July 2018 Interchange

Interchange July 2018

Geology Program

Ensuring firm foundations

Letters Kudos to Motor Vehicle Services To who it may concern, I would like to convey that Jenifer Naatz was extremely helpful, professional and patient to deal with while applying for my letter of authority!

This was a breath of fresh air after all the stress from trying to start a new business, and I wanted to see that she was recognized for a job well done!

Daniel W Glick Dark Water Service, LLC Cody, WY

Thank you, WYDOT family To my WYDOT family, I would like to thank you for the donated sick time, the prayers and positive words that you have given to me. I am cancer free and on the downhill slide in all my treatments.

I am so grateful to you all and from the bottom of my heart.

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The generosity of our WYDOT family is amazing

Vol. 46, Issue 7

We would like to say thank you to everyone who prayed, bought tickets and took the time to send Kodi Hendrickson words of encouragement during her battle with cancer.

Kodi appreciated everything everyone did for her. Because of what you did, Kodi didn’t feel alone and knew that we were cheering her on. Kodi said there was no way she could ever thank everyone the way she thought that they needed to be thanked. But she wanted to say this to everyone: “This thank you seems so small, when your generosity means so much.”

Kodi will truly be missed. She went home to heaven on April 27 after a courageous battle against cancer. She was such a special person and touched the lives of many. She loved her WYDOT family and felt truly blessed by all the kindness you showed.

Thank you, From the family of Kodi Hendrickson

Also present at the sign unveiling (from left) Public Affairs Office Photographer Rick Carpenter, District 5 Traffic Engineer Jack Hoffman, District 5 Engineer Pete Hallsten, Karla Stackis and Jennifer Trabing from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office, State Traffic Engineer Joel Meena, District 5 Public Involvement Specialist Cody Beers and Public Affairs Videographer Matt Groth.

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The 19 mile stretch of highway is significant in that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United State gave women the right to vote. The dedication also honors Wyoming’s commitment to women’s suffrage which gave women the right to vote before any other state. In 2018, Wyoming Legislature designated this section of highway in honor of legislation passed in 1869: “An act to grant the women of the Wyoming Territory the right of suffrage and to hold office.” n

Photo: WYDOT

Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Ed Buchanan and several state officials, members of the Wyoming Department of Transportation and supporters braved chilly temperatures on May 22 to dedicate a portion of WYO 28 over South Pass in Fremont County to women’s suffrage.

The ceremony dedicated 19 miles of WYO 28 as the “Wyoming Women’s Suffrage Pathway,” and a new sign was unveiled. The sign is located at milepost 44 near South Pass City.

Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors:

Thank You! Rene Brindle

‘Wyoming Women’s Suffrage Pathway’ sign unveiling

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

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340.

The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by sending an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Kyle McKay

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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

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

Contents

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Features 10 Move Over Law Effective July 1; covers more workers

12 Rockfall risk presentation The safety risks of working in rockfall areas

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13 Communication key to safety Interview with new Employee Safety Program leader

14 WYDOT Geology Program Innovative solutions to geotechnical problems

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Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 By the Numbers.....................................................................11 Noteworthy..............................................................................17 TechNotes................................................................................19 Training.................................................................................... 20 Awards......................................................................................21 Extra Mile Awards..................................................................21 District news.......................................................................... 22 Wellness.................................................................................. 24 WTDEA..................................................................................... 26 Outdoors................................................................................. 27 Break Time...............................................................................31

On the cover:

Cody West rockfall mitigation project: Wilson Brothers prime contractor employees working with sub-contractor, Triptech, to install rock bolts.

Photo: WYDOT

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

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District Briefs System outage caused WYDOT’s Driver Services to be down statewide

People who needed to take care of driver license business on Wednesday were unable to because of an outage with the state’s computer system that processes licenses.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation experienced technical issues throughout the state with the Revenue Information System (RIS), a secured information system that supports critical operations for the department and other state agencies.

