August 2025 Interchange

Interchange

Strength on the southeastern front

WYDOT teams making it happen in Carbon, Albany and Laramie Counties

By Andrea Staley

Author’s note: This is a snapshot of eight WYDOT District 1 employees out of nearly 200. We commend all the men and women working in Pine Bluffs, Cheyenne, Laramie, Medicine Bow, Arlington, Elk Mountain, Saratoga, Rawlins, and Baggs. You all have your own challenges, perspectives and successes. I am grateful and in awe of all that you men and women do day in and day out to keep our highway system running. – Andrea

WhenWyomingites think of the open road, they often picture the sweeping plains, rugged mountain passes, and endless skies of the state’s southeastern corner. But what most travelers don’t see are the dedicated Wyoming Department of Transportation employees behind the scenes with planners, engineers, maintenance crews, mechanics, and traffic teams who keep the region’s highways safe and operational through all seasons.

From the snowbound peaks of the Snowy Range to the windwhipped stretches of Interstate-80, teams across Carbon, Albany, and Laramie Counties face unique challenges that demand grit,

Photo: John Laughlin/WYDOT

A beautiful sunrise at the Lincoln monument at the I-80 Summit Rest Area in southeast Wyoming.

In This Issue

August 2025 Volume 53, Issue 8

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.

Staff

WYDOT Director

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee Editor

Carlie Dakins

Contributors

Carlie Dakins 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

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.

near Elk Mountain in Carbon County see fierce weather conditions, like this section of WY 72 during a snowstorm in 2023, but District 1 maintenance employees fight that weather with their own ferocity.

precision, and constant innovation. Whether it’s repairing a high-elevation pass under extreme weather conditions, coordinating cross-border projects with the Nebraska and Colorado Departments of Transportation, or maintaining critical freight and tourism corridors, the crews in southeast Wyoming embody the core values of WYDOT: Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence, and Safety – RIDES for short.

Carbon County: battling the elements, building resilience

From the rugged terrain of the Red Desert to the high passes near Elk Mountain, Carbon County’s WYDOT crews know a thing or two about working against the odds. Winter in this part of Wyoming isn’t just a season, it’s a full-time challenge. Whether they’re plowing snow on I-80 in whiteout conditions or coordinating emergency closures with local communities, Carbon County teams are known for their grit and speed.

One of the most challenging stretches of I-80 in Wyoming

lies between Laramie and Rawlins – particularly the corridor from Cooper Cove to Walcott Junction. It’s a stretch notorious for brutal winter conditions, high elevation, and near-constant wind. Yet for the maintenance crews based in Arlington and Elk Mountain, it’s just another day on the job. These teams are true masters of their domain, stepping up when the weather turns fierce and visibility drops to zero. Whiteouts, 90-mph wind gusts, and motorists unfamiliar with mountain driving are all part of the landscape. And still, the crews show up ready, experienced, and unwavering in their commitment to keeping the interstate open and safe.

If you’ve driven I-80 near Elk Mountain in the dead of winter,

chances are you’ve seen the handiwork of Wyatt “Figg” Houston and his crew, whether you knew it or not. Born and raised in Elk Mountain, Houston started with WYDOT at just 19 years old and worked his way up the ranks with the kind of quiet determination you only find in a true Wyoming cowboy. Now the foreman for one of the most punishing stretches of interstate in the state –if not the entire country – he takes personal pride in every mile of roadway he’s responsible for. From whiteout blizzards to highwind closures, Houston has become a master of his craft, known for his steady leadership and deep knowledge of the terrain.

Figg Houston and his wife, Sage, are raising their daughter Opal just down the road from where he grew up, a reminder that for Houston, this work isn’t just a job. It’s home.

He and his wife, Sage, are raising their daughter, Opal, just down the road from where he grew up, a reminder that for Houston, this work isn’t just a job. It’s home.

Keeping I-80 open and safe through Carbon County doesn’t

District 1 continued on page 4

Houston with his daughter, Opal, out rounding up a herd.

Photo:

Figg Houston/WYDOT

Photo: Figg Houston/WYDOT

Highways

Photo: WYDOT

end with snowplows and storm patrols, it takes long-term vision and heavy investment in infrastructure. That’s where Aaron Spenny, one of WYDOT’s resident engineers based in Rawlins, steps in.

Raised in Encampment, Spenny has deep roots in the region and an even deeper understanding of its transportation needs. He started with WYDOT in 2001 as a summer construction hand and, through years of hands-on experience and leadership, became Resident Engineer in 2016. Spenny recently led one of the most significant projects in Carbon County’s recent history: the I-80 Winter Freight Project. Focused on improving safety and freight mobility through some of the harshest terrain in the state, the discretionary-grant funded project included the addition of two separate climbing lanes to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow during winter storms; new truck parking areas at Quealy Dome and Ft. Steele to give commercial drivers safe, reliable places to wait out closures; and miles of wildlife fencing to protect both motorists and local herds.

Balancing high-elevation construction with freight demands and unpredictable weather wasn’t easy, but under Spenny’s guidance, the project came together.

“I-80 is a lifeline through southern Wyoming,” said Spenny. “These improvements are about keeping people safe and goods moving, even in the worst conditions.”

When he’s not overseeing multi-million dollar highway

projects, he and his wife, Jessica, stay busy supporting their kids, Abby and Tyler, in local sports and community events, cementing their commitment not only to the roadways, but to the communities that rely on them.

Albany County: grit, grease, and great heights

Perched at 8,640 feet just east of Laramie lies the highest point on the entire stretch of I-80 nationwide, a distinction that brings both beauty and a unique set of challenges. This is Albany County, home to the University of Wyoming and a critical hub in Wyoming’s transportation network. From heavy snow to high winds, and from growing urban demands to remote mountain terrain, WYDOT teams here face it all.

Maintenance crews in Albany County are tasked with keeping two major 24-hour roadways – I-80 and US Highway 287 to the Colorado state line – open, safe, and functional in all conditions. That means responding quickly to everything from fast-changing weather to traffic incidents, all while coordinating with other districts and a neighboring state. It’s a job that demands technical expertise, endurance, and teamwork.

Galvin Sandoval is a dedicated heavy equipment operator for the Laramie East crew, bringing eight years of experience to the Wyoming Department of Transportation and calling Laramie home for the past decade. In addition to his regular duties, Galvin serves as the District’s transport operator and steps up as the paving foreman during the busy summer season. His work ethic and leadership play a vital role in ensuring WYDOT’s operations run smoothly yearround. Sandoval under-

Sandoval enjoys spending quality time with his wife Kameron and their family. A true Wyomingite, he finds joy in hunting, fishing, and tinkering with his vehicles whenever he gets the chance.

stands the impact public perception can have on WYDOT crews, especially maintenance teams who work around the clock to keep roadways safe.

“People don’t always see what we do day in and day out,” he said. “But our crews are out there in all conditions, 24/7, doing

Aaron Spenny and his wife, Jessica, stay busy supporting their kids Abby and Tyler in local sports and community events, cementing their commitment not only to the roadways, but to the communities that rely on them.

Photo: Aaron Spenny/WYDOT

Photos: Galvin Sandoval/WYDOT

Spenny’s I-80 Winter Freight project tackled freight safety in key areas between Laramie and Rawlins.

Photo: WYDOT

everything we can to keep the roads safe for everyone.”

When he’s not behind the wheel of a plow or managing a paving project, Sandoval enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kameron, and their family. A true Wyomingite, he finds joy in hunting, fishing, and tinkering with his vehicles whenever he gets the chance.

Supporting those efforts behind the scenes, and often right in the thick of it, are mechanics like Matt Mayfield. Now the Laramie Shop foreman, Mayfield has been with WYDOT for nearly 12 years, starting as a mechanic tech 5 and working his way up to foreman in 2023. He plays a vital role in ensuring that maintenance crews have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. That includes when he and his crew handle road calls in the middle of blizzards and keep a

Outside of work, Matt Mayfield enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. His commitment to public service runs deep; his father, Marty Mayfield (second from left in above photo), recently retired after more than 42 years with WYDOT.

diverse fleet of machinery up and running through Wyoming’s harshest conditions. In the summer, Mayfield serves as the lead mechanic on one of the department’s pavers, an advanced piece of equipment that requires specialized knowledge to operate and maintain.

Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time

Sam Finkle enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, extended family and friends, and takes full advantage of Wyoming’s natural beauty. He’s an avid skier, traveler, and mountain climber who’s summited peaks across the country, proving that problemsolving and perseverance aren’t limited to the job site.

with his family. His commitment to public service runs deep; his father, Marty Mayfield, recently retired after more than 42 years with WYDOT as an area maintenance foreman in Rawlins.

Whether it’s keeping the fleet running or overseeing major construction projects, teamwork across disciplines is essential to WYDOT’s success in Laramie. While mechanics like Mayfield keep crews moving and equipment operational, engineers like Sam Finkle help turn long-term infrastructure plans into reality.

Finkle has served as a project engineer for one of WYDOT’s Laramie-based construction crews for over a decade, playing a key role in shaping infrastructure across southeastern Wyoming. He began his career at WYDOT in early 2011 after working at a private civil engineering firm and has spent the last 11 years in his current position, where he’s made a lasting impact on some of the region’s most complex and high-profile construction efforts.

He is currently leading the US 287/3rd Street urban project through downtown Laramie, a transformative initiative that involves not only tight construction timelines but constant interaction with the public. Open and ongoing communication with residents, business owners, and contractors has been a cornerstone of the project’s success, helping the team stay nimble through unexpected turns.

“This project runs through the heart of downtown, so we’ve made it a top priority to keep the community informed and engaged,” Finkle said. “Strong communication has helped us adapt quickly and keep things moving, even when we’ve had to adjust plans on short notice.”

Outside of the work zone, Finkle enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, extended family and friends, and takes full advantage of Wyoming’s natural beauty. He’s an avid skier, traveler,

District 1 continued on page 6

Photos: Matt Mayfield/WYDOT

Photos: Sam Finkle/WYDOT

A superload traveling down I-80 near Laramie is another recent, unique challenge for District 1 in Albany and Carbon Counties.

Photo: WYDOT

and mountain climber who’s summited peaks across the country, proving that problem-solving and perseverance aren’t limited to the job site.

Laramie County: the crossroads of the west

As the gateway to Wyoming’s capital and a key junction for regional commerce, Laramie County may be one of the most complex transportation hubs in the state. From urban arterials in Cheyenne to the sprawling interchanges near the Nebraska and Colorado borders, WYDOT crews here manage both high volume and high expectations.

Hurtado enjoys life at home with his wife, Tavaé, and supporting their children, Lorenzo III and Lové, in their various activities. A proud outdoorsman and avid gamer, he values the work-life balance and overall quality of life that his career at WYDOT has provided.

Among the many moving parts that keep this high-demand network running smoothly are WYDOT’s striping crews, responsible for maintaining clear, consistent pavement markings across both urban centers and rural stretches of highway. Leading that effort in District 1 is Lorenzo Hurtado, the urban striping foreman.

