Interchange

Iconic signs find new homes Public auctions highly successful

By Mark Horan

The “Welcome to Wyoming” road signs that stood at the state’s borders for years have been relocated through a series of auctions put on by Wyoming State Surplus Property.

Over the course of four rounds of bidding between January and May, 25 signs and five sets of sign faces (sheeting only) went for a total of $132,608.79. These proceeds will go toward maintenance projects on Wyoming roads.

The sign auctions saw considerable interest, with winning bids ranging from a low of $609 to a high of $11,600. Several of the signs had bullet holes in them, and many had been adorned with stickers over time. The highest bid sign notably came with an “NC17” sticker affixed to the front.

“I knew we’d probably have a good turnout, but I didn’t have a clue it’d be as popular as it has been,” Madden said.

Madden emphasized the broader appeal of the initiative beyond just revenue.

“It’s not necessarily just about making money; people seem to love the signs, and they really are unique piece of Wyoming history,” said Madden. “I’m really proud of them, and I know the guys who made them at the Sign Shop are too.”

Auctions netted more than $130,000, with the proceeds going toward maintenance projects on Wyoming roads.

Jeff Madden, the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Warehouse manager, is responsible for posting and monitoring the WYDOT items that go up for auction on the Public Surplus website. He expressed his surprise and satisfaction with the auction results.

Madden mentioned he enjoys the positive interactions with buyers when they come to pick the signs up.

“It’s really neat to hear their stories as to why they wanted one and what they plan on doing with it,” Madden commented.

This year’s sign auctions attracted a diverse range of buyers, from a high-end car dealer looking for a creative marketing tool to an individual wanting to put a piece of local memorabilia in their hunting cabin. One

This sign was purchased for $11,600, the highest bid among the group of 25 signs that went up for public auction.

Photo: Jeff Madden

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.

purchaser, originally from Wyoming, now lives on the East Coast.

Among the enthusiastic buyers was Sam Haack, a Realtor in Teton County who is using the sign for his podcast studio in Jackson.

“Not only does it look great in my workspace, it’s also a great conversation starter,” Haack said.

Haack has a sense of nostalgia for the old sign design.

“I didn’t want to see them change,” he said, laughing as he added that he’ll probably feel the same way about the new signs when it comes time for their replacement years from now.

As a history buff and collector of memorabilia from Wyoming, Idaho, and ski towns, Haack learned about the sign auction through a friend. After his purchase, he made a video with the sign that went viral on Instagram. https:// www.instagram.com/reel/DHrgEl2xEx5/?hl=en

Teton County Realtor Sam Haack in his Jackson office. “This is the coolest possible backdrop I could imagine,” Haack said. “It will benefit my personal brand as a real estate agent when I do video clips to go along with my podcast.”

moving from Wisconsin to Wyoming,” Haack said. “It’s kind of neat to have that personal connection.”

Haack initially aimed for the sign on Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass, which he drove past frequently. He was outbid though, “presumably by a wealthy individual from Wilson,” he said. But he found another sign that held personal significance.

“The one I ended up with is pretty darn cool; it’s the sign that I first saw seven years ago when I drove through the Black Hills

The state’s welcome signs are redesigned every seven to 10 years. Madden is confident that Public Surplus will continue the tradition of auctioning off Welcome signs after they’ve aged out.

“It’s well worth the effort to put the signs up for auction,” Madden said. “I’m glad the state does this.”

Bidders were not deterred by bullet holes or stickers. This sign went for $9,200.

Photo: Jeff Madden

Photo: Sam Haack

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

$18.5 million in highway contracts in May

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded $18.5 million in contracts for 11 Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its May 15 regular business meeting.

The Commission awarded a $13.69 million bid to Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors for a bridge replacement project involving structure work, asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, traffic control and grading work at various locations within Platte County. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2027.

Cheyenne-based Reiman Corp. was awarded a $1.48 million bid for a bridge replacement project involving structure work, grading, seeding/erosion control, aggregate surfacing and traffic control work on approximately 0.10 mile of County Road 702, the bridge over Muddy Creek, in Carbon County. The contract completion date is July 31, 2026.

Based out of Casper, Keyhole Technologies LLC was awarded a $491,410 bid for a sign replacement project involving signing and traffic control work at various locations within Big Horn, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Washakie Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

The Commission awarded a $587,900 bid to Rock Springs-based DeBernardi Construction Company Inc. for a slab replacement project involving concrete paving work, traffic control, sidewalk work, aggregate surfacing and curb and gutter work in various locations within Lincoln and Sweetwater Counties, totaling to approximately 0.20 mile. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Cheyenne-based Traffic Safety Services Inc. was awarded a $391,150 bid for a pavement markings project involving pavement striping and traffic control at various locations within Carbon and Laramie Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Based out of Casper, Superior Sign

& Supply LLC was awarded a $323,441 bid for a pavement marking project involving pavement striping and traffic control work at various locations within Converse, Goshen, Natrona and Platte Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

The Commission awarded Cowley-based S & L Industrial a $281,020 bid for a pavement markings project involving pavement striping and traffic control work at various locations within Campbell, Crook, Sheridan and Weston Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

S&L Industrial was also awarded a $225,469 bid for a pavement markings project involving pavement striping and traffic control at various locations within Fremont, Park and Washakie Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Montana-based Streamline Markings Inc. was awarded a $330,600 bid for a pavement markings project involving pavement striping and traffic control at various locations within Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater and Teton Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

All of the above projects are funded primarily with federal dollars.

Funded primarily with state dollars, S & L Industrial was awarded a $445,503 bid for a logo sign upgrade project involving signing and traffic control in various locations within Albany, Carbon, Laramie and Sweetwater Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Also funded primarily with state dollars, Gillette-based Wescom Inc. was awarded a $258,579 bid for a pedestrian crossing lighting project involving electrical work and traffic control at the pedestrian crossings over Interstate 25 at mile marker 13.23 and over Interstate 80 at mile marker 361.04 in Cheyenne. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

Texting scam regarding unpaid tolls

CHEYENNE – The Public Affairs Office received reports of employees and members of the public receiving a

scam text message regarding unpaid tolls. The scammers even spoofed WYDOT’s website.

If you, your friends or family have received or get a text like the one shown below, do NOT click the link – just delete it.

A screenshot of an incoming text stating that the recipient has unpaid tolls. The incoming text is a scam and recipients are urged to not reply.

District 1

District pavement patching job in Cheyenne underway

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors have begun a district pavement-patching job on Wyoming Highway 212/College Drive in Cheyenne.

The first phase of the project has begun on Wyoming Highway 212/College Drive from mile marker 2.72-3.67, South Greeley Highway to Laramie County Community College. Crews are upgrading American’s with Disabilities Act compliant features at the intersection of College Drive and Avenue C and then will proceed with lowering manholes, milling and paving. There will be traffic shifts in order to complete work, as well as a possible short-duration detour for Avenue C for the removals and concrete cure time. A 12-foot width restriction

Photo: WYDOT

will be in place.

Crews will then move to US Highway 30/East Lincolnway between mile markers 368.36-371.13, Craigy J to Archer. Work includes milling and paving operations. There will be flagger and pilot car operations during this phase. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place.

The final phase of the district pavement patch job will move to US Highway 287 south of Laramie between mile markers 407.5-409.9. Crews will mill the existing chip seal and place a plant mix wearing course. Flaggers and a pilot car should be expected during this phase. Once paving is complete, rumble strips will be ground into the shoulders and centerline of the roadway. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place.

WYO 130 through the Snowy Range opens for the season

LARAMIE – The seasonally closed section of Wyoming Highway 130 through the Snowy Range has officially reopened for the summer.

