Interchange – December 2023

December 2023

Photo: WYDOT Geology

Geology Program

Vol. 51, Iss. 12

From left: Former geology staff members Jared Nuhn, Jim Whetstone, and Don Legerski getting muddy as they drill on the Quarantine Slide – QS for short – on Togwotee Pass. WYDOT geologists name nearly all landslides in Wyoming.

Meet WYDOT’s “rock stars”

By Mark Horan and Jordan Young A road is only as good as the ground it’s built on.

Fortunately, the staff in the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Geology Program are true foundation experts.

WYDOT’s Geology program, consisting of about 21 individuals when fully staffed, provides geotechnical services to other WYDOT programs, including Bridge, Materials and Project Development. Although it’s a subprogram of Engineering and Planning, Geology also frequently helps Construction, the Districts and other operational staff as they encounter issues with soil or rock during

projects.

Mark Falk, chief geologist and Geology program manager, explained that while the program is based in Cheyenne, “there’s only so much geology you can do in an office.”

“Our field crews are out 45-plus weeks a year, and our field geologists average probably around 30 percent of their time in the field,” Falk said. “In my opinion, everything that we do begins in the field.”

He added the “heart of our field collection” is the drill crews, who spend the majority of the year traveling around the state – no matter the weather – to drill holes and collect information via soil samples. In fact, Falk started with

WYDOT 38 years ago as an intern with a drilling crew.

Drilling involves specialized equipment, including truck-mounted drills that can drill up to 150 feet into the earth, although drilling is typically done to about 50-60 feet. Geology recently received a grant to add technology to the drill that helps measure torque, down pressure and penetration rate, among other data points. Falk explained that the technology has been used in oil fields for many years but was recently adapted for soil testing, and other states have seen great success with it.

“The hope is someday, if we get enough data collected through this equipGeology continued on page 3

Contents

Interchange December 2023

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.

Features 1 8 9 10

Volume 51, Issue 12

Geology Program

Meet WYDOT’s “rock stars”

2023 Border War enforcement

Colorado State Patrol and Wyoming Highway Patrol join forces

Freeze Louise!

Staff

District 5 spearheads plow naming effort in Fremont County

WYDOT Director Darin J. Westby, P.E.

JTC tours the TMC

Public Affairs Manager Doug McGee

Editor

Programs and Partner Agencies

Carlie Dakins

Employee Safety

10

Contributors

Training

11

Carlie Dakins Matt Groth Mark Horan Jordan Young Andrea Staley Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Lt. Kyle McKay

Also in this issue District News

5

By the Numbers

6

District Briefs

12

Letters

14

Noteworthy

15

WTDEA

17

Break Time

19

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

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Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol

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

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Photo: WYDOT Geology

Above: Drill Foreman Craig Walker (left) operates a drilling rig, assisted by former employee Mike Miller. The pair are drilling on the proposed north alignment on the Togwotee Pass corridor (Rosie’s Ridge section).

Photo: WYDOT Geology

Left: Just another day of work for principle geologist/ climbing team member David Vanderveen, seen here scaling Register Cliff south of Guernsey.

Geology continued from cover ment, we can actually correlate the strength of the soils to these drilling parameters,” he said.

Soil samples are used to judge the strength of the subgrade of the road. Sometimes the program conducts soil profiles, where crews will drill a series of holes and collect soil samples periodically along a stretch of highway - sometimes for miles.

“If the soil changes considerably, then they may change their actual pavement design thickness based on the strength of the soil,” Falk said.

After the soil sample has been collected, it travels back to Cheyenne for strength testing. Falk explained that one of the tests is for the “R value, which is what the Materials Program uses to design the thickness of the pavement and the surfacing section.” Other tests such as direct shear tests, consolidation tests, and unconfined compression soil tests Geology does in-house in the Geology Foundations Lab, rather than with the Materials Lab. Geology works on a variety of projects, both during the design phase and during construction. During design, crews will focus on the soil and what is needed to make a safe, stable road or bridge. For example, strength and erosion testing help to judge how much scour a channel can take to accommodate a bridge, which helps during bridge design.

During construction, crews focus on monitoring pile driving and inspecting drilled bridge shafts.

A more unpredictable portion of the job are landslides. A wet Geology continued on page 4

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Photo: WYDOT Geology

A drill crew works on the County Line landslide on Togwotee Pass. WYDOT drill crews are out year-round in all types of weather, with the exception of late December through January for equipment maintenance after the holidays.

Geology continued from page 3 winter or spring can create a busy landslide season, and Falk said a landslide that threatens a highway triggers the program to go into emergency mode.

“The assistant chief geologist is the first responder to go out and evaluate and assess the safety of the road,” Falk said. “Can they keep it open? Or what do we need to do immediately to protect the public?”

Geology investigates the slide and comes up with a design for mitigation, which often requires more drilling and soil testing.

Whether it’s landslides, digging gravel pits or foundation investigations, Falk said “no two days are the same,” an aspect he enjoys about the program. He added that his team’s ability to handle a highly diverse set of responsibilities is a significant advantage for WYDOT. “If we weren’t here, there would have to be a lot of small separate contracts with geotechnical consultants to provide the same service, which would be very cumbersome,” Falk said. “But rather than having to get people from somewhere else, we’re right here and able to respond quickly.”

