of lance corporal before his honorable discharge. n

Dome retires after 32 years with Patrol

at the University of Wyoming.

Lt. Dan Wyrick was named to take over Dome’s duties. n

Photo: WYDOT

as principal french horn player with both the Cheyenne and Fort Collins symphony orchestras. He also performed with the Cheyenne Brass-Brass Quintet, and has been a horn teacher at Laramie County Community College.

Ben Adkison receiving his 25 year service award plaque from Assistant Chief EngineerEngineering and Planning Gregg Fredrick.

District 2

District 1

Murray caps 33-year career

Aaron Harper, Laramie Construction; Mark Papke, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Chad Varland, Cheyenne Maintenance.

Service Awards Harper

Charles Kakalecik, Telecommunications-Microwave – 35 years.

Promotions and Transfers Kenneth Pantier, District 2 TrafficSigning; and Ethan Rhodes, Wheatland Construction.

Retirements Merrill Nading, Casper Maintenance.

Congratulations

Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Jason Couillard

High-powered air shows come to Wyoming

Much to the delight of those in the Jackson area, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over Grand Teton National Park July 22 on route to their Fargo, N.D. air show.

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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed at an air show during Cheyenne Frontier Days festivities on July 23 before a Grand Teton National Park fly-by.

Trooper Mark Shinost, stationed in Torrington, returned to full duty after an eight and a half month battle with cancer. Shinost, who is approaching his 26th year of service with Patrol, was diag- Shinost nosed with cancer back in late 2014.

A “Mustaches for Mark” campaign started on Dec. 4 in support of Shinost and his family. Shinost’s fellow troopers and supporters grew their mustaches, as he has sported a mustache for as long as most can remember. Those who were not able to show their support with a mustache were offered bracelets of support.

Congratulations to Shinost and his family on beating cancer. n

District 3

Trailblazing engineer Ranta retires after 34 years

Pilar Lester, Evanston Port Of Entry.

Promotions and Transfers Ryan Hughes, Pinedale Construction.

Hughes

Service Awards Darrin Robinson, Afton Construction – 20 years; Tara Finley, District 3 Traffic Staff – 15 years; Bill Holmes, Wamsutter Maintenance – 10 years; Scott Neilson, Evanston Patrol – 10 years; and Staci Erker, District 3 Maintenance Staff – 5 years.

Finley

Neilson

Erker

Photo: WHP

Robinson

Trooper Anthony Badura receives his 10 year service award from Lt. Tom Kelly. Badura works in Division K, Jackson.

“Leslie was always the first person I went to for advice, whether the question was a technical one or a management one. She’s an amazing wealth of knowledge but not WYDOT recently bid farewell to Leslie at all arrogant about it. She quietly went Ranta, longtime resident engineer based in about doing her job and she never lost her Rock Springs. ability to care about doing it well. She didn’t Ranta, who graduated from high school have an apathetic bone in her body,” Kemin Red Lodge, Mont., merer Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman earned her bachelor’s said. “She was a trailblazer for women endegree in civil engigineers within WYDOT, but never thought neering from Montana of it that way, it was just her doing the job.

State University in I feel very fortunate that she was a resident 1980. When she joined engineer in my own district when I was the old Wyoming given the chance to follow in her footsteps, Highway Department I had an excellent example to look up to.” the following year, she Ranta However, there was a fun side to Ranta’s was among a handful of professional, dedicated work persona. female engineers work“I don’t think a lot of people know, but ing for the agency. she’s very funny and tells a very good story,” In August 1989, she was promoted to Hoffman added. resident engineer, the first woman to serve “In the early days, when we had our in that role. Going meetings, everyone “Leslie Ranta will be greatly forward, Ranta inspired doubled up in motel other female engineers missed and her hardworking rooms. Since there working at WYDOT. example, which paved the way were two females and “Leslie and I both for so many female engineers 150 males, I always started work on June knew who my roomwill not be easily forgotten,” 1, 1981. We were the mate would be. Consaid District 3 Public Involvement first women engineers sequently, Leslie and I Specialist Stephanie Harsha. the Highway Departgot to know each other ment hired to work in very well, very quickly, the field. At that time they had one woman just because of our lodging arrangements,” engineer who wrote environmental impact Kachelhoffer added. “I learned that she was statements, one woman in Bridge and one quiet, but up for adventure, a person to in Project Development,” recalls fellow think things through, and to solidly stand Resident Engineer Joni Kachelhoffer of by her decisions, and she definitely knows Newcastle. how to laugh – until her eyes water and my “We felt very much like guinea pigs and sides hurt. I can tell you that thinking of I honestly don’t think our male coworkher makes me smile and I am grateful that ers quite knew what to think of us. We a random, occasional roommate became a discussed how, if we were in fact an experitreasured friend.” ment or a test, how we would know if we However, after all the great accomplishpassed. We decided that if we both were ments in her long career, there was one still working for the department in 10 years, thing she was unable to complete before and they’d hired more women engineers leaving WYDOT in June. for the field, we would call it a success,” “She did not fulfill her PMI goal I set for Kachelhoffer said. her. She was supposed to stay another 10 years,” District Construction Engineer Ted Wells said.