Lorenzo Hurtado brings a decade of experience and a deep understanding of both maintenance and traffic operations to his role. He began his career in maintenance before transferring to the traffic program when an opportunity opened up. By 2020, his skill and leadership earned him the foreman position, where he now leads a team responsible for painting and maintaining roadway markings throughout the district’s urban areas. The job

isn’t without its challenges; unexpected changes in construction schedules require constant flexibility, and the specialized nature of their striping equipment means Hurtado and his crew often have to make their own repairs.

“We know these machines better than anyone,” he said. “So when something breaks down, it’s usually on us to get it back up and running.”

Despite the hurdles, Hurtado finds satisfaction in the visible, immediate results of the team’s work.

“You get to see the product of your effort right away, and the quality matters every single day,” he adds.

Safety is a top priority for his crew, which is why he urges the traveling public to take roadside message boards seriously.

“We’re a slow-moving operation, and we’re often laying down wet paint,” he explained. “When you see our signs, slow down and pay attention; it helps keep everyone safe, including you.”

When he’s not coordinating striping projects, Hurtado enjoys life at home with his wife Tavaé and supporting their children, Lorenzo III and Lové, in their various activities. A proud outdoorsman and avid gamer, he values the work-life balance and overall quality of life that his career at WYDOT has provided.

While Hurtado’s crew adds the final visual layer that brings clarity and safety to the road, their work is closely tied to the broader construction efforts that shape each project from the ground up. From

When he’s off the clock, Bryce Sanchez enjoys spending time with family and friends, heading outdoors, and making the most of Wyoming summers at the lake or a nearby river.

WYDOT crews complete concrete repair on I-80 in Laramie County.

Photo: WYDOT

Photo courtesy: Lorenzo Hurtado/WYDOT

Photo: Bryce Sanchez/WYDOT

grading and paving to the finishing stripes, teamwork between construction and striping crews ensures that every detail contributes to a quality, functional result. That full-picture perspective is something Bryce Sanchez knows well.

Bringing a deep-rooted connection to his hometown and a passion for seeing projects through from start to finish is Bryce Sanchez, one of the Cheyenne resident engineers. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Sanchez first joined WYDOT as a summer temp in 2013, working each summer through 2017. He returned in 2018 to work with the Laramie Design Squad, where he gained valuable experience before securing a full-time position in 2021 with the construction team he now leads.

In 2025, his dedication and expertise earned him the role of resident engineer. One of Sanchez’s favorite parts of the job is watching a project evolve from a simple concept on paper to a fully completed, functional piece of infrastructure.

“Being part of every step, from design to construction to completion, is what makes this job so rewarding,” he said.

He also embraces the unexpected, noting that each project brings its own set of challenges.

“That’s where the real teamwork happens – solving problems alongside contractors to keep things moving forward,” he said.

When he’s off the clock, Sanchez enjoys spending time with family and friends, heading outdoors,

When he’s not on the road or operating equipment,

enjoys time with his wife, Dawn, and their family.

and making the most of Wyoming summers at the lake.

work he does to keep Wyoming’s roads safe and passable.

“We’re not just pushing snow or filling potholes, we’re out there to protect people,” he said. “Safety is always the top priority, for ourselves and for the traveling public. The goal is to make sure everyone, including us, makes it home at the end of the day.”

For Moeller, experience is one of the most important assets a crew can have.

“Seasoned and well-trained workers are safe workers,” he explained. “They’re the ones who watch your back, and you watch theirs.”

Over the past five years, Moeller has witnessed noticeable changes in the makeup of maintenance crews across the state. With higher turnover rates and more new employees entering the field, he’s seen firsthand how the job now demands more frequent training and extra vigilance.

“The face of maintenance is changing,” he said. “We’re seeing less experience on the road, which makes the work even more critical and sometimes more challenging.”

Still, he firmly believes that maintenance is one of the most important cogs in the WYDOT wheel.

“Without maintenance, the whole system slows down,” he said. “We’re out there in the worst conditions, doing what needs to be done.”

When he’s not on the road or operating equipment, Moeller enjoys time with his wife, Dawn, and their family. Whether it’s fishing, enjoying nature, or taking long drives through Wyoming’s mountain backroads, he embraces everything the state has to offer.

The story goes on

From the open range of Carbon County to the urban core of Cheyenne, WYDOT’s southeast region is powered by nearly 200 dedicated individuals working across every corner of the map.

In Carbon County, construction crews based in Rawlins take on large-scale infrastructure projects, backed by dedicated maintenance crews from Rawlins, Saratoga, Baggs, Medicine Bow, Arlington, and Elk Mountain who keep the roadways clear, safe, and operational in all conditions, ensuring motorists can keep moving, no matter the weather. Mechanics in Rawlins and Elk Mountain support crews to keep critical equipment running in all conditions.

Posing for a Wyoming Office of Tourism “That’s WY” social media image, Moeller is in front of a plow holding a sign that says, “Wyoming, where for most of the year my second car is a snow plow.”

While Sanchez focuses on the planning and execution that bring long-term projects to life, maintaining that infrastructure day in and day out falls to dedicated crews like Warren Moeller’s. Where engineers oversee the build, maintenance teams ensure the system stays safe and functional long after the ribbon is cut.

Warren Moeller has been a steady and reliable presence on WYDOT’s Cheyenne-based I-25 Maintenance Crew since 2011, serving as a heavy equipment operator for the past six years. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Moeller takes deep pride in the

In Albany County, two maintenance crews based in Laramie work hand-in-hand with guardrail teams, surveyors, electrical and sign crews, roadside device specialists, and both rural striping and construction teams to keep the region’s roads safe, functional, and efficient.

Across Laramie County, from the rural roads of Pine Bluffs to the busy corridors of I-80 and I-25, maintenance teams stay on call year-round while Cheyenne’s two construction crews and urban stripers complete the final details that bring each project to life.

The stories above are just a small snapshot, from eight individuals out of nearly 200, each with their own journey, perspective, and purpose. From foremen and engineers to operators and mechanics, every person in southeast Wyoming plays a vital role in WYDOT’s mission. Together, they form the backbone of a transportation network that connects communities, supports commerce, and keeps Wyoming moving, no matter the season or challenge.

Warren Moeller

Photos: Warren Moeller/WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

$33.10 million in highway contracts in July

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded $33.10 million in contracts for five Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its July 17 regular business meeting.

The Commission awarded a $30.68 million bid to Casper-based Oftedal Construction Inc. for a combined wildlife crossing and culvert cleaning project involving fencing, structure, grading, aggregate surfacing, stormwater drainage, traffic control and asphalt paving work at various locations within Lincoln and Uinta Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2027.

Based out of Cheyenne, Reiman Corp. was awarded a $1.35 million bid for a combined bridge replacement and bridge rehabilitation project involving structure, traffic control and grading work at various locations within Converse County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.

The Commission awarded a $378,525 bid to Utah-based Whitaker Construction Company Inc. for a pipe-lining project involving stormwater drainage, structure, seeding/erosion control, traffic control and clearing/grubbing work in various locations within Carbon County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Afton-based Avail Valley Construction-WY LLC was awarded a $397,817 bid for a rip rap and fence replacement project involving seeding/erosion control, grading, traffic control, clearing/grubbing and aggregate surfacing work at various locations within Fremont County. The contract completion date is May 31, 2026.

All the above projects are funded primarily with federal dollars.

Funded primarily with state dollars, Sheridan-based Advanced Electrical Contracting Inc. was awarded a $303,206 bid for a lighting upgrade project involving electrical, structure and traffic control work in various locations within Sweet-

water County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

Emergency contract awarded for Green River Tunnel work

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded an emergency bid relating to the Interstate 80 Green River Tunnel during its regular business meeting July 17 via Zoom.

A $16.43 million emergency contract was awarded to Casper Electric Inc., based out of Casper, for work to address damaged sections of the westbound tunnel lining and lighting system.

To expedite this portion of the tunnel work, the awarded contract includes incentives to hit project milestones necessary to shift traffic out of the head-tohead configuration before Nov. 30, with penalties assessed after that date.

These milestones include:

• Completion of all concrete and shotcrete work, epoxy painting and box beam guardrail in the westbound tunnel.

• A minimum of one lane, 14-feet wide for the full length of the westbound tunnel.

• A minimum of 50 percent completion of installed and operational lighting for the full length of the westbound tunnel.

Work is already underway. In order to complete the work, the contractor will be allowed to work 24-hour schedules, including holidays and weekends.

WYDOT hosted online public meeting for

2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation launched an online, self-guided public meeting to share information and gather input from the public regarding the agency’s 2050

Long Range Transportation Plan. Online Meeting Link: www.wydotlrtp. com/meeting2

The LRTP will serve as a framework for guiding decisions about the transportation network in Wyoming and creates a vision for the state’s transportation network for the next 25 years (through 2050). WYDOT will develop the plan in conjunction with stakeholders and the public. The LRTP uses a systemic approach to analyze Wyoming’s transportation needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and plan for varying revenues and programming to advance WYDOT’s mission and goals.

The public is asked to participate in this study using the online tool through Aug. 9, 2025.

For questions or to request a physical copy of the survey questions, please contact the project team at connect@ wydotlrtp.com.

www.wydotlrtp.com

District 1

Bridge rehab project in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and S&S Builders LLC began bridge rehabilitation work on a structure spanning Interstate 25 on July 28.

Crews began repairs to a structure that was hit on I-25 at mile marker 29.1 by Whitaker Rd.

The southbound lanes of I-25 will be closed and traffic will be diverted up and over the on- and off-ramps. Traffic heading east or west on top of the structure will be down to one lane and should yield to oncoming traffic.

The work entails the installation of a new cross frame, heat straightening, bridge concrete repairs and painting.

The public are encouraged to obey all posted signs, signals, flaggers and other traffic control and avoid distractions like cell phones while driving through work zones.

The project is expected to be completed early fall.

Bridge rehab project underway on WYO 130 near

Centennial

CENTENNIAL – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and S&S Builders LLC began bridge rehabilitation work on Wyoming Highway 130 by Centennial on July 28.

The structure work took place at mile marker 26.76 on WYO 130 at the North Fork of the Laramie River.

The project includes rehabilitation on the bridge deck, a few minor deck repairs, new approach slabs, and an epoxy overlay. Bridge rehabilitation work requires lane closures and traffic signals with delays up to two minutes. There is also a 12 foot width restriction in effect.

Motorists should expect delays and adjust travel plans accordingly. The public are encouraged to obey all posted signs, signals, flaggers and other traffic control and avoid distractions like cell phones while driving through work zones.

The project is expected to be completed this fall.

Seasonal paving has begun in Carbon County

RAWLINS – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation have begun seasonal paving operations in Carbon County.

In late July, crews started paving on Wyoming Highway 72 between mileposts 9 and 9.2.

Other locations in Carbon County maintenance crews plan to pave the remainder of the year include:

• Interstate 80 between mileposts 244.8 and 245.1.

• Various locations on US Highway 30 by Medicine Bow.

• Various locations on I-80 east- and westbound by Rawlins.

• Wyoming Highway 130 between mile markers 48.77 and 49.

• Wyoming Highway 230 between mile markers 125.24 and 125.89.

• Various locations on Wyoming Highway 70 between Saratoga and Baggs.

• Various locations on Wyoming Highway 789 by Baggs.