Despite all of the mileage the program logs around the state, Falk noted Geology feels like a family. He’s been chief geologist for the last seven years and noted the program is currently in a cycle where some long-time employees are starting to retire. Falk joked he’s just months away from retiring himself.

“Last summer, I definitely started looking at the demographics in our program,” he said. “Basically, at that time, half of the people in the program were eligible to retire and the other half had

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less than five years of experience with WYDOT. So, we definitely have a division there; we’re missing the middle.”

Looking ahead, Falk thinks that geohazards such as landslides and rock fall will continue to be an issue for WYDOT due to aging and eroding rock slopes and large embankments built out of poor clay soils.

“Practically everything that WYDOT deals with has a design life and will eventually start failing, whether that’s bridges, pavement, or roadways,” Falk said. “So prioritizing and managing where the budget resources go is going to be a big challenge.”

Inflation and rising costs haven’t spared Geology; Falk said that costs for drilling tools has probably doubled over the last year and a half. He added that the drills themselves cost as much as three snow plows, so maintenance is key. The newest one they have is from 2007, and Falk said he hopes to keep them alive as long as parts are readily available.

Geology has had a major role in large WYDOT projects through the years, including upgrades to Togwotee Pass, the Snake River Canyon and US Highway 85 from Cheyenne to the Black Hills. More recently, the agency has been in pavement preservation mode, and Geology’s scope of work has had a similar shift. Falk explained that soil profiles aren’t as common as they once were, while landslides are becoming increasingly frequent.

“We’ve just shifted our workload and expertise to fit with department needs,” he said. “We’ve been flexible and adapted to what needs to be done.”

District News Protect Those Who Protect You: A call to action during Crash Responder Safety Week STATEWIDE – The Wyoming Highway Patrol joined forces with the National Crash Responder Safety Week Nov. 13–17 to bring to light the courageous and often under-represented stories of our local responders. Every day, these heroes put their lives at risk to ensure roads are safe and functional.

WHP works roadway crashes daily with partners, including firefighters, emergency medical services, law enforcement, towing and recovery, public works and safety service patrols. Collectively, these traffic incident responders assist road users in need, applying well-rehearsed procedures to provide emergency traffic control and quickly clear incidents from roadways.

“We work roadside often inches from cars and trucks going by way too fast – sometimes 80 mph or more,” said Lt. Kyle McKay. “We want drivers in Wyoming to understand the risks that we take every day and the need for every vehicle passing by any traffic incident to slow down, move over and stay alert.”

These stories underscore the necessity for initiatives like Crash Responder Safety Week. The Federal Highway Administration, along with national partners, state partners and local responders, are invested in this event to reduce the number of traffic incidents involving responders who suffer injuries or lose their lives in the line of duty. Since the start of this year many first responders have been killed, and countless others have endured life-altering injuries.

The national event promotes Move Over law awareness for drivers and free National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training for responders: • We ask all road users to protect those who protect you. When passing an incident scene, motorists are asked to slow down and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane to provide a

protective buffer between responders and motorists.

• Local responders are encouraged to take the free TIM Responder training at https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/ tim/training/ to stay updated on best practices. By the end of the year 2023, 700,000 responders will have been trained through free in-person or online instructor-led or online selfpaced courses.

“We are very proud that we have trained a significant number of crash responders in our state,” said WHP Col. Tim Cameron. “While drivers can make a big difference through their vigilance, training is also a critical part of the effort to save lives, reduce injuries, and decrease traffic incident clearance times.”

WYDOT updates blow over messaging to include specific weights CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is updating its blow over risk messaging during high wind events to include specific weights that are most at risk.

WYDOT first started messaging “Closed to Light, High Profile Vehicles” during high wind events in 2011.

WYDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems program manager Vince Garcia noted that recent research from the University of Wyoming allows the agency to “more confidently give actual weight restrictions during high wind events.”

“Better messaging means more informed drivers,” he added.

Throughout the winter, WYDOT will be using the updated weight-based wind closure messaging for light, highprofile vehicles across the state, including sections of Interstate 80, Interstate 25 and Wyoming Highway 28 where the state sees blow over hot spots.

The timing of the updates is intentional; data from 2016-2020 showed the most blow over crash activity in February and December, with overall trends showing more blow over crashes in the winter months.

The first of this new messaging was

seen on the overhead digital message signs at WYO 28, South Pass, Wednesday afternoon and again on a portion of I-80 Thursday.

“Unfortunately, some of the areas we see the strongest crosswinds are also highways that carry important goods and services,” Garcia said. “Our goal with this updated messaging is to facilitate as much movement as possible while keeping motorists safe.

WYDOT will monitor current and forecasted wind speeds, along with road geometry, to determine how heavy a commercial vehicle or other trailer would need to be to avoid the extreme blow over risk and will update that messaging in real time. Even so, drivers are encouraged to use their best judgment when traveling on windy days.

“When in doubt, wait it out,” Garcia said.