Crews from Laramie and Saratoga, with some assistance from Casper and Cheyenne crews, started work on the 12-mile stretch of the scenic byway in mid-May with a target reopening date of Memorial Day weekend. Multiple rotary plows, snowcats and other heavy equipment were used to clear drifts of snow as tall as 15 feet.

WYDOT District 1 Area Maintenance Supervisor Eric Anderson warns drivers that spring snowstorms can still happen at higher elevations. Conditions may be impassable overnight. Travelers should take their time and be aware there may still be road hazards.

The highway is one of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming that closes annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical. The scenic byway, which tops out at 10,800 feet in the Snowy Range, closed for the winter season Nov. 19.

WYO 70 over Battle Pass opened for the season

SARATOGA – Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crews

reopened the seasonally-closed section of Wyoming Highway 70 for the summer season.

Crews from Saratoga and Baggs started work on the 23-mile stretch of highway in early May, using multiple rotary plows and other heavy equipment to clear large drifts of snow.

The highway is one of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming that closes annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical. This season the route, which tops out at 9,955 feet as it crosses the Continental Divide at Battle Pass, closed Dec. 4.

WYDOT maintenance crews may be in the area into June to make repairs to items like guardrail or sign posts damaged by snow. Stay alert for workers in the area and be prepared to slow down.

WYDOT motor grader vandalized on WYO 70 near Baggs

BAGGS – A Wyoming Department of Transportation motor grader was vandalized on May 17 on Wyoming Highway 70 near Baggs.

A concerned citizen reported the vandalism to an area foreman.

Upon investigation, the damage included windows and lights shot out, along with all six tires. The initial estimated damage in parts alone is between $10,000-$15,000. Replacing the windows and other repairs may take several weeks.

The motor grader was on a closed portion of WYO 70 at the time of the incident. WYDOT District 1 has two seasonally closed passages that open around the Memorial Day weekend. Crews had worked on opening the passes since the beginning of the month.

Crews take advantage of the closure to address road maintenance before the busy summer season. That includes fixing guardrail, potholes and a myriad of other maintenance issues before opening the seasonal closures. WYDOT also takes into account future weather forecasting before opening the passes. Spring storms bring snow and wind to the passes that can strand motorists.

“Current forecasting showed our maintainers storms coming in that would

bring up to 10 inches of snow and 45 mph wind gusts, essentially blowing closed the passes. When our equipment is damaged that is essential to open our passes, it delays the whole process”, Tim Morton, Maintenance engineer explained.

Under Wyoming statute 6-3-201 detailing property destruction and defacement, the damage to the motor grader is a felony level offense.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the vandalism. If anyone knows more information, please contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol at (307) 777-4321.

Paving work underway at I-80 near Wagonhound

RAWLINS – Crews with Avail Valley Construction and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work along Interstate 80 near Wagonhound May 7.

Work took place between mile markers 258.75 to 267.19 in the westbound lanes only.

Work included mill and overlay, with a high performance wearing course, and slab replacements in various locations. Crews were also be repaving the Wagonhound Rest Area parking lot. Access to the Wicks/Beumee Wildlife Habitat Management Area remained open.

Motorists on the interstate should expect possible delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and lowered speed limits. Steep grades along the road section may slow interstate traffic even further.

Briefs continued on page 6

A vandalized WYDOT motor grader near Baggs on WYO 70.

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT maintenance

crews began paving in Laramie County

CHEYENNE — Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation are starting seasonal paving operations in various locations around Laramie County beginning May 5.

Work began near Albin at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 216 and Wyoming Highway 213. WYO 216 was closed to through traffic from mile markers 0-3 while paving operations took place. Traffic was detoured to WYO 213.

Crews then moved to WYO 216 between mile markers 16.18-16.47 in the town of Albin. Other locations in Laramie County maintenance crews plan to pave this year include:

• WYO 213 between mile markers 1111.7 and mile markers 18.1-18.2

• Interstate 25 at mile markers 25.45, 28.9, and 30.75

• Wyoming Highway 210/Happy Jack Road at mile marker 3

• US Highway 30/East Lincolnway at mile marker 6.94

Please note the above list is not necessarily in project order; crews may move between these locations based on weather conditions, material and equipment availability, or other factors.

This paving project is expected to be complete in about one month.

Work resumed on US 30 in Pine Bluffs

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors began work on US Highway 30 in Pine Bluffs on May 5.

The project was a carryover from 2024. The project limits are between Parson Street and the Wyoming/Nebraska state line, mile markers 401.76-403.02.

Crews began by installing inlets and culvert cleaning. They also widened shoulders and finished the new railroad crossing on Butler Avenue. Once completed, crews milled and applied overlay. A 12-foot width restriction was in place for the duration of the project.

During milling and paving operations,

traffic encountered flagger and pilot car operations.

The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of June.

Traffic detoured north of Laramie on US 30/287

LARAMIE – A mile long detour went into effect on US Highway 30/287 north of Laramie the first full week of May.

A local business was constructing a rail spur that crosses under US 30/287 near mile marker 318. In doing so, crews need to erect a bridge to span the rail spur.

While work is underway, traffic is detoured. Motorists encountered a reduced speed limit of 35 mph through the unpaved detour. There is a 16 foot width restriction in place.

The work, requiring the detour, is anticipated to be completed by Oct. 10, 2025.

District 3

I-80 work west of Green River caused interchange closures

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Acme Concrete Paving Inc. began concrete pavement repairs on Interstate 80 between mileposts 83 and 86 on May 29. Drivers encountered single lane closures and decreased speeds as work was occurring. The lane closures were intermittent and did vary on a daily basis.

Beginning May 31, the eastbound off-ramp at Exit 85 at the Covered Wagon Interchange and the connector road between I-80 and Wyoming Highway 374 were closed for concrete pavement repairs and cattle guard replacement. Crews have a 45-day window for the closure at the intersection to complete the work, although the goal is to finish the work in about four weeks.

Drivers who need to access the north side of I-80 will no longer have access from WYO 374, Jamestown Road, during that time. Those wishing to access Gaensslen Road or Rolling Green Country Club from Green River will have to take the westbound off-ramp at Exit 85. Residential access and emergency access to the north side of I-80 will be maintained

Total number of employees: As of May 9, 2025 1,833

One month ago 1,858 One year ago 1,831

Total number of highway fatalities: As of May 1, 2025 28 One year ago 20

throughout the duration of closures with localized flagging operations. Drivers wishing to access Love’s truck stop from I-80, both eastbound and westbound, are encouraged to use Exit 83.

Work began this summer on the concrete pavement rehabilitation project between mile marker 83 and 86 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes on the west side of Green River. Travelers will see single lane closures in each direction and should expect reduced speeds of 45 mph at intermittent locations throughout the project limits. The work will include concrete slab replacement, smoothness grinding and resealing concrete joints. The completion date for this work is Oct. 31, 2025. The contractor is Acme Concrete Paving Inc. out of Spokane, Wash..

A diagram of the Covered Wagon Interchange closures.

Traffic routed through Green River for barrier repair

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation routed eastbound Interstate 80 traffic through Green River on Flaming Gorge Way on May 20 to repair and realign struck concrete barriers. In addition, maintenance crews were working in the closure area to address and repair potholes. The traffic detour was in place for about 4-5 hours while crews repaired the barrier. Once the work was completed, traffic was moved back to the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel.

Crews closed Exit 130 off-ramp for milling

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. moved forward with the Interstate 80 Point of Rocks construction project. With warming temperatures, crews mobilized quickly for milling and

paving operations.