Second phase of concrete slab work to begin in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began the second phase of the concrete slab repair work on July 29.

Work began at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 212/College Drive and 12th Street for concrete pavement replacement and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades earlier in the summer.

Traffic was switched in a head-to-head configuration in the northbound lanes of travel on College Drive and a 12-foot width restriction was in place. A temporary traffic signal was placed at the intersection of Lincolnway and Cleveland Avenue.

Those traveling northbound were able to make a right hand turn onto 12th Street.

Motorists encountered lane closures and reduced speed limits. The public was encouraged to obey all posted signs, signals, flaggers and other traffic control and avoid distractions like cell phones while driving through work zones.

The anticipated completion date for the project is fall 2025.

Warren truck parking temporarily closed for high mast tower replacement

CHEYENNE – Crews with Modern Electric and the Wyoming Department of Transportation temporarily closed the Warren truck parking lot on Interstate 80 at milepost 345 on July 21.

Crews were in the area to replace the high mast tower. The closure lasted one day.

Temporary I-80 ramp closure near Egbert

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors detoured motorists by the Egbert interchange along Interstate 80 beginning July 16.

Crews closed the eastbound on-ramp from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Crews also

closed the eastbound off-ramp from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Detours were in place while work was being performed.

Interchange work at Burns, Egbert impacts motorists

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors detoured motorists near the Burns and Egbert interchanges along Interstate 80 between July 7-9.

The eastbound on- and off-ramps were closed to perform joint sealing of the concrete. Work was performed on July 7 to the eastbound Egbert ramp between 7 a.m. until noon and the Egbert eastbound off-ramp was closed noon to 4 p.m.

On July 9, the Burns eastbound onramp closed 7 a.m. to noon and the eastbound off-ramp closed 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. US 287/3rd

Street and Grand Ave. reopened in Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Knife River reopened the intersection of US Highway 287/3rd Street at Grand Avenue in Laramie.

Crews closed the intersection on May 1 to remove the original surfacing. Crews then worked to upgrade to Americans with Disability Act corners, complete curb and gutter work, upgrade storm sewer, pour new concrete surfacing, install a new signal, and other miscellaneous work.

Motorists encountered a slight bump due to a difference in grade from 3rd Street and Grand Avenue when entering the intersection. When crews return to pave the mainline, the grade difference will be fixed.

“Getting the 3rd Street and Grand Ave. intersection completed and open in time for Laramie Jubilee days was a big priority. Knife River and their subcontractors, as well as WYDOT engineers Kory Cramer, Sam Finkle and the rest of the team deserve a lot of credit for delivering this ahead of schedule,” said District Construction Engineer Ryan Shields. “Overall, this has been a very successful project

due to their clear communication, expert coordination, and a shared commitment to the Laramie community.”

The project is on track to be finished this fall.

Egbert interchange work impacted motorists

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors detoured motorists by the Egbert interchange along Interstate 80 July 1.

Crews closed the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the Egbert interchange to perform joint sealing of the concrete pavement. Work began with closing the Egbert I-80 eastbound on-ramp at 7 a.m. until approximately noon. At noon the ramp reopened, and crews then closed the off-ramp which reopened by 5 p.m.

Superload impacted travel on I-80

LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation alerted motorists that a slow moving superload carrying a transformer was to be transported from Laramie to Medicine Bow beginning June 30.

The superload left the Laramie railyard and made it to Interstate 80 at the Snowy Range on-ramp at mile marker 311. From there, the superload moved west to the truck parking lot at milepost 307.

On July 1 the superload left the truck parking and drove to Arlington at mile marker 272 on I-80. The journey was anticipated to take around two hours. From there, the transport took Wyoming Highway 13 to US Highway 30/287, ending its route in Medicine Bow.

The transport dimensions were 17 feet, 3 inches tall, 26 feet wide, 385 feet long, and weighed 1,484,000 pounds. Due to the size of the superload, both lanes of travel were used. Not to cause damage to the interstate the transport traveled at 25-30 mph, dropping to 10 mph over bridges.

The transport returned to the Laramie railyard the second week of July. Two more transformers will be moved this summer.

The slow moving superload with a transformer on its way to Medicine Bow.

District 2

Rehab work on WYO 387 near Edgerton

CASPER – Work has begun to rehabilitate a lengthy stretch of Wyoming Highway 387. Two separate overlay and chip seal jobs are underway this summer between Interstate 25 and Edgerton, and from Edgerton to approximately the Linch turnoff (Wyoming Highway 192). The overlay projects stretch from milepost 94 to 115 and include overlay, chip seal and fence work, which began the first week of July.

Bridge work is nearly complete and surfacing work is underway on US Highway 287/Wyoming Highway 789 in Carbon County. The project runs from milepost 33-47 and includes mill and overlay work.

District 3

Work underway on concrete pavement in Diamondville, Kemmerer

KEMMERER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from DeBernardi Construction began work on a concrete rehabilitation project in the Kemmerer area the week of July 28.

Diamondville area crews were working on concrete slab replacements on the US Highway 30/189, Fossil Drive, through the community of Diamondville. Drivers experienced lane closures and delays while the work was underway. Crews removed old concrete slabs and poured

Total number of employees: As of June 30, 2025 1,852 One month ago 1,832 One year ago 1,813

Total number of highway fatalities: As of July 1, 2025 45 One year ago 47 WHP

Photo: WYDOT

new concrete. After the new pavement was in place, the concrete needed several days to cure before traffic was allowed on the new sections. The work lasted roughly two weeks.

“People may see lane closures in areas that do not have crews actively working in them. But there is a reason. We need the concrete to cure properly in order to get a good lifespan out of the roadway,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman said.

US 30 Bypass Road crews were also simultaneously working concrete slab replacements on sections of the US 30 Bypass Road near Canyon Road. Due to the narrow width of the road through the work area, drivers encountered a temporary signal with alternating traffic while the work was underway.

Traffic patterns changed for I-80 Point of Rocks project

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. switched traffic control on the Interstate 80 Point of Rocks construction project.

On July 21, WYDOT and contract crews switched from head-to-head traffic in the eastbound lanes, to a single lane of traffic in each direction. This lasted roughly a week while crews worked on paving isolated areas and milling the crossroad underneath the interstate at the Point of Rocks and Black Butte Interchanges. The work necessitated lane closures and localized flaggers controlled traffic. Drivers accessing areas from these

interchanges and the service road are advised to expect delays and plan their travels accordingly. Drivers were also advised to be aware of haul trucks and construction traffic for the duration of the project.

Following the work on the crossroad, traffic was switched back to head-to-head in the westbound lanes so crews could begin operations in the eastbound lanes. Those who needed to access areas from Exit 130, Point of Rocks can detour on the service road to minimize construction.

The overall scope of work for this project includes bridge work, grading, milling and paving. The completion date for this work is June 30, 2026. Contractor is tentatively planning on finishing all work in 2025. WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in work zones, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic control devices.

Interstate traffic detoured through Green River

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation routed eastbound Interstate 80 traffic through Green River on Flaming Gorge Way beginning July 15, at 8:30 a.m., for maintenance repairs. Crews worked on realigning struck concrete barriers and pavement repairs. The traffic detour was in place until 4 p.m. and lasted one day.

WYDOT advised local traffic to adjust their schedules accordingly for potential delays from the additional traffic through town. Once the work was completed, traffic was moved back to the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel.

The legal load only restriction – which has an 8 foot, 6 inch width– remains for I-80 traffic in the eastbound tunnel. Oversized vehicles should contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s oversize loads permit office for detours. Info at https:// whp.wyo.gov/commercial-carrier/portsof-entry.

Final touches on WYO 22, WYO 390 Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – Crews were finishing various jobs on the new bridge deck and the intersection. By the evening of June 30, the intersection and bridge opened to traffic in its final, striped configuration in time for the holiday weekend.

“This will mark the project substantially complete and on time,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Bob Hammond said.

Unfortunately, it was short-lived as crews were in the area the following week to perform additional work on the project – an epoxy overlay on the bridge. The work was added to the project to provide a protective layer to the bridge deck. Crews reduced traffic to one lane in each direction to accommodate the work. Drivers encountered reduced speeds, lane closures and potential delays for one week beginning July 7.

“We wanted to make sure we had all the lanes open for the holiday weekend. Once we complete the epoxy overlay, we will be pretty much finished with the work on the bridge and intersection,” Hammond said.

The Diamondville project area.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Traffic control on I-80 near Point of Rocks.

Photo: WYDOT webcam

The newly finished Snake River Bridge now open with final markings.

Photo: WYDOT

WYO 22/Teton Pass, Big Fill Slide

JACKSON – Wyoming Highway 22, Teton Pass, opened to traffic June 30 at 6 a.m. after round-the-clock weekend work to pave the permanent roadway at mile marker 12.6. The dirt work and paving was completed, along with striping and main guardrail. However, crews needed to come back and tie up final work on the terminals for the guardrail tonight. After the evening commute, crews reduced traffic to one alternating lane to finish the job. Those traveling WYO 22 Teton Pass encountered short delays up to 10 minutes. The work lasted that night.

There is still some seeding and reclamation, as well punch list items to complete.

Traffic stop leads to large drug seizure

ROCK SPRINGS – On July 5, a Trooper in the Rock Springs area stopped a vehicle on I-80 for a traffic violation. The trooper obtained probable cause to search the vehicle. The search revealed 74 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.5 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of fentanyl, and 1.5 pounds of heroin.

The three occupants of the vehicle were arrested on felony drug charges. Patrol is actively working with several agencies in reference to this case.

District 4

Johnson, Sheridan Counties see seasonal paving

SHERIDAN – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 began seasonal paving operations in various locations around Johnson and Sheridan Counties July 7.

The routes included:

• Interstate-90 westbound bridge deck at mile marker 91.49 (Dead Horse exit)

• I-90 eastbound at mile marker 82.8 (Indian Creek on-/off-ramps) closure required

• I-90 westbound at mile marker 77.9 (Schoonover Road on-/off-ramps) closure required

• I-90 eastbound at mile marker 45.7 (Piney Creek)

• I-90 westbound at mile marker 31.30 (Meade Creek)

• US Highway 87 at mile marker 26 near the College and Landon’s

• Wyoming Highway 336 at mile marker 4.5 (Lower Prairie Dog Road)

• Wyoming Highway 331 between mile markers 3.75 and 4.3 (Big Goose Creek area)

• Wyoming Highway 345 near mile marker 7 and mile marker 4 (Parkman area)

• Wyoming Highway 14/16 near mile marker 49

• WYO 336 near mile marker 2

To complete paving operations, crews need to close travel lanes, set up detours, and employ flagging operations to redirect traffic out of the work lane. These road sections could be a few hundred feet or up to a mile long, with minimal wait time.

It is important for motorists to slow down and move over when they encounter any maintenance, construction, and utility workers and vehicles when traveling on Wyoming’s interstates and highways.

As a reminder, the Move Over law requires motorists to slow down, move over to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulances, utility workers, and, in some cases, towtruck drivers and disabled vehicles that have pulled over. When a construction, maintenance, or utility vehicle is stopped on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction, motorists must move to the farthest lane away from the stopped vehicle.