The new messaging will only be implemented in areas where there is adequate signage. Sections of highway without signage will continue to show “Extreme Blow Over Risk” hazard messaging.

In the coming months, the weightbased wind restrictions will also show on WYDOT’s 511 tools, including the 511 map.

Photo: WYDOT

Headquarters

Blow over risk information can be found on the wyoroad.info map, or on the 511 app.

District 1

WYO 223/Terry Ranch Road is open to traffic CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation have opened Wyoming Briefs continued on page 6

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avalanches to prevent dangerous, uncontrolled conditions. The O’Bellx units are remotely operated by computer and are installed and removed by helicopter. The work caused delays for traffic of up to 15 minutes at a time.

Upon completion of the work in the Hoback Canyon, crews then moved operations to WYO 22, Teton Pass, to replenish fuel for the gazex system. The gazex system, similar to the O’Bellx units, are remotely operated and also use explosions to trigger controlled avalanches to prevent dangerous conditions. This work took place between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Motorists saw brief closures of up to 20 minutes.

For the safety of the traveling public and the safety of WYDOT crews, the road must be briefly closed and free of moving traffic for helicopter operation. Ideally, motorists should only see brief delays as the helicopter carries the O’Bellx units down the mountain. Roadside flaggers controlled traffic for the operation.

Briefs continued from page 5

Total number of employees: As of October 26, 2023

1,778

One month ago

1,763

One year ago

1,763

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Highway 223/Terry Ranch Road south of Cheyenne to through vehicle traffic.

The project began in March and included a total bridge replacement over the Union Pacific Railroad at milepost .86. The new structure is longer to accommodate future UPRR tracks and wider to accommodate 12-foot lanes and 4-foot shoulders.

Other work included milling, asphalt pavement overlay, and chip seal.

Approaches received a mill, overlay and fog seal. Work also included delineation replacements and sign upgrades.

Crews will be back next year to chip seal WYO 223 and the I-25 service road running from WYO 223/Terry Ranch Road south to the Colorado border.

Work will be present in and around WYO 223/Terry Ranch Road while crews finish up. Be sure to follow traffic control, reduce speed, and stay alert through work zones.

WHP

The new structure on WYO 223/Terry Ranch Road south of Cheyenne.

Hoback Canyon, WYO 22 avalanche maintenance caused delays JACKSON – Wyoming Department of Transportation crews performed maintenance on avalanche infrastructure on US Highway 189/191, Hoback Canyon and also on Wyoming Highway 22, Teton Pass, Nov. 21.

Motorists saw brief closures of up to 20 minutes on US 189/191 through the Hoback Canyon between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Crews used helicopter operations in the Stinking Springs area of Hoback Canyon to do the general maintenance and refueling of the avalanche infrastructure – O’Bellx units. These units use explosions to trigger smaller, controlled

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Photo: WYDOT

District 3

Helicopter lifts gas canisters on a line to take up to the avalanche infrastructure device at the top of the mountain.

Crews stripe I-80 ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Streamline Markings, striped traffic markings on Interstate 80 at various locations between mileposts 83 and 163. Operations took place as temperatures allowed from sunrise to sunset as it began on Nov. 2. Striping operations were mobile so motorists were asked to reduce their speeds and be aware of strip-

Total number of highway fatalities: As of November 13, 2023

123

One year ago

118

Paving impacts WYO 22 traffic JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, paved sections of Wyoming Highway 22 at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 390 to connect the asphalt pavement that traffic is currently on to the new concrete pavement.

The work took place on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews also paved potholes on the Snake River Bridge, and other various areas throughout the project in preparation for winter traffic.

District 4

Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane under flagging operations. Drivers were advised to obey all traffic control signs and plan accordingly for delays that occurred through the work zones. Delays could last 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

WYDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area during work hours or be prepared for delays.

Crews hope to finish the work in one day, weather permitting.

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

Downtown Sheridan Main Street now open to traffic

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

ing vehicles. The work lasted roughly two to three weeks, depending on weather.

The annual project is necessary to restore proper visibility of pavement markings on state highways. Due to Wyoming’s harsh winter conditions and weather hazards, these lines can fade or be destroyed. WYDOT crews must repaint these markings to provide improved safety and capacity for motorists traveling on highways.

WYDOT reminds drivers to be aware of the striping trucks on the road and to slow down accordingly. Stripers travel at reduced speeds while applying the paint and travel with a shadow car, which watches for traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to not follow stripers too closely and only pass when it is safe to do so.

Striping operations are slow moving and can cause traffic delays.

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Oftedal Construction, Inc. have completed Phase I of the resurfacing and utilities upgrade project of downtown Main Street.

The project began in April and included removing the 50-plus year old pavement, installing a new water and storm sewer system, upgrading portions of sidewalks to meet ADA requirements, updating traffic signals, and repaving the roadway.

The total cost of the project was determined to be valued at $17.8 million - the utility upgrade portion, funded by the city of Sheridan, cost $8.4 million.

This project was scheduled to be completed in two phases, with Phase I running from Dow Street to Brundage Street.

Contractors were ahead of schedule and added an additional block to the project, shortening the remaining portion of the south end of Main Street to two blocks.