WYDOT’s Driver Services wasn’t able to issue driver licenses, complete driver license testing, issue identification cards and issue other needed documents because of the outage.

“Any transaction we do is facilitated through RIS such as driver licenses, ID cards, driver knowledge testing, driving records and handicapped placards,” said Misty Zimmerman, deputy program manager with WYDOT’s Driver Services.

“The outage on Wednesday was statewide and lasted about six hours.”

Besides Driver Services, RIS is used

by WYDOT’s Motor Vehicle Services for plate, title and registration work and the Wyoming Highway Patrol to verify vehicle and driver information when a trooper makes a vehicle stop.

“RIS is such a vital tool for our state and its people,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “This tool is critical lifeline used by authorized people to access people’s information in a secure way to verify, obtain or process information. Without RIS functioning properly, our citizens won’t be able to get their driver licenses, identification cards or other important documents.”

The state developed and implemented RIS in 1986 as a system that would securely store people’s information and be used by Driver Services and other state entities to verify information.

“We apologize for any inconvenience

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this may have caused to the citizens of Wyoming who were trying to conduct business at our Driver Services locations throughout the state and to our state agency partners,” Panos said. “We are looking into the situation to see how we can make improvements so we can provide a better service to all of our customers.”

Join ONE WYDOT to stay informed Looking for the latest human resources announcements? How about WTDEA happenings? Want to know what’s happening in the different districts throughout WYDOT? Then consider joining ONE WYDOT so you can stay up-to-date on the latest WYDOT happenings.

ONE WYDOT gives employees a onestop shop for news about the department.

Whether it’s about human resources issues, information technology or just to ask executive staff a question, ONE WYDOT is the place to be.

To sign up, follow the link: https://tinyurl.com/ybtfr96z Once the link is entered in your browser, follow the instructions to join. You will either be asked to activate your Google+ account if you already haven’t, or you will be taken through the steps to access ONE WYDOT.

‘Secure Your Load’ safety campaign championed by WHP CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Highway Patrol brought awareness to the dangers of driving with unsecured loads on the state’s highways by participating in the national Secure Your Load Day on June 6.

Gov. Matt Mead signed a proclamation recognizing June 6 as Secure Your Load Day in Wyoming. On that day, troopers educated the public about the importance of having secured loads through social media campaigns and by posting safety messages on variable message signs.

“It’s important drivers secure their loads to ensure the safety of the travel-

ing public,” said Sgt. Kyle McKay. “What you’re transporting can come loose and fall off your vehicle, which can then cause serious injuries or death to others, so it is always best practice to check your load for load securement.”

The Secure Your Load safety day started in 2004 through the work of Robin Abel, a Washington resident whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load. Her work resulted in federal lawmakers including load-securing recommendations to the states in the FAST Act of December 2015.

Information from AAA Foundation for Safety indicated statistics show that unsecured loads are an issue nationwide.

Road debris caused about 200,000 crashes in the past four years. Out of those crashes, about 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths resulted.

As a nation, the U.S. spends $11.5 billion on litter cleanup. About 20 to 40 percent of litter is from unsecured loads.

“Injuries and crashes from unsecured loads are preventable,” said McKay. “We’re hopeful that the Secure Your Load day will help bring more attention and awareness to this issue. Our mission is to ensure the safety of all travelers on Wyoming’s highways, which is why we are participating in this event.”

Wyoming also requires motorists to secure their loads when traveling.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-228 states, “No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.” This state law carries an $85 fine. Under Federal Commercial Carrier Regulations, the driver of a commercial truck can be fined $185 for an unsecured load violation and placed out of service until the load is properly secured.

Motorists can follow several tips on how to keep their loads secure. They include: • Securing loads with proper ropes, netting or straps.

• Securing large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.

• Covering the entire load with a tarp or netting.

• Avoiding overloading the vehicle.

• Checking to ensure the load is secure after it’s been secured.