On a two-lane road where speeds are 45 mph or greater, motorists must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Motorists can be fined $235 for failure to move over.

Safe speeds, seat belts save lives

RIVERTON – On the afternoon of July 9, Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a semi truck that rolled over in Hudson, Wyoming.

Fortunately, the Wyoming Highway Patrol Commercial Carrier team was working in District 5 when the event occurred and responded. The commercial carrier team not only conducts safety checks on these vehicles but also does post-crash inspections to determine if a vehicle malfunction caused the crash.

Luckily, no one, including the driver, was injured in the crash.

A newly rebuilt WYO 22 a year after the catastrophic failure of the hillside in June 2024.

Photo: WYDOT

A traffic violation led to a vehicle search by WHP who seized nearly 79 pounds of illegal drugs.

Photo: WYDOT

A rolled semitruck in Hudson. No injuries were reported.

District 5

WYO 120 highway project underway south of Meeteetse

CODY – An $8.24 million highway improvement project began July 23 on Wyoming 120 from Meeteetse south to near the Gooseberry Rest Area.

The project begins at milepost 38.086 (just north of the Gooseberry Rest Area) and extends 13.3 miles north to milepost 51.385 on the south edge of Meeteetse (Highland Street).

Prime contractor is JTL Group Inc., DBA Knife River, of Casper.

“Work began Wednesday, July 23with placement of temporary traffic control on the roadway. Work to follow will include shoulder flattening, Americans with Disability Act work, construction of turn lanes and rotomilling,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Paving is tentatively scheduled to begin around the first part of September. Motorists can expect a paved surface during all work on the project.”

Highway improvements include a 1-inch asphalt pavement leveling course, placement of a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay, chip sealing, minor slope flattening and other work from milepost 38.086 (at the south end of the project) to milepost 43.925.

Other highway improvements include rotomilling 1-inch of the existing asphalt pavement surfacing, placement of a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay, chip sealing, slope flattening, minor Americans with Disabilities Act work, and construction of turning lanes at the

Photo: WYDOT

Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance facility near Meeteetse (mileposts 43.925 to 51.385, Highland Street in Meeteetse).

“Motorists can expect traffic to be controlled with a pilot car and flaggers during milling, shoulder flattening, paving, and chip sealing operations,” Frost said. “Motorists can expect a maximum cumulative delay of up to 20 minutes during all work on the project.”

Contract completion date is June 30, 2026. All work, except reclamation and chip sealing, must be completed by Nov. 15, 2025.

July 4 holiday impaired driving enforcement operation yielded 8 DUIs, 72 speeding citations

RIVERTON – A Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation on July 4-5 resulted in 215 traffic stops, eight impaired driving arrests, and 72 speeding citations.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, but officers, deputies and troopers issued 28 citations for other offenses and made seven other arrests, including three for possession of a controlled substance during the July 4-5 operation.

The task force issued 102 warnings during the two-day operation and issued three seat belt citations.

No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force has arrested 42 impaired drivers, written 499 speeding citations and made 1,749 traffic stops during six enforcement operations so far in 2025.

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.

SafeRide provided 446 rides during the events on July 4-5.

The Cheyenne Police Department’s DUI command vehicle was also present throughout Fremont County to support the task force.

Pavement overlay, isolated reconstruction part of project west of Dubois

on US 26/287

DUBOIS – A $6 million pavement improvement project is under way on 5.2 miles of US Highway 26/287 beginning in Dubois.

“The project began at the end of the curb and gutter section (milepost 54.2) in Dubois and continued west near Stoney Point (milepost 49) on the road to Togwotee Pass and Yellowstone National Park,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton.

Three-quarters of a mile of highway reconstruction is part of the project between mileposts 49.74 to 50.44, about 4 miles west of Dubois.

“Reconstruction consists of 3 feet of excavation of the existing roadway to mitigate for unconsolidated soils, which have created a roller-coaster effect on the highway surface,” Scheidemantel said.

A two-lane detour was built around the reconstruction area on the north side of US 26/287. An 11-foot width restriction is in place, and when the detour opens to traffic, the narrow detour has a reduced speed limit of 30 mph.

“Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes,” Scheidemantel said. All work is dependent upon favorable weather.

The project’s scope of work includes isolated reconstruction, grading, aggregate surfacing, asphalt pavement milling and paving, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on US 26/287 west of Dubois.

The contract with prime contractor HK Contractors Inc. of Idaho Falls, Idaho, prohibits any work between mileposts 51.87 and 53.82 from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15 due to wildlife (eagle) restrictions.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to HK Contractors on Jan. 16, 2025.

Contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2026.

Briefs continued on page 14

Contract chip sealing project in Fremont County

RIVERTON – A $3.3 million fog- and chip-sealing project began July 14 between Shoshoni and Thermopolis on US Highway 20/Wyoming Highway 789.

The project lasted throughout July, and it included highways in Fremont, Park and Big Horn Counties in central and northwest Wyoming.

Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc., of Salt Lake City, is the prime contractor.

Contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.

“Traffic was controlled with pilot vehicles and flaggers during working hours,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists encountered maximum cumulative traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during all work at each project location.”

The fog- and chip-sealing project was dependent upon favorable weather.

“Chip sealing remains one of the most cost effective ways of extending the life of highways,” Frost said.

The fog sealing/chip sealing work in July included:

• US 20/WYO 789, Shoshoni to Thermopolis, mileposts 108.716 to 116.12 (middle of Boysen Reservoir to the tunnels), and mileposts 128.232 to 130.772 (Bighorn River to WYDOT in Thermopolis)

• US Highway 14/16/20, Yellowstone National Park to Cody, mileposts 27.470 to 36.384 (U.S. Forest Service boundary to Trout Creek)

• Wyoming Highway 291, South Fork Highway southwest of Cody, mileposts 0.117 to 9.387

• US Highway 14, Shell to Burgess Junction, mileposts 19.363 to 26.700 (mouth of Shell Canyon to Shell Falls)

• US Highway 14A, Lovell to Burgess Junction, mileposts 55.430 to 69.750 (railroad crossing to first switchback).

Road signs vandalized near Powell, Lovell

POWELL – July 2, road signs were intentionally run over near Powell and Lovell – a stop sign on Willwood where it meets Wyoming Highway 32, and a bridge weight limit sign on Wyoming 32 near Lovell.

WYDOT placed a temporary stop sign at the Willwood/WYO 32 intersection on July 3. Other signs may be damaged/vandalized, but other vandalized signs had not yet been identified.

Sign vandalism and theft increases the risk for drivers if they can’t read important warnings or directions.

“When it’s a stop sign that’s vandalized, it could cause a wreck. It’s a huge cost to Wyoming taxpayers,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Area Maintenance Supervisor Brian Pittman of Basin. “The good news is law enforcement is able to use today’s technology to help catch the perpetrators.”

Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the unlawful acts of vandalism and had suspects; clues were left at the crash locations, including tire tracks and vehicle parts.

“In addition to the cost of replacing vandalized signs, this situation denies motorists the critical information necessary for safe driving and increases the potential for severe traffic accidents,” Pittman said. “Intentionally damaging highway signs could lead to the vehicle owner(s) being held liable in criminal and civil court proceedings.”

Lander Brewfest impaired driving enforcement operation yields

6 DUIs, 102 speeding citations

LANDER – A Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation during the Lander Brewfest resulted in 269 traffic stops, six impaired driving arrests, and 102 speeding citations.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, but officers, deputies and troopers issued 23 citations for other offenses and made nine other arrests, including two for possession of a controlled substance, during the June 13-14 operation.

The task force issued 98 warnings during the two-day operation and issued three seat belt citations.

No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force has arrested 34 impaired drivers, written 427 speeding citations and made 1,534 traffic stops during five enforcement operations so far in 2025.

Pavement improvement project south of Ten Sleep

TEN SLEEP – A $2.5 million pavement improvement project began July 7 on Wyoming Highway 434 south of Ten Sleep.

The project begins at milepost 15 on WYO 434, 15 miles south of Ten Sleep, and extends to where WYO 434 becomes Big Trails Road at milepost 20.634, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Kelly Erickson of Thermopolis.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland is the prime contractor.

Contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

The WYO 434 project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, asphalt milling, chip sealing, grading and traffic control on 5.6 miles between Ten Sleep and Big Trails.

McGarvin-Moberly’s construction schedule included asphalt pavement milling July 7, shoulder widening July 8, with asphalt pavement leveling and paving on

A vandalized stop sign at the intersection of Willwood and WYO 32 near Powell and Lovell.

Photo: WYDOT

July 10. Chip sealing was applied July 22.

“Motorists encountered delays of up to 20 minutes,” Erickson said.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. on Nov. 21, 2024. Contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

Chip sealing on US 26 project west of Riverton

RIVERTON – Chip sealing of a $4.85 million pavement improvement project west of Riverton on US Highway 26 began July 8.

The project included asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on 5.71 miles of US 26 between milepost 125.0 (just west of Eight Mile Road) and milepost 130.7 (just east of Mountain View Cemetery at the LeClair Canal bridge).

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co. of Lovell.

Motorists encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes and reduced speed limits during chip sealing. The work zone was a no-passing zone. Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were actively patrolling the work zone.

This project reduces reflective and thermal cracking of the US 26 highway surface between Riverton and Eight Mile Road.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co., in September 2024. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

DUI Task Force focused on impaired driving during Independence Day holiday weekend

RIVERTON – The Fremont County DUI Task Force was in operation and patrolling for impaired drivers on July 4-5, during the Independence Day celebration.

“The Fourth of July celebration should end with memories, not tragedies. We are committed to stopping impaired driving and keeping our community safe. We will have extra patrols over the holiday weekend focused on speeding, seat belt use and impaired driving. Our goal isn’t to write tickets, it’s to save lives,” said Chief Kelly Waugh of the Lander Police Department.

The Cheyenne Police Department’s DUI Command vehicle will be featured during the operation in Lander and Riverton.

Task force operations in 2025 have yielded 1,534 traffic stops and 34 arrests of impaired drivers in Fremont County. There have been no alcohol-related fatalities in 2025.

Public meetings held to address northwest Wyoming highway improvement projects

BASIN – A series of annual public meetings were held in July to address future highway, bridge, airport and public transportation improvement projects in northwest Wyoming.

Citizens and local government officials were encouraged to attend.

The State Transportation Improvement Program process involves annual meetings with public officials and citizens who play key transportation partnership roles in Wyoming, said Wyoming Department of Transportation District Engineer Pete Hallsten, of Basin.

“The STIP is a six-year program approved by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. It provides a snapshot of existing and expected projects and their schedules, and it is continually updated,” Hallsten said.

The STIP is a prioritized construction plan for the 1,326 miles of highway in northwest Wyoming, also known as WYDOT District 5.

New for 2025-2026 will be a second round of public input meetings in January or February 2026.

“Public involvement is a crucial component of WYDOT’s mission to provide a safe, high-quality and efficient transportation system,” Hallsten said.

WYDOT held northwest Wyoming public meetings in July, as part of regular county commission meetings, to receive input and answer questions from citizens and local government officials:

• July 1, 2025 – Hot Springs County;

• July 1, 2025 – Big Horn County;

• July 8, 2025 – Fremont County;

• July 15, 2025 – Washakie County; and

• July 15, 2025 – Park County.