Phase II is scheduled to begin in April of 2024 and will include closing Main Street from Loucks Street to the Coffeen Avenue and Brooks Street intersection.

New concrete paving being poured on WYO 22 near Jackson.

Wanted: WYDOT Spec Books The Construction Program needs your help to build a comprehensive library of Standard Specifications and Supplements. Does your office have any pre-1980 Spec Books that you’re willing to donate to their collection?

If so, please reach out to Heidi Bosch.

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LARAMIE – Nov. 3, 2023, was the 115th meeting in the historic Border War rivalry football game between the University of Wyoming Cowboys and the Colorado State University Rams. The rivalry endures as one of the oldest in college football. Gameday Friday was busy with fans traveling from Colorado and all over Wyoming to Laramie.

Law enforcement from Wyoming and Colorado were involved in a multi-state, multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation.

Coordinated enforcement efforts were conducted in Albany and Laramie County, Wyoming, as well as Larimer and Weld County, Colorado, before, during, and after the game.

“More than one million drivers are arrested in the U.S. every year for impaired Colorado and Wyoming law enforcement gathered on the border ahead of the 2023 Border War showdown in Laramie to promote safe and impairment-free driving and 27 people die every day from driving. impaired driver crashes,” said Col. Tim Cameron of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “When traveling on Along with this enhanced enforcement effort, the Wyoming Wyoming’s roadways make good decisions and find a designated Highway Patrol urged drivers to help keep Wyoming’s roadways sober driver. Law enforcement will continue to enforce impaired safe by calling the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately hodriving with zero tolerance.” tline at 1-800-442-9090 to report suspected drunk drivers.

Agencies involved in Wyoming included the Wyoming HighLaw enforcement agencies in Laramie and Albany counties way Patrol, Laramie Police Department, Albany County Sheriff ’s made 175 traffic stops, arrested five impaired drivers, and made Office, University of Wyoming Police Department, Laramie three arrests for controlled substances during the operation.

County Sheriff ’s Office and the Cheyenne Police Department.

Wyoming law enforcement in Laramie and Albany counties Colorado agencies involved included the Larimer County also issued 39 speeding citations, four seatbelt citations, 16 other Sheriff ’s Office, Weld County Sheriff ’s Office, Fort Collins Police citations, and issued 144 warnings.

Department, Loveland Police Department, CSU Police DepartAs of Nov. 15, there was a total of 124 fatalities on Wyoming ment, Estes Park Police Department, and the Colorado State roads compared to 119 one year ago on the same date.

Patrol.

Fremont County team arrests three in Riverton during DUI operation RIVERTON – The newly formed multi-jurisdictional Fremont County DUI Team debuted in Riverton Oct. 27.

The team was staffed by officers of the Lander, Riverton and Shoshoni police departments and a deputy from the Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office. Chief Eric Hurtado of the Riverton Police Department hosted a briefing prior to the operation. The focus of this first operation was known areas of impaired driving crashes in Riverton.

During the operation, which ran into the early morning hours, team members made 62 traffic stops, issued 20 traffic citations, warned 45 motorists and arrested three impaired drivers.

Chief Chris Konija of the Shoshoni Police Department and Chief Scott Peters of the Lander Police Department participated in the operation. Chief Peters commented: “With all the high visibility enforcement in Riverton that evening, only two calls for service were made to the Riverton Police Department. This is a dramatic decrease from what is typically experienced in Riverton on a Friday night.”

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No motor vehicle crashes took place in Riverton during the operation.

The team is funded by a Wyoming Department of Transportation Highway Safety Behavioral Grant and is intended to focus high visibility enforcement on the areas in Fremont County that are impacted by impaired drivers and impaired driving crashes.

The Fremont County DUI Team will complement the efforts of the Fremont County DUI Task Force and will be staffed by law enforcement well trained in impaired driving detection and apprehension. The team uses data to direct enforcement efforts to reduce the incidence of impaired driving in Fremont County.

The team is operating under a historic memorandum of understanding between the agencies that allows for enforcement county-wide.

The Fremont County DUI Team plans to have two to three impaired driving enforcement events a month throughout Fremont County.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Wyoming, Colorado join forces for 2023 Border War

Freeze Louise!

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

From top to bottom: Riverton High School junior Mallorie Bichel paints a wintry Wyoming nature scene on a WYDOT plow recently named “Freeze Louise” as part of the inaugural “Name the Plow” contest in District 5.

Wind River High School student Cora Remacle paints a nature scene on the blade of “High Plains Drifter,” one of WYDOT’s plows based in Shoshoni. The plow was painted as part of WYDOT and the Wind River Intertribal Council DOT “Name the Plow” contest.

Riverton High School students Addison England, Haylee Harris (left plow) and Mallorie Bichel (right plow) paint WYDOT plow blades “Old Faithful” and “Freeze Louise.” Photos of the students and the painted plows will be used all winter to share plow safety information on social media.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

By Cody Beers A few WYDOT snowplows looked a little more artistic than usual Nov. 1 after high school students in Fremont County painted Wyoming scenes on plow blades. The activity was part of the WYDOT and Wind River Intertribal Council Department of Transportation “Name the Snow Plow” contest.