On May 19, WYDOT and contract crews closed the westbound off-ramp at exit 130 near Point of Rocks. The closure lasted one day. The closure was necessary for crews to safely facilitate the milling operations on the off-ramp.

Milling and paving operations continue on I-80 from mile marker 130 to 138 in both directions. Travelers experienced head-to-head traffic in the eastbound lanes and drivers encountered reduced speeds of 65 mph. Paving operations began May 27.

Starting the week of May 27, crews were also working at Point of Rocks Interchange at Exit 130 installing cattle guards on the crossroad. The work necessitated lane closures and traffic was controlled by localized flaggers. Drivers accessing areas from these interchanges and the service road encountered delays and needed to plan their travels accordingly.

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, but the contractor is tentatively scheduled to finish all work in 2025.

Wildlife structures see early usage on WYO 22

Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Teton County are pleased to see that wildlife are using crossing structures incorporated in the Snake River Bridge and Intersection project on Wyoming State Highway 22 already, despite the ongoing construction in the area.

WYDOT engineers were notified by a local rancher that a grizzly bear was moving through the area near the project. WYDOT Project Engineer Mick Farrell, who was working onsite, was able to capture some photos of the bear as it crossed the river to the west side south of the bridge. The bear then used the wildlife bridge west of the Snake River – that was constructed as part of the project – to continue north.

“The crews were alerted to the fact a bear was near the work site. And we watched it cross the river to the west side. With the wildlife fencing already constructed, we assumed the bear would likely use the west structure, which he did. It

was pretty amazing to see firsthand the wildlife crossings working,” said Farrell.

As part of the planning for the project, WYDOT convened a wildlife subcommittee, which included Teton County, Wyoming Game and Fish, and other wildlife organizations, to help pinpoint locations and guide the design for the wildlife crossings to include with the project. Currently, there are four wildlife crossing features that have been constructed as part of the project. These features include an extension of the new bridge on the east side, two box culverts near the intersection, and a wildlife bridge on the west side of the new Snake River Bridge that was used by the bear. WYDOT, Teton County, and the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust partnered in funding the four structures. Teton County Specific Project Excise Tax funds also supported the project, which local voters approved in 2019.

“This location was the highest priority in Teton County’s Wildlife Crossing Master Plan for wildlife and human safety,” said Teton County Public Works Project Manager Chris Colligan. “We’re thrilled to see the wildlife crossings being used successfully already.”

Construction projects underway on WYO 22

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Ames Construction have been working this spring on two projects in Teton County on Wyoming Highway 22, gearing up for the summer construction season.

WYO 22 Snake River Bridge

WYDOT and contract crews from Ames worked in the Snake River channel

Briefs continued on page 8

Photo: Google Earth/WYDOT

New wildlife underpass already being used by the locals on WYO 22.

Photo: WYDOT

beginning May 12. Drivers didn’t see any traffic delays, but river users needed to stay alert and exercise caution while moving through the work area. Crews used a snooper truck to access the underside of the bridge to bolt cross braces on the new bridge. To complete the job, crews needed to work over the main river channel. River users were advised not to float under the work area and a flagger was present at the Wilson boat ramp to alert river users of any potential hazards.

In addition to the work in the river channel, crews wrapped up pavement operations at the intersection with the final concrete pours on May 14 and May 16. Drivers traveling to Wyoming Highway 390 northbound from WYO 22 were directed to make a right hand turn at the intersection signal while the work was underway. For more information about the current work going on at the WYO 22/WYO 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit https://wy22wilsonsrb. com.

WYO

22 Big Fill Slide

Ames Construction cleared snow in preparation for spring work on the Big Fill landslide on Teton Pass. Crews moved into the final phases of work package No. 2 with hopes of completing the work by the end of July. WYDOT and Ames spent the fall and part of the winter of 2024 working on key construction elements rebuilding and reinforcing the slope, including a robust drainage system, lightweight embankment and foundational improvements for the section of roadway.

WYDOT and contract crews now work around the clock, six days a week, bringing in lightweight fill and other materials to complete the embankment. Travelers will see more activity in the coming weeks, with occasional heavy truck traffic moving in and out of the site. Crews hope to complete the slope stabilization work by the end of June, and tentatively plan to start paving operations on the new roadway by the beginning of July. More information about the reconstruction of the Big Fill Slide can be viewed here: Big Fill Slide progress video or at Big Fill Slide media kit.

Progress on WYO 22 Big Fill Slide rebuild.

Traffic routed through Green River for I-80 bridge repair

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation detoured westbound Interstate 80 traffic through Green River on Flaming Gorge Way on May 2 to perform pavement repairs on the bridge expansion joint. The traffic detour was in place for about three hours while crews completed the work. Following the work, traffic was moved back to the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel.

The legal load only restriction – which is an 8 foot, 6 inch width – remains on I-80 traffic in the eastbound tunnel. Oversized vehicles need to contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s oversize loads permit office for detour information. https://whp.wyo.gov/commercial-carrier/ ports-of-entry

I-80 traffic was detoured while pavement repairs were being performed on the expansion joints of the bridge that crosses over Cemetery Road.

I-80 roadwork impacted interchanges near Point of Rocks

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation gears up for another season of construction in Sweetwater County, which will include substantial work on Interstate 80 near Point of Rocks with contract crews from McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co.

Work is underway from mile marker 130 to 138 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes. Travelers began encountering head-to-head traffic in the eastbound lanes May 2, and drivers saw reduced speeds of 65 MPH. Crews milled the westbound lanes in preparation for paving operations.

Starting the week of May 5, crews began working at Black Butte Interchange at exit 136 installing cattle guards on the crossroad. The work necessitated lane closures and traffic was controlled by localized flaggers. Drivers accessing areas from these interchanges were asked to expect delays and plan their travels accordingly. Drivers were also asked to be aware of haul trucks and construction traffic for the duration of the project.

Crews moved on to the Point of Rocks Interchange the week of May 12 at exit 130 to install cattle guards on the crossroad. The work was similar to the operation at the Black Butte Interchange and drivers encountered similar traffic control including lane closures, construction flaggers and delays.

Photo: WYDOT

Webcam image of I-80 looking eastbound at Point of Rocks.

Photo: WYDOT

Crews restricted free right onto WYO 390

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Ames Construction closed access to the free right ramp from Wyoming Highway 22 onto Wyoming Highway 390 near the Snake River Bridge on April 28. The closure was necessary for crews to replace a light pole at the intersection.

Vehicles had access to WYO 390, the Village Road, by turning right at the signal, instead of using the free right.

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 and WYO 390 in Teton County. The completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

District 4

Bighorn Mountain scenic pass open for the season

SHERIDAN – One of Wyoming’s popular mountain passes was opened for the season in time for Memorial Day travels.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation opened US Highway 14A on May 22.

Highway maintenance crews from Lovell and Burgess Junction have cleared the highway of winter snow accumulations. This task required the use of snow plows, motor graders with a V-plow or snow blower attachment, and two rotary plows to remove up to 8 feet of accumulated snow in places along this 22-mile stretch of scenic mountain road.

US 14A typically closes after Thanksgiving and opens by Memorial Day weekend.

US 14A is one of four mountain passes affected by seasonal winter closures. WYDOT closes these routes in the late fall once maintaining the roads due to heavy, drifting snow makes it difficult and impractical.