WHP pursuit brought to a safe ending

RIVERTON – On June 20, Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers in the Riverton area were conducting a criminal interdiction detail when a pursuit with a reckless driver began. The driver passed the troopers in Riverton northbound on Federal Boulevard at approximately 80 mph in a 30 mph zone. A pursuit ensued as they headed north out of town. During the chase, the suspect vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles into the ditch. During the chase, speeds surpassed 130 mph.

Due to the driver’s dangerous behavior, a tactical vehicle intervention was conducted near mile marker 124 on Wyoming Highway 789. The suspect’s vehicle left the road to the right, rolling several times before coming to rest on its wheels.

The unrestrained driver, a 22-year-old male from Riverton, sustained minor injuries in the crash. After being released from the hospital, he was arrested for numerous charges, including driving under the influence and felony eluding.

Thank you to the Shoshoni Police Department and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

After a high-speed chase north of Riverton on WYO 789. The car left the road and rolled several times.

Chip sealing on US 26/ Wyoming 789, north of Riverton

RIVERTON – With paving complete north of Riverton, chip sealing began on the $3.67 million pavement improvement project on US Highway 26/Wyoming

Briefs continued on page 16

Photo: WYDOT

Highway 789.

Chip sealing was between milepost 106.28 (Webbwood/WYO 789 intersection) and milepost 109.60 (the north end of the project), according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Baylor Beers, of Riverton.

The US 26/WYO 789 project included asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, traffic control, right-of-way fencing and other work on 14.56 miles of WYO 789 between milepost 106.28 (intersection of Webbwood Road and WYO 789) in Riverton and milepost 126.84 at the town of Shoshoni’s west city limit boundary.

“WYDOT asks motorists to slow to the posted construction speed limit during the chip sealing process,” Beers said. “Traffic will move back and forth across the highway during this process. Pay particular attention to staying within the barrels in your lane of travel. Please slow down and keep everyone safe, including yourself and the workers on the project, and avoid throwing loose rocks at other vehicles with the tires on your vehicle.”

Chip sealing is the single most cost effective way of preserving the life of highways in Wyoming.

“Chip sealing seals the road, making it waterproof, and it improves skid resistance and protects the pavement surface from undue wear and tear,” Beers said.

ANNUAL SAFETY

Prime contractor is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland.

Right-of-way fencing is continuing near Shoshoni. The scope of that work includes removing and replacing fencing between mileposts 106.92 (north of Haskell Furniture and Flooring) and 109.60, and between mileposts 115.43 (three-quarters of a mile southwest of South Hidden Valley Road) and milepost 126.84 (Shoshoni town limits).

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. on Feb. 20, 2025. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2025.

Riverton Senior Citizens Center, WRTA and WYDOT to consolidate transit services in Fremont County

By Cody Beers

The Riverton Senior Citizens Center, Wind River Transportation Authority, and Wyoming Department of Transportation are working toward consolidating public transit services in Fremont County.

This strategic move is in response to increasing financial constraints at the state and federal levels. It will help sustain transportation for seniors and underserved populations while addressing duplication and rising costs in a tightening budget climate.

The Riverton Senior Citizens Center has provided door-todoor transportation primarily for older adults and people with disabilities for years, while WRTA has offered fixed-route and demand-response public transit services across Fremont County.

Although both programs are essential, they have gradually expanded to serve many of the same riders and cover overlapping geographic areas. This kind of duplication, where multiple agencies provide similar services without coordination, is inefficient and discouraged under federal transportation funding guidelines.

The three partners are proactively aligning operations to reduce inefficiencies, eliminate overlap and ensure long-term stability.

The consolidation effort includes exploring shared scheduling and dispatch systems, coordinated staffing and training, integrated route planning, and streamlined compliance processes. The goal is to maintain and improve access – especially for residents in isolated areas.

“We know how important reliable transportation is to the seniors and families we serve every day,” said Riverton Senior

Citizens Center Director Kimber Tower. “The reality is that running a standalone transit program in today’s funding climate has become increasingly difficult. We’re incredibly grateful to WRTA and WYDOT for stepping up -- not to take anything away, but to help us preserve and strengthen these services for the future. This partnership allows us to focus more on meeting community needs and less on trying to stretch every dollar. Together, we’re building a system that’s more sustainable, more efficient and just as personal and community-centered as it’s always been.”

WRTA Director Tim Nichols said the transition reflects broader trends in public transportation, where agencies are adapting to evolving administrative and funding expectations.

“Across the country, transit systems, especially in rural areas, are being encouraged to align services, reduce overlap, and operate more efficiently,” he said. “This partnership represents a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to ensure long-term sustainability without compromising service quality.”

Nichols said people remain at the center of this effort.

“Our foremost priority is, and always will be, the individuals we serve, and the individuals who serve them,” he said. “WRTA is committed to ensuring there is no disruption to Riverton’s curbto-curb demand response service, no reduction in rider access, and no loss of employment for current transportation staff.”

Nichols said it’s important to honor what has long worked in the community.

“As part of this transition, WRTA will continue providing free transportation to and from the Riverton Senior Center. This isn’t about replacing a trusted service. It’s about protecting it, strengthening it, and delivering it through a more coordinated and resilient model,” he said.

Ultimately, Nichols said, the goal is to maintain a familiar and dependable experience for riders.

“Our goal is a seamless transition, so for the public, the only change they’ll notice is the uniform their driver arrives in,” he said.

“WYDOT fully supports the collaborative efforts between Wind River Transportation Authority and the Riverton Senior Center to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition of public transit services,” said WYDOT transit program coordinator Lenaya Alverson of Cheyenne. “This partnership exemplifies the kind of local leadership and cooperation that strengthens transportation access for all Wyoming residents. This strategic transition ensures that federal grant funding is used more effectively. Instead of duplicating efforts, those dollars can now go further, supporting vehicle maintenance, driver training, and service expansion. The result is a more efficient and equitable transit system for all of Fremont County.”

Public engagement will be central to this transition. The partners will host meetings, conduct surveys, and work with community stakeholders to guide the process. By centering community input and protecting service quality, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to meeting the transportation needs of Fremont County residents – now and in the future.

“Riverton Senior Citizens Center, WRTA and WYDOT are ensuring that essential services remain accessible, resilient and community-driven for years to come,” Alverson said.

WHP Alumni Day held in Cheyenne

By Mark Horan

The second annual Wyoming Highway Patrol Alumni Day was held on July 11 at the WHP Headquarters in Cheyenne. It gave the group of former WHP staff the opportunity to reunite with colleagues and form new ties with current employees. Activities throughout the day included a K9 demonstration, a tour of WYDOT HQ, and lots of time to reminisce over coffee and pastries. The alumni were also afforded the option to renew

“Retirees feel like they’re seen and reconnected with the department,” Smario said. “That’s important.”

WHP alumni, current leadership, and dogs/handlers with the agency’s K9 unit gather on the lawn outside Patrol Headquarters in Cheyenne.

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

Specialty plates get a new look –Wildlife Conservation Plate

Wildlife Plate now available via County

By Jordan Young

Hunters, anglers, photographers and anyone else passionate about wildlife conservation in Wyoming can easily contribute to the cause via the Wildlife Conservation Specialty License plate.

According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, there are more than 8,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions annually in Wyoming. That is 21 wildlife collisions every day, with an average of $11,600 in injury and property damage costs per big game collision. Recognizing the need to protect drivers and help wildlife, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 39 in 2018 to create a wildlife conservation license plate to help fund efforts to reduce crashes between wildlife and vehicles.

Funds raised through efforts like the specialty plate go toward wildlife crossing infrastructure around the state, including highway underpasses and overpasses, fencing, signage and more. Highway overpasses and underpasses, coupled with fencing, can reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 80-90 percent and ensure animals can safely cross roads to get to seasonal ranges.

“People in Wyoming take an amazing amount of pride in the diverse and abundant wildlife in our state. The Wildlife Conservation License Plate supports a good cause and shows others that you are part of a movement of people who are making a difference for wildlife and humans,” said Angi Bruce, Director of the

Give Wyoming’s Wildlife a “Brake!”

There are additional ways the public can reduce wildlife collisions on the road and help big game thrive. The biggest way is by reducing speeds in areas where wildlife are known to be on the road, especially at dawn and dusk, and heeding big game crossing signs. Keep your eyes peeled!

New! Previously, the Wildlife Plate could only be ordered from WYDOT Motor Vehicle Services in Cheyenne, and then the plate was mailed to the relevant county office for pickup. Now, customers can also purchase the plate over the counter from the county directly, which helps save time, especially for drivers who live farther away from Cheyenne.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in a recent news release about the plate.

From its launch in 2019 to the end of the plate cycle in 2024, the state issued more than 3,000 conservation license plates, which raised $968,820 for wildlife crossing projects. When combined with other donations from Wyoming drivers, a total of $1.8 million has been raised for wildlife projects around the state.

“The support from public donations and nonprofit fundraising makes wildlife crossing projects unique for WYDOT, and it’s easy to support a project that has proven successful at reducing crashes,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in a joint news release with Game and Fish announcing the new plate design.

Like all license plates, the Wildlife Plate got a statutorily required makeover this year, now featuring an iconic pronghorn.

The first plate iteration featured a mule deer.

Those with the mule deer plate design who want to continue their commitment to Wyoming’s wildife will need to purchase the new plate. The initial price of the plate is $180, with a $50 renewal fee each year, in addition to vehicle registration fees.

You can learn more about wildlife crossings on Game and Fish’s website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/movement-matters/wildlife-crossings

To learn more about how wildlife crossing project locations are chosen, visit the Wyoming Wildlife and Roadways Initiative webpage: https://wgfd.maps. arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ef666ba292b74c56a339efc10fca5332

Awards Basin duo receives District safety leadership awards

By Cody Beers

Two Wyoming Department of Transportation workers in Basin received District safety leadership awards Wednesday.

Steve Otto, district traffic supervisor in Basin, and Basin mechanic Jesse Preator received the annual awards for their outstanding dedication to workplace safety.

WYDOT employees Karissa Kister and Clint Brower, both of Lander, received safety awards in engineering and maintenance, respectively, in Lander.

Otto believes in WYDOT safety culture, said WYDOT striping crew member Keith Carothers of Basin.

Carothers nominated both Basin winners.

“Otto pushes the (traffic) crews to do their safety meetings, makes sure everyone is complying with federal regulations, and he advocates for safety equipment when he identifies a safety hazard,” Carothers said.

Preator “is a reflection of WYDOT’s safety culture,” said Carothers.

“Any and every time I go over to the mechanics shop (in Basin) to have something fixed, Preator always makes it a point to do the toolbox talks before we begin the work.”

Steve Otto (left) and Jesse Preator (second from right) were recognized for their workplace safety leadership Wednesday during a luncheon in Basin. In the background were district maintenance engineer Lyle Lamb (back left) and district safety officer Jerry Fritz.

“Preator is skilled at identifying hazards associated with the job, he makes sure all parties involved are aware and encourages everyone to stay clear of hazards,” Carothers said. “Preator is an example of how we should all work, as he helps create a safe work environment for his shop.”