The idea behind the contest was to promote interest in snow plows and enhance awareness and improve driver safety around operating snow plow trucks, including among teen drivers.

Photographs shot of the students painting the plow blades will be used this winter to increase awareness and share safety tips regarding snow plows.

Local news agency County 10 helped promote the contest, which was funded by a Federal Highway Safety grant.

One of the winning name entries, Freeze Louise, was painted onto a WYDOT plow by Riverton High School junior Mallorie Bichel. RHS junior Addison England and freshman Haylee Harris painted another plow truck with the name Old Faithful. On Nov. 2-3, Wind River High School student Cora Remacle painted a Shoshoni WYDOT plow named High Plains Drifter.

Other winning name entries included: Polar Patroller, Grateful Sled, Clearapathra, WhiteCloud Trailblazer, Alice Scooper, Scooper Trooper, SNOlaf, SnowRunner, Kyttan, Rim Reaper, Winter Knights, Buster, Blitzer, Snowbegone Kenobe, Bigfoot, Flurryous George, Darth Blader, Odin, Snow-mater, Scooby Doo, Otis, Scoop Dog, The Crush, Blizzo, Gus, Plowasaurus Rex, Drifter, Drifty, Blizzard Buffalo, Klondike Kruzer, Brutus, Snow Angel, and Yer A Blizzard Harry.

Not all winning entries will be painted on a plow, but named plows will have posters to indicate names, and WYDOT will use different names on social media through the winter. There were no additional prizes for winners beyond bragging rights.

This was the first “Name the Plow” campaign that WYDOT has organized, and other districts might follow suit in the future.

The public is encouraged to keep an eye out for Fremont County’s newly named plows and other WYDOT plows around the state this winter.

Whether you’re traveling across town or across the state, remember to slow down and give plows room to do their work.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

District 5 spearheads plow naming effort in Fremont County

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Joint Transportation Committee tours TMC TMC for their efforts. He acknowledged that the work they do is difficult, yet extremely important.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

By Mark Horan Members of the Wyoming State Legislature’s Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee toured the Transportation Management Center on Nov. 3 to visit with dispatch staff and learn more about essential services that the TMC provides to the state.

Eleven members of the JTC participated in the two-hour long tour. GIS/ITS/TMC Program Manager Vince Garcia and ITS Developer Suzie Roseberry presented the group with some basic information about the TMC and touched on topics such as variable speed limits, the Wyoming Travel Authorization Program, and the process for closing roads during winter storms or high wind events.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the TMC and Patrol dispatch rooms, where the committee asked questions and got an up-close look at the technology used for monitoring travel conditions and responding to emergency situations.

During the tour, Rep. Landon Brown thanked everyone in the

Lead Dispatcher Brandon Hoover (seated) speaks to members of the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee and WYDOT staff during their tour of the Transportation Management Center.

Employee Safety Tailgate racks

Photo: WYDOT

By Jordan Striff, Employee Safety Every WYDOT maintenance facility, and many secondary sites, have homemade tailgate racks. These racks were built many years ago and were not engineered for their intended use. They also do not have any load ratings and have fallen into a state of disrepair.

Over the past several years, these racks have been failing on a more frequent basis. Structural failures, welds separating, pipe bending and cracking, excessive rust, pitting, loads falling, and not disconnecting from the host vehicle are the most common hazards seen. An employee was recently struck by a chain hoist that came loose from the overhead I-beam.

These systems are so old and deficient that WYDOT cannot get these systems to be annually inspected by An old rack system that could be in our vendors due to need of replacement with a new 1-ton the liability. capacity jib crane as shown above These tailgate right. racks have been identified by Employee Safety and Workers Compensation Risk Management as significant hazards that need to be replaced. ES, working in conjunction with Executive Staff, District Engineers,

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and the District Safety Representatives have found a solution. This includes purchasing 1-ton capacity jib cranes (shown below). These cranes should be procured over the next year and will replace every non-engineered tailgate rack system in our inventory.

Sander hangers are also a major concern but those systems are being taken out of service through attrition, with the purchase of our new sanders/portable tanks with freestanding legs. Due to the recent incidents and injury involving the chain hoist coming loose and striking an employee, supervisors who have these tailgate racks on site must ensure the following until their decommission: • Develop a Job Safety Analysis (PER 19-14) that covers mounting and dismounting truck tailgates or wing plows with these systems; • Conduct a daily safety brief with this JSA (PER 19-16); • Conduct documented training to all employees on how to safely use these structures; • Inspect each tailgate rack system before daily use; • Document any deficiencies and report them to your DSR or Employee Safety to investigate; • DO NOT use these systems if they are unsafe or present an immediate hazard.

Your local DSR representative can help determine if your system must be taken out of service.

Please contact Employee Safety dot-employee-safety@wyo.gov or your local DSR with any questions.

Training

Leading others as part of your leadership journey

By Christi Weinzierl, Training Services WYDOT employees may choose to attend just one or both of WYDOT-U’s training strategy focuses on equipping all these all-day sessions.