Seasonal paving underway in Crook, Weston Counties

SUNDANCE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 began seasonal paving operations in various locations around northeast Wyoming, specifically Crook and Weston Counties, on May 19. Paving operations began on Wyoming Highway 111 near the Northeast Wyoming Welcome Center at mile markers .25-.75, and mile markers 5-5.5. Crews moved to Wyoming Highway 24 between mile markers 31-32. Other locations in Crook and Weston Counties maintenance crews plan to pave this year include:

• WYO 24 between mile markers 24.224.6;

• Wyoming Highway 212 between mile markers 12-13;

• WYO 24 between mile markers 5-5.2;

• Interstate 90 on and off ramps at exit 154 at Moorcroft;

• US Highway 16 between mile markers 226.3-227;

• Wyoming Highway 116 south between mile markers 3.6-4.1;

• Wyoming Highway 450 between mile markers 4.2-4.5; and

• US Highway 85 south between mile markers 225.5-226.5.

To complete a paving operation, 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, tow-truck 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.

Paving operations in Crook and Weston County are expected to be complete by the middle of June and move to Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan counties over the summer months. All project scheduling is subject to change.

WYDOT snowplow struck on I-25 south of Buffalo

BUFFALO – A Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplow was struck by a semitruck May 6 while conducting plowing operations on Interstate 25 south of Buffalo.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near milepost 286 on southbound I-25. The WYDOT snowplow driver reported that a semitruck hit the passenger side of the front plow while the plow was in the southbound passing lane with the plow blade in the raised position.

According to the snowplow driver, a semitruck was observed approaching in the southbound travel lane via the passenger side mirror. The semi appeared to be drifting into the passing lane behind the plow. The plow driver maneuvered closer to the shoulder to provide the semitruck with more space. As the semitruck passed, it drifted further into the passing lane and in front of the snowplow, resulting in the trailer striking the right front corner of the plow.

The semitruck continued southbound without stopping. However, law enforcement subsequently apprehended the driver at milepost 225. The driver was issued a citation for failing to stop and provide information after damaging property.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Road conditions at the time of the incident were reported as wet.

This incident marks the fifteenth snowplow strike for WYDOT this season and the third within District 4.

WYDOT is urging drivers to exercise increased caution and awareness when driving. This includes eliminating all distractions, checking road conditions

Briefs continued on page 10

Briefs continued from page 9 prior to travel, adjusting driving speeds to match the prevailing conditions, and remaining vigilant for the presence of snowplows.

Close-up of the damaged blade of a Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplow, showing the impact point from a collision.

Highway improvement project awarded for WYO 51 near Rozet

GILLETTE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.8 million contract to Avail Valley Construction LLC of Afton, Wyo., to perform a mill and overlay project on Wyoming Highway 51 between mile markers 136 and 143.

Avail Valley Construction mobilized the week of May 5, with milling operations beginning the week of May 12.

During the milling and paving operations, motorists encountered lane closures. Traffic was guided through the work zone with a pilot car and flaggers stationed at each end. A reduced speed limit was used within the construction zone. Additionally, a 12-foot width restriction was in place.

WYDOT anticipates the completion of this project by early July.

District 5

Thermopolis public meeting focuses on Broadway Street bridge

THERMOPOLIS – The 2025 Broadway Street bridge restoration project was the subject of a May 28 public meeting in Thermopolis.

Thermopolis and East Thermopolis citizens and business owners were invited to the 6 p.m. public meeting at the Hot Springs County Annex, 327 Arapahoe St., in Thermopolis.

During bridge improvements, beginning June 6, the Broadway Street bridge (crossing the Bighorn River) was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. During the bridge closure, eastbound traffic was detoured via North 2nd Street, to East Park Street and through Hot Springs State Park, to Buffalo Street, and to East Arapahoe Street. Westbound traffic leaving East Thermopolis was required to follow the same detour.

S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette, is the prime contractor on the $2.19 million project in Thermopolis. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to S&S Builders in February.

The project includes removal and replacement of the bridge deck, bridge substructure repairs and painting, approach slab replacement, sidewalk repair, bridge rail and approach paving.

The Broadway Street bridge in Thermopolis where bridge rehabilitation is in process.

Erosion repair project suspended west of Cody

CODY – Work on a $3.57 million erosion repair and guardrail replacement project was suspended until after Labor Day along the edge of Buffalo Bill Reser-

voir west of Cody.

The contract with prime contractor Wilson Brothers Construction Inc., of Cowley, requires work on the project to be suspended between Memorial Day weekend and through Labor Day weekend.

“This shutdown is required for high water levels in the reservoir during the summer months that will impact the work area where machine placed riprap is being placed for erosion repair,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Work will resume after Labor Day when the water levels fall below the work area.”

Frost said the contractor “has reached a good stopping point and is suspending this project early.”

Traffic movements were returned to normal two-way traffic on May 13 and the 14-foot width restriction was rescinded.

“We will have one day the week of May 19 when flaggers will be used to remove the remaining construction signs. During this time, traffic delays will be minimal,” Frost said.

Work will resume after Labor Day weekend, about Sept. 2.

The US 14/16/20 project is located west of the highway tunnels along Buffalo Bill Reservoir from milepost 43.860 (the rockfall fence) and extending about a mile east toward Cody at milepost 44.78 (a popular cliff diving location west of the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center pullout).

A 12-foot-high gabion rock wall was constructed west of the cliff diving location for about 344 feet, which is similar to the existing rock wall between the cliff diving location and the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center parking area. The remainder of the slope will have machine-placed rock riprap placed on the slope to protect the roadway.

Contract completion date is Dec. 31, 2025.

Striping crews on highways; drivers asked to slow down

THERMOPOLIS – Wyoming Department of Transportation striping crews are painting stripes on highways in central and northwest Wyoming, and crews ask for help from drivers this spring and summer.

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: Jesse Maschke/WYDOT

“We really need people to give us a ‘brake.’ Spring striping is centerline striping, which is a 15 mph process,” said WYDOT rural striping foreman Kyle Jorgensen of Lander. “Please slow down.”

Beginning May 12, WYDOT’s rural striping crew worked between Riverton and Diversion Dam on US Highway 26, and on highways near Thermopolis.

A WYDOT striping truck striping centerline.

Big Horn Basin hot-mix patching

RIVERTON – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew began hot-mix patching work May 19 in the Big Horn Basin.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt pavement patching work is scheduled May 19 on Wyoming Highway 191 (South Fork) near Cody; May 20 on Wyoming Highway 295 (Willwood) south of Powell; May 21 on US Highway 14A east of Lovell; May 22 on US Highway 14/16/20 east of Greybull; May 27 on US 14/16/20 east of Greybull; May 28-29 and June 2-3 between Ten Sleep and Worland on US Highway 16; June 4 on US Highway 20/ Wyoming Highway 789 north of Thermopolis; June 5 on Wyoming Highway 120 northwest of Thermopolis; and June 9 on Wyoming Highway 431 (South Flat Road) south of Worland.

Noteworthy in the 2025 patching schedule is placement of 1,000 tons of hot-mix patching asphalt pavement this spring in three road-damaged areas between Ten Sleep and Worland on US 16.

This 13-mile stretch of road between Worland and Ten Sleep (mileposts 6-19) is locally known for its challenging driving due to underlying expansive soils and dispersive clays. This spring, a combination of seasonal moisture and unstable soil conditions have caused severe heaving and settling of the roadway.

In response, WYDOT has identified seven locations along this segment as the roughest riding and prioritized three of these areas for immediate hot-mix asphalt pavement patching this spring.

“US Highway 16 is a critical route for residents, commerce and tourism between the Big Horn Basin and the rest of the state. We’re committed to making it as safe and reliable as possible with the resources we have,” said WYDOT Area Maintenance Supervisor Clint Huckfeldt of Thermopolis. “Nearly half of our district’s maintenance hot mix in this area will be dedicated to this 13-mile section of highway this spring. This significant investment reflects the urgency of the issue, despite the fact that other roads are also in need of critical maintenance repairs.”