Wyoming earns second consecutive BNSF Safety award

Shared by Dan Kline, Systems Planning, from BNSF Railway Wyoming has once again been recognized by BNSF Railway for its outstanding commitment to grade-crossing safety, receiving the “Tracking to Zero” award for the second consecutive year. This award acknowledges states that achieve an average of less than one grade-crossing incident per million BNSF train miles traveled. BNSF Manager of Engineering Mary Ann Monaldi traveled to Wyoming to present the award to WYDOT’s State Railroad Coordinator David Herdt.

BNSF’s “Tracking to Zero” awards are part of a broader effort to reduce the high number of train-related incidents across the United States, where a person or vehicle is struck by a train, on average, every three hours. By partnering with state DOTs, BNSF aims to enhance

safety at grade crossings throughout its 32,500-mile network.

“Because trains are limited in their ability to prevent a collision, safety gains are better achieved by improving how drivers interact around railroad tracks,” stated Richard Scott, BNSF Assistant Director of Public Projects. “That’s how state DOTs can make a big difference for their communities’ safety: by prioritizing rail safety projects and campaigns.”

Wyoming has implemented various effective strategies for both on- and off-system crossings, including crossing consolidation, extensive support and compliance for MUTCD measures, enhancing signal systems, and effectively utilizing both state and federal funding to maximize railroad crossing safety improvements.

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT has been a back-to-back recipient of the BNSF Railway “Tracking to Zero” award.

Photo: WYDOT

David Herdt, WYDOT State Railroad Coordinator, (right) received the “Tracking to Zero” award from Mary Ann Monaldi, BNSF Manager of Engineering.

Photo: WYDOT

Wyoming Trooper honored for heroic rescue in Green River Tunnel crash

Tim Howell receives G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award

By Mark Horan

Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Tim Howell (Troop H, Rawlins) was honored with the distinguished G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award for taking heroic measures during a fiery multi-vehicle crash in the Green River tunnel in February.

Howell received the award at a July ceremony at the Cheyenne Little America. Presenting the award and offering remarks were Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby, and WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain.

On the day of the infamous tunnel incident, Howell was off-duty and traveling with his family. They happened to be driving through the tunnel at the time of the crash, and narrowly escaped harm. After ensuring his family’s safety, Howell re-entered the smoke-filled tunnel multiple times, rescuing trapped individuals, including a pregnant woman and a child.

Although three people tragically lost their lives that day, the number would likely have been much higher had it not been for Howell’s quick thinking and decisive response.

Drawing from his background as a firefighter and military veteran, Howell remained calm during the critical rescue efforts. He described the intense moments of evacuation, including confronting a reluctant driver in a red Mini Cooper.

“I literally had to shove my badge in his window and tell him to get out now” Howell recalled.

“Tim thought not of himself and his own safety, but selflessly helped others while responders could take over,” said Westby. “His integrity, dedication to his neighbors and travelers throughout the state make me incredibly proud.”

One of the most touching moments for Howell came after rescuing a young boy named Gentry.

“He pulled on my sweatshirt and said, ‘You’re my hero,’” Howell shared.

LOOK TWICE

Germain praised Howell’s actions.

“He embodied the highest ideals of law enforcement – service before self, duty without hesitation, and quiet heroism that often goes unseen,” he said.

Gov. Gordon echoed Germain’s comments.

“Your brave actions made a difference,” Gordon told Howell, as he presented him with a special coin symbolizing the code of the west.

A four-year veteran of the WHP, Howell recounted his harrowing experience and emphasized the importance of community and courage under pressure.

“I was just a Trooper put in a situation that I would hope anyone else wearing this uniform would do,” Howell said humbly. “It doesn’t matter if you’re from Lander, Cheyenne, or Laramie; when something happens, we all draw together and help each other.”

Howell recalled knowing the crash scene was going to be bad, taking a deep breath and determining the best course of action by assessing the situation and checking off mental boxes.

“I’ve learned that in the middle of chaos, if you don’t keep your head, it makes it 10 times worse,” he said.

He acknowledged that the concept of running into dangerous situations is not something most people are comfortable with, and that the challenges he and his fellow Troopers deal with daily are not for everyone. He also noted that the perception of what a Trooper does often differs from reality.

“Everybody wants to be a cowboy until it’s time to do cowboy stuff,” Howell commented.

The G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award was established in 1969 by the Wyoming Highway Commission, now known as Transportation Commission. The program was created in honor of the late G. Clyde Larson, a Commission member appointed under then-Governor Cliff Hansen, who died in the middle of his sixyear term.

The award acknowledges WYDOT employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to save a life or prevent significant property damage. Howell is the 62nd recipient of the award.

WYDOT Director Darin Westby (left) and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon (right) present WHP Trooper Tim Howell with the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Training

What’s new with WYDOT’s Leadership Academy –WY Lead 2025

By Jim Boyd, Training Services

WY Lead 2025 kicked off on June 9 with a three-day in-person event in Cheyenne. This event focused on leadership self awareness with participants exploring emotional intelligence, their DiSC profile, and more. Additionally, participants got to experience the “Storming, Forming, Norming, and Performing” pieces of Tuckman’s Team Development model and were grouped and given strategic projects to work on. This year’s projects include ‘Improvement and Innovation’ and ‘Employee-led Morale Initiatives’.

The focus for ‘Improvement and Innovation’ centers on developing a system or program to document the impacts of process improvements and innovations on the workforce, while the focus for ‘Employee-led Morale Initiatives’ is to come up with some “from the ground up” (meaning, how every employee can help to create an environment that fosters positive morale) thoughts and recommendations.

Event 2 took place July 14-17 in District 3, first Rock Springs and then heading to Green River. The focus shifted from Leadership Self Awareness to Leading Others, where participants will delve into motivation, directing and delegating, and succession planning. They also heard from former WYDOT Chief Engineer and current Director of the Wyoming State Construction Department, Delbert McOmie.

WY Lead 2025 will have one more formal training event (Event 3) in District 4, Sheridan, where we will shift our focus to concepts related to Leading the Agency, and wrap up in District 1, Laramie, for a graduation event where groups will present their projects to executive staff.

“So… if you’re asked about any innovations you’ve started, or for some ways to build employee morale, you now know why, and I hope you’ll support their efforts,” said Training Services Program Manager Jim Boyd. “And if you’re now more curious about what this program is all about, I’d encourage you to check out the Training Services Intranet page, review the WY Lead section, and consider applying when applications open for next year.”

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to dot-training@ wyo.gov or any member of the Training Services team if you have any specific training needs or would like more information on any of the above.

The 2025 WY Lead cohort had the opportunity to tour WYDOT’s Aeronautics hangar during their kickoff event in June.

Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT

Game and Fish

Fire ban in effect on Game and Fish

lands

in southeast Wyoming

LARAMIE – Due to extreme fire danger across southeast Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is implementing an open fire ban on all Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands within Albany, Carbon, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties effective immediately.

The fire ban applies to all 14 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas and 43 Public Access Areas within these five counties, including popular camping and fishing spots like Laramie Peak WHMA, Table Mountain WHMA, and the portions of Glendo Lake and Saratoga Lake under Game and Fish management.

Prohibited activities during the fire ban include:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal or wood-burning stove.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

• Lighting fireworks (always prohibited on Commission-owned lands).

Important Notes:

• Gas grills may be used but must be accompanied by proper means of fire suppression.

• Welding, use of cutting torches and smoking must be conducted in areas cleared of flammable material with a radius of at least 10 feet and with proper fire suppression.

• All internal and external combustion engines, including ATVs and motorcycles, must be equipped with approved spark arrestors.

Wildfires can drastically change the landscape and take many years to recover from. They can affect wildlife, agriculture and recreation, and can increase the spread of invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass. Many Commission-owned properties are managed as winter range for big game and other wildlife. A fire on one of these properties could significantly impact winter forage for wildlife. Game and Fish encourages everyone using public lands to be vigilant stewards and recreate responsibly.

If you are planning a late summer camping trip, please check all fire restrictions for your destination.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

For information on current county fire restrictions, please visit the Wyoming State Forestry website. Additionally, recreationists should consult with local U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or other land management agency offices to learn about fire bans on those properties, as they may differ from county restrictions.

WYDOT TRAINING

For more information regarding this fire ban, please contact the Laramie Region Game and Fish Office at (307) 745-4046.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Coming in August:

8/19/2025 Leading Self Personal Development Series, 3 of 3 8:30 am-4:30 pm Casper Franklin Covey’s Leading at the Speed of Trust

8/28/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Addressing Poor Performance* 8:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual

Coming in September:

9/16/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Resolving Workplace Conflict* 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Virtual

9/23/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Coaching: Move People Forward* 8:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual 9/25/2025 Leading Others Verbal Judo for Field Supervisors 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

TechTalk

How to stay safe online

By Enterprise Technology Services

In our increasingly digital world, strong online security is essential. Although online threats can seem overwhelming, adopting a few key cybersecurity practices can significantly enhance your digital safety and provide peace of mind. Simple actions include updating software on connected devices, always using secure Wi-Fi, checking account settings, being cautious about what you share online, and backing up your important electronic data.

Regularly update software

Regularly updating your software is not just a suggestion; it’s a critical security imperative. Software updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. This applies to your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux), web browsers, antivirus software, and all other applications on your devices.

Enabling automatic updates whenever possible ensures you receive these vital security enhancements as soon as they are released. Neglecting updates leaves your systems exposed to known weaknesses, making them easy targets for malware and other cyberattacks.

Use secure Wi-Fi

Always disable automatic Wi-Fi connection settings on your device to prevent it from connecting to unknown networks without your explicit permission. Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications, as these updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

When connected to an insecure public Wi-Fi network, your data, including login credentials, financial information, and personal communications can be vulnerable to interception by malicious actors. Cybercriminals can employ techniques such as “eavesdropping,” where they monitor unencrypted traffic, or “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where they position themselves between your device and the Wi-Fi hotspot to intercept and potentially alter your data.

Another common threat is the creation of “rogue access points,” which are fake Wi-Fi networks designed to mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into connecting and unknowingly exposing their data.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to always prioritize secure Wi-Fi connections. For personal use, ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and WPA3 or WPA2 encryption. When venturing out, consider using a Virtual Private Network when connecting to any public Wi-Fi.

If you have to use public Wi-Fi, always verify the legitimacy of a public Wi-Fi network before connecting. Confirm the network name with the establishment’s staff to avoid connecting to a rogue access point. By diligently adhering to these practices, individuals can significantly enhance their digital security and safeguard their sensitive information from cyber threats, regardless of their location.

Always check your settings

Taking immediate control of your digital privacy and security is crucial whenever you engage with new online services, applications, or devices. When signing up for a new account, downloading an unfamiliar app, or acquiring a brand-new device, it is imperative to promptly navigate to and meticulously configure the privacy and security settings.

This proactive approach allows you to control the extent to which your personal information is collected, stored, and shared, aligning these practices with your comfort level and risk tolerance. It’s not enough to simply accept the default settings; these are often designed for convenience and may expose more of your data than you intend. Instead, actively review each setting, understanding what it controls, and adjust it to safeguard your data effectively.