WYDOT employees to lead themselves, lead others and lead the WYdot Supervise is WYDOT-U’s training program for new agency.

WYDOT supervisors. The program includes both in-person and This FY2024 season includes several workshops for both new online training regarding both WYDOT-specific information and experienced supervisors that can help you on your leaderand best practices for becoming an effective supervisor. More ship journey as you develop your skills to lead others. information regarding WYdot Supervise is available on both the In February, Hal Pitt will facilitate a webinar entitled “EfTraining Services intranet page and NEOGOV. fective Performance Management.” This online workshop will To register for the aforementioned workshops or WYdot provide participants with tips for assessing performance and beSupervise, or to find other training opportunities to meet havior, giving construcyour needs, login to tive feedback, effectively NEOGOV. coaching others to peak Along with these performance, enforctraining opportunities, ing the disciplinary WYDOT-U also offers WYDOT New Supervisor Program process and rewarding another great option employees for a hard for helping you lead the day’s work. Hal Pitt others on your team: will return to WYDOT-U in June for an in-person workshop the Individual Development Plan. The IDP process includes focused on “Excelling as a Manager or Supervisor”. This full-day preparation, discussion and follow-up by both the employee and live session will address the difference between leadership and his or her supervisor to assess the employee’s needs and goals, management, steps to effective delegation, time and priorities plan actions to help achieve those goals and evaluate progress management tips and pitfalls to avoid as a manager. and decide appropriate next steps. A 10-Step Kickstarter docuA “double-header” by Phillis Lundy in August will feature ment is available on the Training Services Intranet page for both two courses: “Developing Peak Performers” and “Hiring Smart.” employees and supervisors to use to help them get started.

During “Developing Peak Performers” participants will master Leading Others is a crucial part of leadership! Taking part two types of interaction: directive and facilitative; three employee in these workshops offered by WYDOT-U, as well as guiding a Check out the an upcoming training opportunitiesPlan from development skills: role flexibility, readiness analysis and teaming member of your team through Individual Development WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. for success; and leading employees to their peak performance will help you with this facet of your leadership journey here at Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV through effective directions, coaching, mentoring, delegating WYDOT. to see upcoming training events! and empowering. “Hiring Smart” will help participants acquire essential hiring skills including job analysis, pre-screening techniques and behavioral interviewing to predict on-the-job success.

WY Supervise

Training@aGlance Training@aGlance

In December: Start Date Development Stage

Class Description

12/6/2023

Train the Trainer

Leading The Agency

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!

Class Hours

Location

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Cheyenne

Coming in January and February: Start Date Development Stage

Class Description

Class Hours

Location

1/23/2024 Leading Self

2/6/2024 Leading Others 2/13/2024 Leading Others

Myers Briggs (MBTI): Embracing Change / Managing Stress 1/23 – 1:00 pm-4:30 pm 1/24 – 8:30 am-4:30 pm WY Supervise New Supervisors Fundamentals See NeoGov for Schedule Effective Performance Management 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Cheyenne Cheyenne Cheyenne

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

December 2023

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District Briefs Headquarters

Welcome Gwen Allen, Driver Services-Laramie; Andrew Bartel, Traffic; Jerod Bivins, Planning-Statistics/Inventory; Diane Ditora, Fuel Tax-Administration; John Hodge, Facilities Management-Grounds; Jackie Hutchins, Fuel Tax-Uniformity; Colleen Krabbenhoft, Financial ServicesDisbursements; Katherine McCormick, Fuel Tax-Uniformity; Dominic Mirabal, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Coleton Ramirez, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Crystal Walls, Fuel Tax-Uniformity; and Ashley Whitehead, Financial ServicesRevenue.

Ditora

Service Awards Chica Thomas, Contracts and Estimates – 40 years; Kathleen Ahlenius, Maintenance Staff – 30 years; Christopher Schell, Patrol-Support Services Operation – 25 years; Christopher Martinez, Traffic – 15 years; Sabrina Ernst, Budget – 10 years; Jeffrey Lee, Facilities ManagementBuilding Maintenance – 10 years; Janae Bridges, Financial ServicesPayroll – 5 years; Erin King, Driver Services-CDL – 5 years; and John Kinsella, Patrol-Dispatch – 5 years.

Blaine Smith, a project geologist with Geology at headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in October with 28 years of service to Smith the state.

District 1

Welcome Cody Cockroft, Laramie Mechanics; and Cory Nuss, Laramie Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Thomas

Hutchins

Prior to working with WYDOT, Drake served with the US Air Force, and even spent time on F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from American Christian College, and also earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science from the USAF Academy.

Ahlenius

Craig Cox, Cheyenne Construction.

Service Awards

Walls

Cox

Promotions and Transfers

Steven Ross, Cheyenne Maintenance – 5 years.

Hunter Hinckley, Geology; Megan Horn, Financial ServicesDisbursements; Aaron Johnson, MaterialsSurfacing; Angel Portillo, BridgeEngineering Design; KC Ramsey, PatrolCommercial Carrier; Ramsey and Colby Smith, Materials-Bituminous.