WYDOT’s paving operation consists of a paving crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling the hot asphalt pavement.

A WYDOT paving crew paving in Wind River Canyon in 2023.

Northwest Wyoming road shoulder sealing near Manderson

RIVERTON – Fog sealing of highway shoulders was slated for a mid-May start in northwest Wyoming.

Fog sealing uses quick-drying oil to seal highway shoulders, and it is part of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s summer chip-sealing maintenance program.

Fog sealing began May 12 on Wyoming Highway 131 near Manderson between the railroad tracks and US Highway 16/20/Wyoming Highway 789.

Fog sealing continued through the week between Manderson and Basin on US 16/20/WYO 789 (milepost 184 to milepost 195), west of Greybull on US

Highway 14/16/20 (milepost 205.29 to milepost 209), and between Greybull and Lovell on US Highway 310 (milepost 209 to milepost 225.5).

Fog sealing continued on May 19 on US Highway 26/287 west of Riverton near Diversion Dam Junction, and US 26/287 northwest of Diversion Dam Junction (milepost 85 to milepost 92.41).

“WYDOT recommends people to avoid driving, running or bicycling on the fog-sealed highway shoulders for 24 hours,” said WYDOT fog sealing foreman Shane Shoopman of Ten Sleep. “These roadways will be chip sealed later this summer.”

WYDOT’s summer maintenance chip sealing work, which includes fog sealing, is the most cost-effective way of maintaining and extending the life of highways in Wyoming.

Safety signs vandalized, stolen near tunnels west of Cody

CODY – A pair of safety signs valued at more than $1,000 were vandalized and/ or stolen this past weekend east of the big tunnel west of Cody on US 14/16/20.

“Stealing and vandalizing signs is a crime with serious consequences, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Traffic Engineer Jack Hoffman of Basin. “Beyond the legal penalties, stealing and vandalizing signs poses significant safety risks to drivers and emergency responders, and the act leads to increased costs for taxpayers due to replacement costs.”

WYDOT’s new “Bicycle in Tunnel” sign was dropped to the ground from its mounting bracket and was damaged, and

Briefs continued on page 12

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT applying fog seal on a stretch of Wyoming highway.

Photo: WYDOT

a “When Flashing” sign was stolen.

The vandalized/stolen signs were installed in 2023 as part of a tunnel warning system that notifies motorists of pedestrians and/or bicyclists in the tunnels. The tunnel warning system is button activated by bicyclists/motorists.

Installing the tunnel warning system was part of the $5.184 million project that replaced the old lights with a new LED lighting system inside the big tunnel during 2023.

“The tunnel warning system is an important safety feature, along with the new lighting system,” Hoffman said. “This reckless act is disappointing to say the least.”

The act is being investigated by local law enforcement, including Wyoming Highway Patrol.

“The Park County area has had a rash of road sign thefts on county and state roads,” said Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Lee Pence of Cody. “The most recent theft and damage was to the bicycle-in-tunnel warning signs. Apparently, the offender was too weak to take the big sign, drop ping it, but took the ‘when flashing’ sign.”

Pence said the thefts include rock and dirt stolen from WYDOT properties.

“The materials are often stored on state property for later projects. Rocks re cently taken for landscaping on personal or business properties from a local WY DOT pit were destined for other projects, including the current erosion control project near the Buffalo Bill Dam,” Pence said.

West River Road

pavement improvements

WORLAND – A $3.8 million pave ment improvement project is underway on Wyoming Highway 433 between Worland and Manderson.

WYO 433 is known locally as West River Road.

The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, storm water drainage work, traffic control and grading on nearly 7.9 miles on WYO 433 beginning at milepost 10.92 (Big Horn-Washakie county line). The project extends north into Big Horn County and

ends at milepost 18.82 (to the junction of WYO 433 and US 16/20/WYO 789).

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

“The contractor began stripping dirt from shoulders on April 28, and pavement milling began April 29,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “Motorists using West River Road should encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. US 16/20 is open without delay between Worland and Basin.”

The Wyoming Transportation Com mission awarded the West River Road project to McGarvin-Moberly last No vember.

Contract completion date is July 31, 2026.

WYDOT modernizes Enterprise Resource Planning System for enhanced efficiency

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has successfully completed a significant overhaul of its Enterprise Resource Planning system, ushering in a new era of user experience and operational efficiency.

The ambitious project, finalized on May 5 by the WYDOT IT/Financial Systems team, included a comprehensive upgrade of the PeopleTools framework from version 8.57 to the latest 8.61, the implementation of PeopleSoft’s intuitive “Fluid” User Interface, and a migration to a robust new server environment featuring upgraded operating systems.

These changes were deemed crucial to ensure the agency’s PeopleSoft applications remain current, providing access to critical vendor support and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities.

WYDOT staff are already experiencing the benefits of this modernization. The new Fluid UI boasts a simpler, more intuitive design with a modernized visual appearance and responsive interaction style. The interface dynamically adapts to the screen size of the user’s device, offering seamless access across various platforms. Gone are the traditional menus, replaced by personalized homepages populated with user-specific tiles for quicker navigation.

This personalization feature allows quicker navigation to functions such as Agile Assets, employee time sheets, comp time balance and payment/vendor lookup. By tailoring their homepages with frequently used functions, staff can achieve more direct and efficient access to the tools they rely on daily.

The Financial Systems team, a vital component of the WYDOT IT Program, spearheaded this complex undertaking. Led by supervisor Debbie Ross, this dedicated team supports WYDOT’s ERP PeopleSoft Applications and their integrations with numerous applications used by other state agencies and external partners.

All five members of the group dedicated extensive hours over the course of nearly a year to ensure a smooth transi-

tion. The team concurred that this was one of the biggest and most challenging projects they’ve worked on. Numerous other WYDOT staff also played a crucial role by participating in the thorough validation of the production applications prior to the official launch.

While the project involved numerous stakeholders and encountered some initial delays due to hosting vendor configuration challenges, Ross reported the upgrade to be a “great success, with fewer issues than anticipated.”

Early feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive.

“While some initial confusion arose among those who missed pre-launch communications, users are quickly adapting to the new interface and recognizing its potential for improved efficiency,” Ross said.

The Financial Systems team remains actively engaged, addressing user feedback and implementing requested chang-

es to further enhance usability.

Looking ahead, the Financial Systems team has several key projects on the horizon. Over the next year, they will focus on developing integrations between PeopleSoft and the upcoming Agile Assets cloud application. Furthermore, they will collaborate with Financial Services and a third-party consultant to introduce new features for core Financials application users. Plans are also in the early stages for a project to bring the Financials applications up to their current version.

WYDOT encourages staff with any questions or those seeking additional information regarding the ERP Applications to reach out to the Financial Systems Team via email at dot-fs-tech@wyo.gov.

This significant upgrade underscores WYDOT’s commitment to leveraging modern technology to enhance operational efficiency and provide its staff with user-friendly and secure tools.

WYDOT’s Financial Systems Division, from left: Tana Marsh, Scott Scheidemantel, Leslie Arnett and Debbie Ross. Not pictured: Jackie Croom. Ross is the Financial Systems Supervisor for this team of Senior PeopleSoft Analysts.