Sharing on social platforms

Before engaging with any online platforms – be it social media, forums, or comment sections – it is imperative to take a moment for thoughtful reflection. This “power of pause” allows for a crucial consideration of several key factors that can significantly impact the trajectory of your digital presence and the well-being of those around you.

Every post, share, and comment contributes to a complex tapestry of information that shapes perceptions, influences opportunities, and can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, cultivating a mindful approach to online interactions is not merely a suggestion but a critical skill for navigating the digital landscape responsibly and effectively.

Bottom line, think before posting about yourself and others online. Our digital footprints extend further and linger longer

than ever before. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it, and how it might affect you or others.

Backup your data

In today’s increasingly digital world, our lives are intertwined with the information we create and store. From crucial work documents and cherished family photos to extensive music libraries and personal data, these digital assets represent countless hours of effort, invaluable memories, and essential records. That is why safeguarding this digital wealth is so important.

The single most effective and fundamental strategy for protecting your valuable work, music, photos, data, and all other digital information is to create redundant copies and store them securely in multiple, diverse locations. When possible, use the 3-2-1 rule as a guide to backing up your data.

• Three copies of your data – This means you should always have three copies of your data. This includes your primary working data and two separate backup copies. Having multiple copies significantly reduces the risk of all copies being compromised simultaneously.

• Two backup copies on different storage media – Diversifying your storage media is crucial. Your two backup copies should reside on different types of storage, such as an internal hard drive, an external SSD, network-attached storage, USB drives,

or cloud storage. Relying on a single type of media can be risky, as a failure in that specific technology could jeopardize all your backups. For instance, if your primary backup is on an external hard drive, your secondary backup might be more securely placed in the cloud.

• One copy located off-site – The most critical component of the 3-2-1 rule is ensuring that at least one of your backup copies is stored off-site, meaning at a geographically separate location from your primary data. This protects against localized disasters such as fires, floods, or theft that could affect your primary location and any onsite backups. Cloud backup services are an excellent solution for off-site storage. These services securely store your data on remote computer servers, which you can access anytime, anywhere, through your account. They can offer enterprise-grade security, redundancy, and often versioning capabilities, adding another layer of protection.

By diligently implementing the 3-2-1 rule, you create a multi-layered defense against data loss, significantly enhancing your peace of mind and ensuring business continuity or personal data preservation in the face of unexpected events. Remember, proactive data management is the best defense.

Tourism Team Wyoming Cowboys dominate at CFD

By Wyoming Office of Tourism Team Wyoming had an incredible showing at Cheyenne Frontier Days, with two of our own making a huge impact! Coming off a great win at the Cody Stampede, Saddle Bronc Rider Brody Cress etched his name in CFD history by being the first saddle bronc rider to win four buckles after an electrifying 91.5-point ride on THE Black Tie. Not to be outdone, fellow Saddle Bronc Rider Brody Wells gave a stellar performance, securing a strong sixth place finish.

Cheering them both on was fellow Team Wyoming member Bullfighter Dusty Tuckness, who was in the arena all week following the Cody Stampede and Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo. What a weekend for our Cowboys!

Wyoming Cowboys

Painted snow plow blade debuts at parade

Members of the WYOTANA Grizzlies 4H club and Adopt-A-Highway volunteers painted one of District 4’s V-plows for the Sheridan WYO Rodeo parade. This year’s parade theme was “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights”. The club chose a design that incorporated the parade theme with the 4H Pledge. Several maintainers and stripers from Sheridan crews joined in on the parade fun.

A team

rider during a saddle bronc event at the most recent Cheyenne Frontier Days this July.

Photo:

Tanya Hamner

Photo: WYDOT

District News

Headquarters

New Hires

Symantha Cunningham, MaterialsDesign, Soil and Service; Autumn Daniels, Highway DevelopmentAdministration; Gabriel Garcia, Traffic; Andrew Hamilton, Materials-Pavement Management and Research; Braden Helgeson, Highway DevelopmentProject Development; Charles Isbell III, GIS/ITS; Sean Minichiello, Highway Development-Project Development; Alexander Rahn, Bridge-Engineering Design; Dibya Sapkota, BridgeHydraulics; Paul Schrader, MaterialsBituminous; and Kristi Weidenbach, Budget.

Promotions and Transfers

Pierre Bosc, Materials-Bituminous; Scott Butler, Driver Services-CDL; Seth Odhiambo, IT-Engineering Apps; Cassie Pickett, Materials-Design and Roadway; Angela Tapia, Office Services-Files; and Allen Wallace, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection.

Service Awards

Charlyne Horton, Facilities Management-Administration – 5 years.

of Way’s Jordan

received his 5 year service award from Program Manager Kevin Lebeda.

Hank Doering, Highway Development-Administration – 30 years; Todd Sullivan, Geology – 25 years; Scott Grauberger, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey – 15 years; Brandon Patton, IT-Engineering Apps – 15 years; Lance Jenkins, Equipment-Mechanics – 10 years; Jalynda McKay, GIS/ITS – 10 years; Matthew Mirowski, ITAdministration – 10 years; Jessica Williams, Materials-Surfacing – 10 years; Jeffrey Griggs, Highway Development-Project Development – 5 years; Willow Groneman, PlanningProgramming – 5 years; and

Retirements

Connie Golden, Flight Coordinator and Scheduler with Aeronautics in Cheyenne, retired in June with seven years of service.

From left: Pilot Mike Salyers, Pilot Tom Drew, Flight Coordinator Connie Golden, Chief Pilot Bruce Witt, Pilot Jeremy Sumpter, and Aircraft Services and Hangar Coordinator Travis Posthumus smile at Golden’s retirement party in late June.

Chris Romo, maintenance staff engineer at Headquarters, retired in June with 30 years of service. Romo started his career with WYDOT as an engineer in Torrington, and also spent time as an engineer analyst, senior engineer, and project engineer in Torrington before moving to Cheyenne. In Cheyenne, he spent time as a concrete engineer with Materials before joining Maintenance staff. Romo graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s

Right

Walla

Photo: Nicki Cotton/WYDOT

Photo: Jordan Young/WYDOT

Daniels

Pickett

Doering

Grauberger

Jenkins Williams

Sullivan Patton Mirowski

Tapia

Minichiello

Helgeson

Romo

degree in engineering. In his spare time, Romo enjoys hiking, hunting, four-wheeling, golf and UW athletics – and, of course, a rousing season of NFL football with the Biggest Loser Football Pickem.

District 1

New Hires

Lucas Ackerman, Laramie Maintenance; Terry Baker, Cheyenne Maintenance; Andrew Dettmer, Rawlins Maintenance; Kyle Morton, Laramie Construction.

Promotions and Transfers

Diego Fronza, Rawlins Construction; Travis King, Rawlins Maintenance; Bryce Sanchez, Cheyenne Construction; and Chad Sanderson, Laramie Maintenance.

Employee appreciation barbecues in District 2

The burgers and brats were flying off the grill at the District 2 employee cookouts held in July. Each year, district staff serves lunch, open to all district employees, at three locations: Wheatland, Douglas and Casper. District Engineer Mark Williams and District Maintenance Engineer Chad Aagard worked the grill while District Traffic Engineer Brook Allen dished out the food.

District Engineer Mark Williams, left, and District Maintenance Engineer Chad Aagard, work the grill like pros during the Casper employee cookout July 16.

Traffic Engineer Brook

Service Awards

Jonathan Cockrell, Laramie Construction – 5 years; and Caleb Pimmel, Rawlins Construction – 5 years.

District 2

New Hires

Logan Borden, Casper Construction; Cole Conner, Torrington Maintenance; Corbin Dutcher, Casper Construction; Dane Herring, Lusk Maintenance; Douglas Hickman, Chugwater Maintenance; Dustin Lockhart, Chugwater Maintenance;

Wesley Long, Chugwater Maintenance; Richard Lovelace, Casper Maintenance; Cary Pittack, Muddy

Gap Maintenance; Rogan Potter, Casper Construction; Paul Reishus, Torrington Maintenance; David Samietz, District 2 GIS/ITS; Michael Segar, Lusk Maintenance; and Skyler Thomas, Torrington Construction.

Promotions and Transfers

Kyle Williams, Midwest Maintenance.

Service

Awards

Carmen Boussu, Port of Entry-Lusk – 5 years.

Retirements

Dwight McGuire, a trooper with Troop F in Wheatland, retired in June with seven years of service to the WHP. Before joining the Highway Patrol in 2018, he served two decades with the Wyoming Army National Guard, including a

District

Allen keeps the lines, and the food, moving during the Casper employee cookout July 16.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Sanchez Pimmel

Fronza

McGuire

Hickman

Lockhart

Pittack

Boussu

Herring

Long

Reishus

Segar

Samietz

combat deployment where he earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the distinguished Purple Heart for wounds sustained in military service. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a firefighter/EMT. McGuire earned both the Colonel’s Commendation in 2018 and the Extra Mile Award in 2021. He was also awarded the 2023 Purple Heart

Award by the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association for injuries sustained while assisting the Platte County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 12, 2023. The WHP Facebook page said “his dedication, professionalism, and unwavering spirit have made him an invaluable member of our team, and he will be truly missed.”

WHP Trooper Teshaylo Trujillo of Douglas’ Troop B participated in Tip a Cop to benefit the Wyoming Special Olympics. With his assistance, the group was able to raise more than $4,000 to help support the athletes of the Special Olympics statewide.

Troopers from Troop B (Casper and Douglas) participated in Camp Postcard 2025. This camp helps 5th and 6th-graders develop leadership and teamwork skills. During “Demo Day,” our Troopers emphasized the importance of safety and education regarding seatbelt use, as well as the adverse effects of impaired driving. Over 100 kids and counselors were able to try the seatbelt converter, perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests with drunk goggles, and navigate an obstacle course with tricycles while wearing the drunk goggles.

District 3 New Hires

Nathaniel Burleson, Labarge Maintenance; John Carey Jr., Afton Traffic-Striping; Jeremyah Halter, Rock Springs Construction; Kyle Howe, Rock Springs Construction; Lillynee Janota, Rock Springs Construction; Karson Luthi, Cokeville Maintenance; Jason Mathews, Kemmerer Maintenance; Sean Williams, Afton Construction; and Jonathan Woodley, Evanston Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Cole Allen, Rock Springs Maintenance; David Beddes, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Shane Ellison, Rock Springs Construction; and James Stewart, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Service Awards

Darrin Robinson, Afton Construction – 30 years; Tara Finley, District 3 Traffic Staff –25 years; Scott Neilson, Patrol-Evanston – 20 years; Staci Erker, District 3 Maintenance Staff – 15 years; and Astria Wentz, Driver ServicesKemmerer – 10 years.

Photo: WHP

Photo: WHP

Photo: WHP

Neilson

Robinson

Wentz

Finley

Erker

District 3 Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas (left) presents Clinton Davis with his service award.

District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas presents Candice Hearn (left) with her 5 year service award.

District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas (left) presents Michael Kennedy with his 5 year service award.

District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas (left) presents Deny Leonard with his 10 year service award.