Retirements

Schell

Ernst

Lee

King

Retirements

Douglas Drake, a technical operations principal with Planning’s Traffic Counter shop in Cheyenne, retired in October with 25 years of service to the state. Drake spent his entire career with the Traffic Counter shop, starting with WYDOT as a temporary summer employee before moving to full time.

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December 2023

David Hammond, a professional land surveyor with the District 1 Construction staff in Laramie, retired in October with 34 years of service.

Hammond first started with WYDOT with Photogrammetry and Surveys in Cheyenne. Hammond

District 2

Welcome Toby Bessey, Casper Mechanics; Noble Hoover, Wheatland Maintenance; Gordon Rhoades, Chugwater Maintenance; Stacy Stevens, Casper Maintenance; and Dustin Welch, Torrington Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Promotions and Transfers

Clint Christensen, Patrol-Casper; Willliam Strahan, Chugwater Maintenance; Raymond Thibodeau, Muddy Gap Maintenance; and Kyle Williams, Midwest Maintenance. Strahan

Allyson Cogburn, Pinedale Construction; James Davis, Pinedale Maintenance; Candice Hearn, Wamsutter Maintenance; Wallace Schulthess, PatrolEvanston; and Devon Stapel, Kemmerer Maintenance.

Service Awards

District 4

Welcome John Burdick, Buffalo Construction; and Bryan Ruppel, Hulett Maintenance.

Burdick

Timothy Harn, Douglas Maintenance – 25 years; and Michael Sinner, Torrington Maintenance – 20 years.

Cogburn

Hearn

Ruppel

Promotions and Transfers Richard Morrison, Patrol-Gillette; Jason Robinson, PatrolGillette; and Joseph Stetson, Gillette Construction.

Schulthess

Morrison

Stapel

Service Awards Harn

Sinner

District 3

Welcome Cole Allen, Rock Springs Maintenance; Codiann Curtis, Port of Entry-Evanston; Devin Nielsen, Lyman Maintenance; Alice Palkow, Port of Entry-Kemmerer; Shane Sanchez, Rock Springs Construction; and Devin Young, Granger Maintenance.

Allen

Sanchez

Don Beman, Lyman Maintenance – 25 years; and Daniel Calvey, Rock Springs Construction – 15 years.

Robinson

Beman

Stetson

Calvey

Be like Santa

Young

Buckle up!

December 2023

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Service Awards Jack Scribner, Newcastle Construction – 25 years; Leslie Moore, Reno Junction Maintenance – 5 years; and David Morris, Port of Entry-Sheridan – 5 Scribner years.

Moore

Morris

District 5

Welcome Joshua Ferran, Cody Construction; Thomas Layton, Meeteetse Maintenance; Jesse Preator, Basin Mechanics; and Reese Rettinghouse, Basin Mechanics.

Promotions and Transfers Joshua Kipley, Cody Construction; and Jason Parker, Worland Maintenance.

Letters Motor Vehicle Services going the extra mile Dear Shannon (DeGrazio), Thank you so much for calling back and aiding me and Karen, my wife, with this issue. I have attached the paperwork I received from Pennsylvania and with it a photo of the car, registration and a letter Karen was going to send. I added the photos and letter as background information for you. You obviously understand the mistaken identification and the nearly identical truck license with our passenger car license. I assume that is all occurred via CCTV cameras and the like and the entire process was probably completed without a single human involved, and likely the cause of the error. So much for AI at this point. I was surprised to find out how common an occurrence this type of issue has been throughout the country.

We greatly appreciate that the state of Wyoming provides this service to its citizens. It is very helpful.

Again, thanks,

Terry and Karen Sheridan, WY

And as a follow up to the original letter: Dear Shannon (DeGrazio), My wife and I sent an email to the Department of Human Resources giving you a wonderful review for providing such a great service and being such a wonderful advocate for us and the citizens of Wyoming. We rarely give reviews unsolicited but felt in your case it was not only justified but well deserved. It is nice to get a pat on the back once in a while in this world where not enough recognition is given to those who not only do a great job but just do their job.

Thank you,

Karen and Terry Sheridan, WY

Service Awards Matthew Jones, Ten Sleep Maintenance – 15 years; Michael Miller, Basin Construction – 15 years; and Bryce Gilbert, Thermopolis Maintenance – 5 years.

Jones

Miller

SubMit yOur WYDOT pet pHotos to be feAtured quArTerLy senD pHotos anD desCripTiOnS to carLiE.dakinS@wyO.gov 14 Interchange

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December 2023

phot o deadl ine Janu ary 15

Noteworthy

By Carlie Dakins An 80th birthday party for a beloved retiree in early November proved to also be a reunion of sorts.

The birthday girl, Joyce Wagner, retired from the Public Affairs Office in 2009. Retirees, former employees and even one current employee joined in on the festivities.