Photo: Mark Horan

WHP Trooper Howell receives award for lifesaving efforts in Green River Tunnel

Howell honored during 2025 Run with the Badges event

By Arron Healy, WHP District 3 Public Information Officer, and Jordan Young

On Saturday April 26, Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Timothy Howell was honored for his heroic actions during the fatal Green River Tunnel crash that occurred February 2025. Howell was off duty and happened to be on-scene when the tragic crash occurred. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, after making sure his own family was safe, Howell courageously re-entered the smoke-filled tunnel to assist motorists who were still inside.

On his fourth and final time entering the tunnel, he encountered Patricia James, her son Gentry, and their two dogs. Picking up Gentry and covering him with his jacket to protect him from the smoke, Howell then escorted the family out of the tunnel to safety. After emerging from the tunnel Gentry said, “Thank you for saving us.”

“Howell’s courage, integrity and dedication to the people he serves truly exemplifies what it means to be a Guardian of the Cowboy State,” said WHP Col. Tim Cameron. “I’m honored to serve with Troopers like Howell every day.”

To recognize Howell’s courageous efforts, Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe presented Howell with an award at the conclusion of the 10th annual “Run with the Badges” event in

Green River. Patricia and Gentry were at the awards presentation to support Howell.

The Run with the Badges is an annual event hosted by YWCAs around the nation each April to coincide with National Crime Victim Rights Week (April 6-12) and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event includes a 5K run, vendor booths and other community engagement opportunities. The YWCA of Sweetwater County hosts the event each year, and the group reported to the Rock Springs Rocket Miner that this year’s run saw more than 100 participants, the best turnout in more than five years.

During the event, the YWCA of Sweetwater County and the Sweetwater County Attorney’s Office also honor law enforcement officers for their work and service to crime victims in southwest Wyoming.

Howell told the Rocket Miner that Wyoming is a special place where folks help each other in times of need.

“That day...” he told the Rocket Miner, “It could have been really bad for a lot more people. I’m just glad my wife and kid are ok. … I’m glad I got to see the little boy and the mom.”

Trooper Timothy Howell received an award in recognition for his life-saving efforts during the February Green River Tunnel crash, where he rescued multiple people despite being off duty at the time.

Photo: Arron Healy

Trooper Timothy Howell (right) bravely went into the smokefilled Green River Tunnel and helped Patricia James and her son Gentry make it out to safety. The two were there to help recognize Howell as part of the 2025 Run with the Badges in Green River this April.

Photo: Arron Healy

WYDOT announces Driver Services software upgrade with public self-service features

By Jordan Young

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is excited to announce some major upgrades coming to Driver Services operations statewide this summer.

Work replacing the agency’s current Revenue Information System is almost complete. The RIS software is used by Driver Services to complete almost any task, including issuing driver licenses, compiling driver records, and managing driving privileges after legal actions from commercial driving penalties or convictions like driving impaired. Additionally, law enforcement and the Wyoming Highway Patrol use this system, along with other agency and government programs around the state.

Through RIS, WYDOT alone serves more than 1,000 people per day, on average. The only issue with the current software? It’s almost 40 years old. RIS was implemented in Wyoming in 1986.

“RIS is outdated, and it’s become almost impossible for our IT team to maintain it,” said Driver Services Program Manager Misty Zimmerman. “Our new software, MAX, will be much more efficient for Driver Services employees and for the citizens of Wyoming.”

WYDOT’s upgrade to MAX also offers more opportunities for

the public to conduct some services without having to step foot in a Driver Services office.

The public-facing arm of MAX, oneWYO, will offer many online self-service options, including renewing a driver license, ordering a driving record, scheduling an appointment for a driving test, and more. That means shorter lines for those who do have to go into a Driver Services office, and less time away from work, family and other obligations for the general public.

“We all know the stereotypes commonly associated with visiting ‘the DMV’,” said Zimmerman. “MAX and oneWYO are our latest tools to fight those stereotypes in Wyoming.”

MAX and oneWYO are expected to go live later this summer; more updates to come, including announcements regarding office closures for training and software rollout.

The total cost to upgrade RIS to the new system is about $20 million. The Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 254 in 2021 authorizing WYDOT to pursue a new software system. In August 2023, the project team selected the proposal from Kyndryl, an IT service management company, and AstreaX, who recently partnered to implement a similar system in Arizona.

Photo: WYDOT

A screen comparison between the new MAX system (top portion of graphic) with the current RIS system, which was implemented in Wyoming in 1986.

Meet our MAX Heroes

WYDOT employees closely involved in testing, implementation of new RIS software

By Jordan Young

Overhauling the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Revenue Information System software has been no easy feat. Fortunately, the $20 million project to upgrade RIS to MAX has assistance from nearly 30 valuable stakeholders: Driver Services employees from around the state.

The MAX MOD team and MAX Advocates team – nicknamed the MAX Heroes by Driver Services staff – consist of existing employees from different areas of Driver Services operations, ensuring the system works for the boots-on-the-ground folks that will be using it most.

“The Advocates and the MOD team play a critical role in the success of this project,” said Renee Kocina, MAX project lead and Deputy Driver Services program manager. “We absolutely could not be successful without their dedication and their willingness to step up and work outside of their normal job, and they’re balancing both jobs perfectly.”

Made up of five members, the MOD team is a little heavier focused on MAX work, and has been since the project started. Conversely, the larger Advocates group was brought on later and helps with general systems testing. Both the MOD team and the Advocates are almost entirely made up of volunteers who took on the additional responsibilities on top of their daily tasks.

Mikaela Smith – typically a driver license examiner but currently serving as MOD team lead – said she volunteered because she saw it as an exciting opportunity for extra knowledge and background in Driver Services operations.

“I’ve been involved since the very beginning,” Smith said. “For me, it’s a sense of pride, you know? Just watching all the aspects come together, creating everything, and making sure it fits Wyoming’s rules and law. I’m learning so much more about driver licenses, and what we do and why we do it.”

The sentiment was shared by Kendra Butler, a MAX Advocate who also works as a driver license examiner, but with the Sundance and Newcastle offices.

“I sat next to Charity [Keierleber], who’s a MOD member,” Butler said. “Watching her, I thought, ‘I want to be involved in this and be able to help others in our region, too.’”

MAX Advocate Samuel Montgomery said he volunteered to get hands-on training.

“The more time I have in it, the better opportunity I’ll have to learn and also show my coworkers,” added Montgomery, who works with Records in Cheyenne as a records specialist.

Much like a video game beta testing process, where testers try to break the game, employees like Smith, Montgomery and Butler have been essentially beta testing MAX. The group regularly tries to “break” the software by testing provided example scenarios, unusual real-life situations they may have experienced at their location that day, and overall interconnectivity with local, state and federal partners, including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. AAMVA is a nonprofit that encourages uniformity and reciprocity among the states.

“Our Advocates are really responsible for making sure that we have this system is working as best as it can before we go live,” said Kocina.

The testing is already showing great promise; Montgomery noted the new system is much easier to work with in the back of the house, especially building records and creating clients in the system. For example, MAX has more automated features to catch typos and other errors for improved accuracy, something the current 1980s system can’t do.

“I think that takes some of the pressure off of our employees that they have experienced with the lack of that functionality in our current system,” said Kocina. “They get to really focus on why we do what we do every day, instead of focusing on how to use the system; because ‘the how’ is so reliable and easy, you can be focused on the people you’re serving.”

Simply, MAX is a valuable customer service tool. Beyond streamlining employee operations, the self-service features of the public-facing version of MAX, oneWYO, will allow more people to conduct business on their own, reducing wait times at busier offices. As examiners, Butler and Smith both noted their excitement for this aspect of the software.

As Montgomery said, the functionality of MAX also makes it easier to train new employees on the system. There is even a built-in help feature that can walk employees step-by-step through a process they may be unsure about. Smith, Montgomery, Butler and the rest of the Heroes will help train employees through the summer in anticipation of the software going live.