District 4

New Hires

Diane Adams, Sheridan TrafficStriping; Trenton Atteberry, Gillette Maintenance; Heidi Buen, Driver ServicesGillette;

Talon Simpson, Burgess Junction Maintenance; Daniel Mitchell, Gillette Maintenance; Briana Moldenhauer, Buffalo Mechanics; Daniel Morris, Buffalo Maintenance; and Jimmy Simmons, Buffalo Maintenance.

Service Awards

Timothy Winslow, District 4 Shop – 35 years.

District 4 recently recognized eight service award recipients for their time with WYDOT. Those being recognized were: Standing from left: Ryan Smith, Sundance construction – 5 years; JD Stetson, Gillette construction – 10 years; Rusty Speidel, Sundance maintenance foreman – 25 years; Josh Jundt, Gillette resident engineer – 35 years; and Mike Taylor, Sundance construction – 35 years. Kneeling from left: Dale Fremont, Sundance maintenance – 10 years; Jay Stuck, Moorcroft maintenance – 15 years; and Josh Diede, Moorcroft maintenance foreman – 20 years.

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Atteberry

Mitchell Morris Simpson Winslow

Buen

Moldenhauer

Simmons

District 5

New Hires

Gage Gleim, Dubois Maintenance; Todd Harstad, Ten Sleep Maintenance; and Eli Ready, Lander Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Keith Poston, Lander Maintenance. Service Awards

Joseph Sheley, Meeteetse Maintenance – 20 years; and Fredrick Sherburne, Basin Maintenance – 10 years.

Retirements

Sgt. Phillip Pendergrass, based in Fremont County, retired in June with seven years of service to WHP. Pendergrass earned several awards while with Patrol, such as the Combat Cross and Purple Heart. Before becoming a trooper, Pendergrass worked with WYDOT as a heavy mechanic in Lander. He previously served with the US Navy for four years, where he attended technical school for welding. Pendergrass also attended professional farrier school at Montana State University. In his spare time, Pendergrass enjoys hiking.

Sgt. Travis Hauser presents Pendergrass with a shadow box of his insignia, patches, badges and ribbons at his retirement party.

Passings

Gale G. Beers

Gale Gilbert Beers, 85, of Cody, died July 4, 2025, after an extended illness.

Beers was born April 15, 1940, in Torrington, Wyo. His family lived in LaGrange and Lingle during his early childhood, before the growing family settled in Torrington.

Beers graduated from Torrington High School in 1959. Nicknamed “The Hoss,” the All-State fullback and track man was recruited by the Wyoming Cowboys football team, and legendary Coach Bob Devaney sat in the Beers’ living room and signed the Torrington star. A few months passed, and Beers instead took a job as a ranch hand at Rimrock Ranch west of Cody, working for his brother-in-law Earl Chamberlain at the ranch owned by Keith and future Wyoming Secretary of State Thyra Thomson (195961). He returned to Torrington and worked for Holly Sugar Corp. (1961), then took a job working on cousin Louie Scheer’s ranch west of Lander on Squaw Creek (1961-62). It was in Lander where he met his future wife, Christine Jeanette Hornecker, who drove her family’s Ford tractor up the valley to check out the newly hired man at the Scheer Ranch. He married Christine Hornecker on Sept. 2, 1962. The couple moved to the Pinedale, Wyo., area, where he worked as a cowboy on the Carl Jorgensen ranch. On the day the young couple had finally saved enough money to purchase their first black-and-white television, he received his U.S. Army draft notice in the mail. The television was returned to the store a few days later for a full refund.

Along with hundreds of other draftees, Beers’ service in the

U.S. Army began on April 3, 1963, when he was shipped to basic training in Fort Ord, Calif. Following basic training, he was sent to Hawaii and assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 13th Artillery unit at Schofield Barracks.

In early 1965, pregnant with a future baby boy, an Army doctor told Christine Beers that she should return to Wyoming so the child could be born. Several months later (a short time before his entire unit was sent to Vietnam), Beers received his release from active U.S. Army duty. He returned to Wyoming as soon as possible and took a job as a ranch hand near Lusk on the Reed Ranch on the Cheyenne River.

On June 20, 1965, the couple welcomed their son, Cody Marshall, into the world in Torrington. After a year on the ranch, Beers was hired in 1966 by the then-Wyoming Highway Department at the highway camp on South Pass. The couple’s daughter, Tina Reneé, was born six weeks premature on Oct. 27, 1968.

Beers would serve seven years at the South Pass camp, and was promoted to the crew’s heavy equipment operator. On Jan. 3, 1973, he was promoted to Wyoming Highway Department maintenance crew foreman in Cody. He later was promoted to area maintenance supervisor, and he retired in Cody with 37 1/2 years of public service on Dec. 20, 2002.

One of his life’s proudest moments included continuing the WYDOT legacy with his son and two grandsons representing three generations of highway department men, serving the state of Wyoming. His legacy at WYDOT includes three generations of Beers men who have served the State of Wyoming: his son Cody Beers is the D5 Public Relations Specialist, his grandson Baylor Beers is with Riverton Construction, and his grandson Todd Hardesty is with Cody Driver Services.

Beers

Poston Sheley

Photo: WHP

Beers was a humble but brutally honest servant leader who touched many lives during his Wyoming Highway Department career, and as a horseshoer, saddle maker, roper, wildlife photographer, hunter, fisherman and friend. He loved his life-long Wyoming home, the Wind River and Absaroka mountains, the windmills of southeast Wyoming, roping at Pitchfork Ranch and Mill Creek brandings and wherever else his cowboy skills were needed, smelling a roaring campfire, participating in the sound and smell of leather being worked, hunting wild turkeys on the Cheyenne River, elk hunting on horseback on the Wood River, and his favorite sports teams, the Wyoming Cowboys, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He loved his wife, his children, his granddaughter and his three grandsons, and his growing family.

Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cody. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lander.

He was a long-time member of Cody Elks Lodge #1611, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles, Park County Farm Bureau and the Wyoming Transportation Department Employees/Retirees Association.

Beers is survived by many who loved him, including one good cow dog and one good saddle horse. Beers valued a good horse and a trusty cow dog.

Nora L. Lyon (Allan)

Nora Lynn Lyon passed away July 14, 2025 at Davis Hospice with her daughter Audrey holding her hand.

Lyon was born April 19, 1950 in Cody, Wyo. to Jack and Margaret “Peggy” Allan. She graduated from Cody High School in 1968, moving on to Northwest Community College in Powell. Following NWC, she attended the University of Wyoming. She graduated in 1972 with a degree in high school English, maintaining her credentials until 1994.

Lyon joined the WYDOT family Feb. 5, 1980, working in various departments, until she found her calling in 1992 when she was eased into the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and through the evolution of its growth until her retirement April 30, 2010, winning several prestigious awards along the way.

She was a member of the Cheyenne Seventh Day Adventist Church.

An informal celebration of life is planned for Aug. 31, at the Cheyenne Seventh Day Adventist Church.

George E. McJunkin

George Everett McJunkin, 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at his home in Mesquite, Nev. He was born on June 3, 1940, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. McJunkin led a life rich with dedication to his family, community, and profession.

A proud alumnus of the University of Wyoming, McJunkin earned his bachelor’s

degree in civil engineering, a field he wholeheartedly embraced. His career spanned more than four decades, including 34 years with the Wyoming Highway Department, where his passion for engineering contributed to the development and infrastructure of his beloved state. He shared his expertise with the city of Rock Springs for nine years and concluded his professional journey with Wilbert Engineering. He married Rosita Mahler on June 3, 1980, in Thousand Oaks, Calif..

McJunkin’s life was rooted in his Wyoming beginnings, having been educated in the schools of Superior, Wyo., graduating in 1958. His accomplishments as a civil engineer are a testament to his perseverance and devotion to his work. McJunkin was the driving force, along with the Rock Springs Rotary Club, in the installation of the flag pole and flag on Dewar Drive in Rock Springs. Despite his professional commitments, McJunkin’s priority was always his family.

McJunkin’s love for the outdoors was evident through his many hunting, fishing and camping adventures with his son, grandsons and family. He was definitely a craftsman who could be found building and constructing anything from as simple as cornhole boards with his grandsons to building and finishing homes alongside his son and brothers. He was especially proud of the three-generation home he built in Rock Springs with his father and son.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 8, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Rock Springs, Wyo.

The family respectfully requests donations be made in McJunkin’s memory to Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 116 Broadway, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901.

Ernie W. Potter

Ernie Walter Potter, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 21, 2024.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1943, in Afton, Wyo., to Walter Potter and Euella Clark Potter, and was raised in Smoot, Wyo.

He married the love of his life, Ione Anglesey, in 1962, and over the next eight years, three children made up their family: Gina, Daren and Mitzi. In 1972, he found permanent employment with the Wyoming Highway Department in Jackson, where he was a dedicated maintenance foreman until his retirement in December 2005 with 33 years of service.

A celebration of life was held on Aug. 2, 2025, at the Alpine Civic Center. Lunch was served, and attendees were invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share along with their stories and memories of Ernie.

He and his wife left Jackson, moved south and settled in Alpine, where they lived for the next 10 years, and traveled to warmer climes in the winters. Along their travels, they fell in love with Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where he called home until his passing.

Potter’s adventurous heart was always full of love and a helping hand.

Lyon

McJunkin

Potter

Outdoors

While on vacation a few years ago, Douglas Construction Tech Mark Coy saw these sea lions on the

Lisa Uhrich, wife of District 2 Equipment Supervisor Terry Uhrich, with two of their German Wirehaired Pointers. She ran them both in a Hunting Retriever Club test in July. She was awarded two passes on each of the dogs. This is significant because these are versatile pointing dogs competing in a world that is primarily made up of retrievers and Labradors.

Scott Elliott, shop supervisor in Douglas, snapped this photo of a rainbow over the reservoir at Glendo State Park on June 29.

Photo: Scott Elliott

Photo: Terry Uhrich

Photo: Terry Uhrich

docks in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Photo: Mark Coy

Praise for the Chugwater Rest Area

Doug (McGee),

As luck would have it, I’ve been to the Chugwater rest area pretty frequently, and upon reflection I thought I should share. First, this may be the cleanest rest area in the state.

However I’m really writing because of the woman maintaining the facility. She is absolutely great. She greets everyone coming in, and provides helpful information about happenings in the area – she’s running her own version of a welcome center. Take care,

Rusty England

CRAFTS

Break Time

Word search: find 25 words hidden in the grid to the right.

1. Albany 2. Apple Pie

3. Autumn 4. Backpack 5. Back to School 6. Bonfires 7. Books

Carbon

Carpenter 10. Chilly 11. Cider 12. Egbert

13. Football

14. Fox Park 15. Hanna 16. Harvests

17. Labor Day

18. Laramie

19. Leaf Peepers

20. Pumpkins

21. Rawlins

22. Saratoga

23. Schoolbuses

24. Sinclair

25. Tie Siding

Answer to the July 2025 Break Time maze:

P

L P O C I

P A L C N H N T S Y T D E O H L B F O J M I A N S L Q

C R I N A E I C L I R O D S T Z G A U S S L M N K U Y

E A T G T O E L N K P T G I L E U N B F C S I U N

C I Z A G B N T S G S K S C S I S A S H A L O E C O N

A E M I T E

S

Wyoming Department of Transportation

5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

Address Service Requested