Seated from left: Joyce Wagner, retired Public Affairs Office administration; Janice Burlew, retired Grants and Contracts; Carol Crawford, retired Materials; and Lisa Murphy, former Public Affairs officer. Standing from left: Doug McGee, current Public Affairs officer; Annette Tichac, former Financial Services; Dave Kingham, retired Public Affairs Office deputy officer; Karen Obermeier, retired Executive Staff administration; Bruce Burrows, retired Public Affairs Office senior writer; Debbie Eccli, retired Budget; Pam Hendricks, retired Traffic

Photo: WYDOT

A birthday celebration and WYDOT reunion in one

administration; Jennifer Nelson, former Internal Review; Jeanneane Askey, retired Highway Development-Project

TOA S T M A S T E R S

Roadmasters Chapter

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

Are you terrified of speaking to a group, no matter the size?

Development; and Pat Graham, former Office Services-Mail Room.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPED AND PRACTICED

TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE.

BEING A PART OF TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP

PREPARE YOU FOR THAT NEXT WYDOT JOB INTERVIEW.

Contact Spencer Travis or Brian Rentner for more information. The group meets at noon ever y Monday in the I-80 Training room. https://roadmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/ December 2023

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December 2023

WTDEA

Annual HQ Halloween coloring contest Headquarters WTDEA and WyHy members and family members are invited to join in the coloring fun several times per year. The Halloween edition had another great turnout and the winners chosen were awarded a haul of Halloween candies.

The winners for the 2023 Halloween coloring contest were: Category Place 3 and Under First Second Third

Artist’s Name Haddie Hansen Calley Lindsay Freya Osterling

Member Rachel Hansen/Internal Review Chelsea Lindsay/Budget Amy Pearson/Drivers Services

4 to 6

First Second Third

Sylvie Grant Eliana Bray Ellis Bradfield

Christine Grant/Budget Mattie Bray/Financial Services Katherine Bradfield/Traffic

7 to 9

First Second Third

Quinn Wild Kinsley Romero Logan Schei

Renee Wild/Geology Doug Crabtree/Geology Laura Schei/Maintenance

10 to 12

First Second Third

Galena Mordahl Gianna Mordahl Leah Yearout

Justin Mordahl/Geology Justin Mordahl/Geology Jeri Yearout/Bridge

13 and Over First Second Third

Jane Pivik Isla Walther Stephanie Lowe

Chris Pivik/Contracts & Estimates Josh Walther/Patrol Environmental Services

3 and under 4 to 6

13 and over

10 to 12

7 to 9

Spooky Season Boo! Did we scare you?

Photo: WYDOT

By Jordan Young Headquarters was alive with monsters, zombies, skeletons, ghosts and a band of swashbuckling pirates on Halloween this year.

Thanks to all who embraced the spooky holiday spirit!

Motor Vehicle Services

Photo: WYDOT

Budget

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Highway Safety

Procurement Services

December 2023

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THE BEST GIFT OF THE SEASON!

NOVEMBER 1- FEBRUARY 29TH

0% APR* ON VISA PURCHASES & TRANSFERS A 0% APR* VISA® CREDIT CARD RATE THAT YOU GET AUTOMATICALLY - JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND TRAVELING From November 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, all WyHy VISA® card purchases will be set at a magical 0% APR* until next August!

NO TRANSFER FEE NO ANNUAL FEE NO OVER LIMIT FEE Don't have a WyHy VISA®?

No problem! Apply now and enjoy a holiday season filled with savings and joy!

WYHY.ORG/0VISA APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Promotional rate valid through August 2024 billing cycle, rate will revert to normal qualified rate after that date. New and existing card holders are eligible. Terms & Conditions may apply. Rates, Terms & Promotion are subject to eligibility and may change without notice.

FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

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December 2023

Break Time Answers to the November 2023 Break Time Wyoming town word puzzle Cokeville

Devils Tower

Gillette

Pitch Fork

Recluse

Baggs

Burns

Ucross

Greybull

Cora

Spotted Horse

Lynch

Lone Tree

Bighorn

Casper

Aladdin

Grover

Carter

Kirby

Canyon

Sage

Daniel

Burnt Fork

Diamondville

Redbird

Eden

Cheyenne

Sunrise

Four Corners

Elmo

Pavilion

Point of Rocks

Powder River

Big Trails

Guernsey

Lost Cabin

Otto

West Thumb

Opal

Fairview

Elk Basin

Manville

Burlington

Medicine Bow

Emblem

Carpenter

Hudson

Story

Shell

Chugwater

Buffalo

Sinclair

Kelly

Jackson

Superior

Garland

Frontier

Sundance

Boulder

Freedom

Auburn

Lander

Rock River

Veteran

Federal

Crowheart

Savory

Atlantic City

Banner

Washam

Sudoku time!

Try your hand at a Sudoku puzzle. A puzzle with numbers, but no math!

How to play Sudoku: • Fill each 3 x 3 set with numbers 1-9.

• Fill cells until the board is complete.

Numbers in sets, rows or columns cannot repeat.

Note: Each number can only appear on the board 9 times.

2 7

3 9 4

6 6 8 5 1 7

4 9 9 2 1 9 5

1 8

1 2

6

5

Clark

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address: 1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Dakins at carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.

Add me to the mailing list Retiree Employee

Change my address

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

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

Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip

December 2023

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Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

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

DON'T CROWD GIVE 'EM

THE PLOW ROOM TO

WORK!