Both teams should be proud of being on “the cutting edge of new technology at Driver Services,” Kocina said, as well as their overall dedication to the program and state.

Ultimately, the MAX Advocates are the latest example of a truth seen at WYDOT every day; employees take great pride in the work they do and regularly volunteer to go above and beyond for the public they serve.

From left: Renee Kocina, Samuel Montgomery and Mikaela Smith, along with Kendra Butler (not pictured) and the rest of the MAX Heroes have been testing the system in anticipation of it going live this summer

Photo: Jordan Young

In total, nearly 30 WYDOT employees volunteered to be MAX Advocates or MOD team members on top of their typical daily tasks, including:

• Renee Kocina – MAX Project lead – Deputy Program Manager (Cheyenne)

• Vincent Martini – MAX Project AAMVA testing lead –Internal Operations Manager (Cheyenne)

MOD Team:

• Lead: Mikaela Smith – Driver license examiner (Cheyenne)

• Cheri “Muffie” Fagin – Trainer analyst (Cheyenne)

• Charity Keierleber – Driver license examiner (Newcastle/ Sundance)

• Ronda Nolting – Driver license office supervisor (Riverton/ Lander)

• Astria “Lorrie” Wentz – Driver license examiner (Kemmerer/Big Piney/Pinedale)

MAX Advocates:

• Carla Hirschfield – Regional supervisor (Region 1 – Central Wyoming)

• Shad Welling – Regional supervisor (Region 2 – Western Wyoming)

• Luz Craig – Regional supervisor (Region 3 – Northeast Wyoming)

• Karmen Warrington – Regional supervisor (Region 4 –Southeast Wyoming)

• Janetta Bowey – Supervisor, Renewals section (Cheyenne)

• Megan Hecht – Supervisor, Driver Compliance section (Cheyenne)

• Walter Schoene – Senior supervisor, CDL/Records section (Cheyenne)

• Crystal Gullickson – Driver license office supervisor (Cody/Lovell)

• Sarah Brown – Ignition Interlock specialist, Ignition Interlock section (Cheyenne)

• Kendra Butler – Driver license examiner (Newcastle/Sundance)

• Jessica Crenshaw – Back office specialist (Cheyenne)

• Michelle Dunn – Driver license examiner (Rock Springs)

• Bryce Jennings – Driver license examiner (Worland/Thermopolis/Basin)

• Samuel Montgomery – Driver services specialist, Records section (Cheyenne)

• Kortney Pace – Driver license examiner (Casper)

• Alliek Tomlin – Driver Services specialist, Renewals section (Cheyenne)

• Becky Volmer – Driver license examiner (Torrington/Lusk)

• LeAnn Weltz – Driver Services specialist, Driver Compliance section (Cheyenne)

• Joanna Wilcox – Driver license examiner (Douglas/Wheatland)

What is MAX?

MAX is WYDOT’s new Revenue Information System software. RIS helps the Driver Services complete almost any task, including issuing driver licenses, compiling driver records, and managing driving privileges. The software also communicates with all other states and keeps driver personal information confidential. Additionally, WYDOT programs like Motor Vehicle Services, Compliance and Investigation and the Wyoming Highway Patrol use this system. More information about MAX can be found on page 15 of this issue of Interchange. Work on the upgrade from RIS, which was first implemented at WYDOT in 1986, is nearly complete, with MAX and the public facing oneWYO expected to launch later this summer. Keep an eye out for updates in future issues of Interchange!

Aeronautics

WYDOT names new Aeronautics Administrator

Shawn Burke has been selected as Administrator for the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division, announced by WYDOT Director Darin Westby.

Burke holds a bachelor’s degree in Airport Management and has spent more than 15 years in the aviation industry in both the public and private sector. He is passionate about aviation and is a certified pilot.

He served as WYDOT’s Air Service Development Program Manager from February 2015 to November 2021 before taking a position at Denver International Airport. Most recently, he worked with a private consulting firm managing an airline data and analytics team. Burke was among three highly accomplished applicants nominated by the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission for Westby to consider.

“Burke’s knowledge of the airline industry, Wyoming and WYDOT make him uniquely qualified to lead the Aeronautics Division,” Westby said.

As Aeronautics Administrator, Burke will oversee a division that provides publicly owned Wyoming airports with state and federal funding assistance for use in airport improvements, planning and construction. The Division works with airports to administer these projects from inception through final construction.

Additional focuses of the Aeronautics Division include aviation safety, promotion of air service in the state, and providing flight services for the State of Wyoming.

“I am honored to return to WYDOT, where I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated and talented team for nearly seven years before my departure in 2021,” Burke said. “Wyoming’s vast landscapes present unique aviation challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. Together with Wyoming airports and communities as well as the exceptional WYDOT team, I am optimistic we will continue to retain the state’s critical air service connections, enhance aviation infrastructure, and support the economies of our communities.”

Burke succeeds Brian Olsen, who was named WYDOT’s Assistant Chief Engineer for Engineering and Planning in February.

Noteworthy Highway Dept. retiree turns 100

By Jordan Young

James “Jim” Wise, grandfather of current WYDOT State Concrete Engineer Whitney Wise, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Jim retired from WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Highway Department, in 1984 after 24 years of service. He spent most of his WYDOT career as an engineer with Bridge.

“I still find his initials on some as-constructed Bridge plans every now and then,” Whitney said.

Jim graduated from the University of Wyoming in either 1949 or 1950, and prior to his time with the Highway Department, worked with his father’s pipe supply company in Edgerton until they sold it.

Jim Wise recently turned 100 years old. He retired from WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Highway Department, in 1984 after 24 years of service.

Whitney noted that turning 100 hasn’t slowed her grandfa-

ther down. In fact, he still hunts!

“He’s still amazingly active and sharp,” she added. “He always asks me what’s new at the Highway Department, and who’s running what program. He still talks a lot about what they did in the old days, and laughs about how much has changed.”

Happy Birthday Jim!

Highway Department retiree Jim Wise (right) poses with his family on his 100th birthday celebration, including his wife, great grandnephew, and granddaughters, including Whitney Wise (second from left), current WYDOT concrete engineer.

Photo:

Whitney Wise

Photo: Whitney Wise

Check out the new WYDOT GIS User Group

Inaugural meeting held May 13; next meeting June 18

By Jordan Young and Nick Graf

In early May, the WYDOT GIS User Group was formed to bring Geographic Information System users together to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.

The group’s goals are to help staff understand what data is available, identify who maintains the data, show how to access that data, facilitate the transition from ArcGIS Desktop to ArcGIS Pro and assist users in migrating to a service-based environment.

Additionally, the group is enhancing GIS skills and expertise; improving workflows and efficiencies; fostering a stronger GIS community within WYDOT; and promoting the use of GIS to support WYDOT’s mission of a safe and effective

All WYDOT employees who use GIS – whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out – are encouraged to join!

transportation system.

So what do meetings look like? Well, the first meeting, held May 13 via Google Meet, had a great turnout of more than 30 people. In this meeting, Jason Polly with the GIS/ITS program hosted a demonstration on how to use existing ArcMap data in ArcGIS Pro, and WYDOT Geospatial Analyst and Developer Jalynda McKay walked attendees through how to find training on ESRI’s website. (ESRI is a popular GIS software company.)

Going forward, meetings will include topics like sharing best practices and tips, discussing challenges, finding solutions to those challenges, showcasing innovating projects, and providing networking and professional development opportunities.

Interested in joining?

The next meeting is June 18 at 2 p.m. Scan this QR code for the Google Meet link or contact Nick Graf.