As she begins retirement, Ranta will continue to reside in Rock Springs, where she was for the duration of her 34-year agency career.

– District 3 Public Involvement Specialist Stephanie Harsha Photo: Stephanie Harsha

Welcome

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Tyler Wille received an extra mile award from District 3 Engineer Keith Compton for going above and beyond.

August 2015

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District 4

Welcome

for her career. Since Joey’s retirement, Broad has continued his service with Patrol in the Sheridan area as Joey relaxed at home.

Joey is credited with locating over 200 pounds of marijuana, $70,000 in cash and multiple other drug seizures throughout her career. n

Thomas Goracke, Sundance Maintenance; Joshua Harper, Reno Junction Maintenance; Delana Humes, Reno Junction Maintenance; and Fredrick Smith, Gillette Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Oyler

William Beres, Sheridan Patrol – 10 years.

Heath Oetken, Sheridan Construction.

Timothy Winslow, District 4 Shop – 25 years; Warren Oyler, Sundance Construction – 20 years; and

Retirements Oetken

Dennis Thorson, Buffalo Maintenance.

Photo: WHP

Service Awards

Beres

Condolences

Winslow

One of WHP’s original four canines, Joey, passed away while in retirement. Joey was commissioned into service in August of 2000 and served for 11 years.

Joey and her partner, Trooper Kelly Broad, were stationed in the Sheridan area

Trooper Kelly Broad with K9 Joey.

District 5

Promotions and Transfers Brandon Blakesley, Thermopolis Mechanics.

Service Awards

Tharp

Schulmeister

Allen Tharp, District 5 Traffic Staff – 25 years; Regina Schulmeister, Worland Patrol – 5 years; and Joseph Sheley, Meeteetse Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements David Layman, South Pass Maintenance.

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Layman

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August 2015

WHP Bragonier retires, moves to DC Trooper Brian Bragonier of Lander retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol in June, capping nearly 20 years of WHP service.

Bragonier subsequently moved to the Bragonier Washington, D.C., area, to become a crash investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.

His WHP duty stations included Lander, Rock Springs, Wamsutter and Jackson.

Bragonier graduated from Cody High School and attended the University of Wyoming. He also served with the Wyoming Army National Guard.

“Brian is a great guy who will help anybody with anything,” WHP District 5 Capt. Tom Pritchard said. “His years of experience and knowledge undoubtedly helped him get his new job.”

Congratulations Division K Trooper Lee Pence has been promoted to lieutenant by interim Col. Shannon Ratliff.

Lt. Pence is the new Division I supervisor overseeing Fremont County. Pence has been with Patrol since June 2004 and was initially Pence stationed in Rawlins until a transfer to Division K in 2006. Division K is responsible for northern Lincoln County and all of Teton County including the Star Valley area and Jackson.

Pence replaces recently retired Lt. Tom Adams. Pence assumed his new duties effective July 1. n

WTDEA

Highway Cafe closing; new headquarters cafe management sought The WTDEA Cafeteria Committee sadly announces the Highway Cafe, under current management, is closing effective Aug. 21.

If you have any unused punch cards or gift certificates, please use them prior to close of business on the last day. Normal operating hours, unless otherwise specified, will be maintained. The standard menu will be offered, however the availability of specials may be limited.

The Cafeteria Committee is currently searching for a new cafeteria operator.

There may be a gap between the time that the current operator leaves and a new one starts, please be patient with us while we work to make this a smooth transition.

If you have any questions, comments or other inquiries, please contact Jason Bogstie at 777-4220. n

Classic? Hot rod?

Late model?

Two wheeler?

Get those photos in!

Rides

submission deadline:

08/19/15

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Beach vacation?

Hunt lately?

Get those photos in!

Outdoors submission deadline:

09/11/15

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

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Why

Open a SmartReturns Checking st Account by August 31 and  Be entered to win $225 for you*  Get paid up to 2.25% APY every month*  Get $225 donated to the charity or non-profit of your choice*  Get unlimited ATM fee refunds  Have FREE access to over 30,000 ATMs and 5,000 branches nationwide

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Visit www.WyHy.org/SmartReturns or contact the credit union for full details and disclosures regarding a SmartReturns Checking Account and the SmartReturns summer enter-to-win promotion. Federally Insured by NCUA. 22

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August 2015

Break Time Rosetta puzzle

A Rosetta is made up of a center colored hexagon encircled by six white hexagons. A completed Rosetta must contain each number between 1 and 7 in no particular order.

To complete the puzzle, fill in each of the seven Rosettas while ensuring that none of the colored hexagons are repeated and no number is repeated in a horizontal row.

Good luck!

Check your answers online at: employees.dot.state.wy.us, or if not able to access the employee site: www.dot. state.wy.us/home/engineering_technical_programs/manuals_publications/ interchange.html.

Š 2015 Engaged Learning

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) E-mail Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

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Interchange

Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

THERE’S AN INDESCRIBABLE FEELING YOU GET FROM RIDING AFTER A COUPLE OF DRINKS. UNFORTUNATELY, IT COULD BE YOUR LAST FEELING.

DON’T WRECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND YOUR LIFE. RIDE SMART. RIDE SOBER.