SUMMER

Graf shows the Green River Tunnel Data in Street Smart during the inaugural WYDOT GIS User Group Meeting in May.

Photo: WYDOT

Training 2025 WY Lead Leadership Academy third cohort group announced

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services

WYDOT Training Services is pleased to announce the selection of participants for the 2025 WY Lead Leadership Academy, our third cohort in this development program.

The WY Lead Selection Committee reviewed applications and identified a diverse group of individuals for this year’s cohort.

Over the next four months, participants will engage in a dynamic learning experience, exploring key leadership principles relevant to WYDOT through in-person and virtual sessions statewide. A core element of the academy involves participants developing a project addressing a strategic WYDOT issue, allowing them to apply their learning and propose innovative solutions. Each participant will receive guidance from an Executive Staff mentor throughout the four-month program.

The academy will conclude with a formal presentation of project recommendations to Executive Staff, offering a platform for potential implementation of their ideas.

Congratulations to the talented members of the 2025 WY Lead Leadership Academy cohort! We anticipate their growth and future contributions to WYDOT.

• Baylor Beers; District 5 Construction

• Coulter Carlson, District 2 Traffic

• Duane Fischer, District 4 Shop

• Phillip Hearn, Aeronautics

• Riley Palsma, Project Development

• Cassie Pickett, Materials Laboratory

• Timothy Rasnake, District 2 Construction

• Rob Rodriguez, Strategic Performance Improvement

• Suzie Roseberry, GIS/ITS

• Barry Schulenberg, District 2 Shop

• Rusty Speidel, District 2 Shop

• Jordan Young, Public Affairs

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Coming in June:

6/3/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Resolving Workplace Conflict 8:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual

6/17/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Coaching: Move People Forward 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Virtual

Coming in July:

7/8-10/2025 Leading Self

Personal Development Series: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Casper

Franklin Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Coming in August:

8/4-8/2025 Know WYdot: New Employees

8/12-13/2025 WYdot Supervise Series

8/19-20/2025 Leading Self

New Employee Onboarding Workshop See Schedule in Class Flyer Cheyenne (Learning plan assigned to new employees)

New Supervisor Fundamentals Workshop See Schedule in Class Flyer Cheyenne (Learning plan assigned to new supervisors, open to all)

Personal Development Series 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

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

The principles of password security

By Enterprise Technology Services

Passwords are the gatekeepers protecting your digital and online presence. They are your foremost line of defense in the intricate landscape of cyberspace, robust passwords act as the initial and often most critical security barrier against unauthorized access.

Understanding how to effectively create passwords and manage them, represents a fundamental component of daily cybersecurity practices.

Neglecting fundamental password security practices, such as using strong, unique passwords for different accounts, regularly updating them, and enabling multi-factor authentication, dramatically increases your susceptibility to a multitude of cyber threats.

This can expose your personally identifiable information, financial data, and other sensitive details, as well as business data, to unauthorized access.

Three Principles of Password Security

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, there are three principles to creating strong, unique passwords.

1. Strong – Passwords should be at least 16 characters long. The longer your password, the longer it takes for hackers to crack it using brute force techniques. Right now, an eight-character password takes a few minutes for hacker software to guess by trying every combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. A 16-character password takes a billion years to guess!

2. Unique – Each account should have a unique password. If you reuse passwords, don’t feel ashamed! Reusing passwords is a bad habit many of us are guilty of, but you can start changing your habits today! Reusing passwords across multiple accounts can cause huge headaches. If one account is compromised, unique passwords ensure your other accounts remain secure. Small tweaks like adding a number or a special character aren’t enough; each password should be entirely distinct. You can use a password manager to create and store unique passwords for all your accounts!

3. Complex – Passwords should include a mix of uppercase and

Power Up Your Passwords

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lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like @, !, or $). Some platforms even allow spaces. The strongest passwords are a long string of random characters, not identifiable words, names, or dates. However, even if your passwords are random, you must ensure they are each at least 16 characters long.

*We recognize that the guidelines evolve quickly. ETS will provide updates as they become available in future editions.

The dark side of AI: how hackers are using it

Let’s face it, cybercriminals are always looking for an edge, and AI gives them some powerful new tools. Here’s how they’re using it:

Smarter Phishing: Remember those phishing emails that were easy to spot? AI is making them incredibly convincing. Hackers can use AI to craft personalized emails that mimic the writing style of your colleagues or trusted organizations, making it much harder to tell what’s real and what’s a trap.

Deepfake Deception: AI can create “deepfakes” – highly realistic fake videos or audio recordings. Imagine receiving a video call from your supervisor asking for sensitive data, and it looks and sounds just like them, but it’s fake. This is a scary new level of social engineering.

Automated Attacks: AI can automate many hacking tasks, allowing criminals to launch attacks faster and on a much larger scale. AI can scan for vulnerabilities in our systems, learn our defenses, and adapt attacks to slip through the cracks – all without a human operator.

Password Cracking: AI can be used to crack passwords much more efficiently than traditional methods. By analyzing patterns and using sophisticated algorithms, hackers can potentially gain access to accounts that were once considered secure.

Evolving Malware: AI can help malware evolve and adapt to our defenses in real-time. This means that the viruses and other malicious software we’re fighting are becoming much harder to detect and stop.

Level 1: Beginner

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Laurie Clark-Jacobson, Emergency Communications-Administration; Casi Crites, Planning-System Planning; Gabriel Jackson, Driver Services-CDL; Shireesha Patlolla, GIS/ITS; and Daniel Wyrick, Driver Services-CDL.

Promotions and Transfers

Peter Higgins, GIS/ITS; Dominic Mirabal, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Jana Molland, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title; James Perkins, Highway Development-Project Development; Brandy Rubeck, Planning-System Planning; and Kathy Shenefelt, Patrol-Records.

Service Awards

Paul Cortez, Bridge-Operations Administration – 35 years; Gregory Hampshire, Construction Staff – 35 years; James Stout, Highway Safety – 30 years;

Roadmasters Chapter TOASTMASTERS

Karson James, Highway Safety – 20 years;

Daniel Schaich, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80 – 20 years; Wayne Shenefelt, Maintenance Staff –20 years;

Carol Dewitt, GIS/ITS – 15 years; Brandt Pickett, Highway Development-Project Development – 15 years; Scott Swallow, GIS/ITS – 15 years;

Jamie Jenkins, Budget – 10 years; Jason Roascio, Patrol-Support Services Operations – 10 years; Nathaniel Sainz, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 10 years;

Guy Olson, Geology – 5 years; and Riley Palsma, Highway Development-Project Development – 5 years.

Retirements

Robert Stauffacher, program manager and chief investigator with Compliance and Investigation at Headquarters, retired in April with 43 years of service. Stauffacher started with WYDOT with the District 5 guardrail crew for a summer, returning a few years later as a Highway Patrol Trooper. He spent about 12 years as a Trooper, patrolling in Gillette, Worland and Buffalo. He started with Compliance and Investigation in 1994. In his career, Stauffacher attended Casper College, Laramie County Com-

Shenefelt

Schaich

Shenefelt Hampshire

Sainz

Perkins

James Stauffacher

Cortez

Roascio

Palsma

munity College, the Wyoming Highway Patrol academy and the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy.

Congratulations

Keri Bohlmann was selected as WYDOT’s State Highway Safety Engineer effective May 1, 2025. She replaces Matt Carlson who retired in December 2024.

Hank Doering was selected as WYDOT’s Highway Development Engineer effective May 19, 2025. He replaces Christina Spindler who was recently named State Traffic Engineer.