• WYO 70 typically reopens in early

• US 14A reopens toward the end of May. WYDOT reopened it on May 25 in 2017, May 20 in 2016, May 18 in 2015, May 22 in 2014, May 21 in 2013 and May 16 in 2012.

Early spring openings The Wyoming Department of Transportation has opened the state’s seasonally closed alpine passes early in 2018, a trend that it has continued for the last several years.

• Actual opening date

WYO130

Target opening date range

May June Yr 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 • ’17 • ’16 • ’15 • ’14 • ’13 • ’12 • ’17 • ’16 • ’15 • ’14 • ’13 • ’12 • ’17 • ’16 • ’15 • ’14 • ’13 • ’12

WYO70

CHEYENNE – WYDOT crews reopened WYO 130 (Snowy Range) and WYO 70 (Battle Pass) on Monday, May 21, and US 14A (between Lovell and Burgess Junction) on Tuesday, May 22.

WYO 130 typically reopens on Memorial Day weekend, while WYO 70 reopens in early June. US 14A reopens toward the end of May. “Our maintenance and equipment crews worked hard to reopen those passes several weeks early,” said Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT chief engineer. “We commend the work and effort they put into reopening those high-elevation passes. They are dedicated and committed individuals who worked to ensure the start of the summer traveling season gets off on the right foot for our residents as well as our out-ofstate visitors.”

Crews in the north encountered deep snow from a wet winter. The south had less snow, but crews battled thick ice and the effects of recent beetle kill mitigation.

“With the tree removal last year, we have snow in places that we’ve never had it before,” said Al Branscom, maintenance foreman in Laramie, of the southern passes. “And places we normally have snow we didn’t have any. But we had a thick layer of ice where the snow was fairly deep from the freeze and thaw cycle we had over the winter.”

Although the roads are now open, WYDOT may have to close them again if the area gets a spring storm. Runoff from the existing snow in the area and wet colder nights could cause icy patches to develop on the roads. Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling.

The roads close annually in late autumn when low traffic and deep snow make plowing operations impractical.

The following historical data shows when the passes have reopened since 2012: • WYO 130 usually reopens around Memorial Day weekend. WYDOT reopened it on May 25 in 2017 and 2016, May 22 in 2015, May 24 in 2014, May 23 in 2013 and May 15 in 2012.

June. WYDOT reopened it on June 1 in 2017, June 9 in 2016, May 27 in 2015, June 3 in 2014, May 24 in 2013 and May 15 in 2012.

US14A

Crews reopened all of the state’s alpine highways weeks ahead of schedule.

Source: Wyoming Department of Transportation

Volunteers encouraged to participate in annual Spring Clean Fling CHEYENNE – Volunteer groups and other civic-minded people will be out this month cleaning areas near the state’s interstates and highways as a way to help keep Wyoming beautiful.

As part of the annual Spring Clean Fling, about 900 Adopt-A-Highway volunteers have either already started or will start cleaning their sections of road.

Wyoming’s Adopt-A-Highway program is now in its 29th year.

“WYDOT values and appreciates the efforts of the Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups,” state Maintenance Engineer Kent Ketterling said. “The commitment and dedication shown by these groups to keep the roadsides around their communities clean is a testament to the quality of citizens we have in our great state.”

Adopt-A-Highway members are encouraged to get out as weather permits this month and in June to make the first

of their two required cleanups for the year.

“Our litter control budget is about $2.5 million a year,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “Without our volunteers, our litter control budget would be significantly higher. Our volunteers help keep Wyoming beautiful, and we are grateful for the pride they have for Wyoming.”

WYDOT supplies the orange safety vests and trash bags to the volunteers for each cleanup. Volunteers should contact their local WYDOT offices to arrange to pick up the vests and bags.

“Volunteers should always make their own personal safety their top priority,” Ketterling said. “Volunteers are required by law to always wear their orange vests since they are working near traffic.”

In the past, volunteers have removed about 50 tons of litter from the highways.

Their work means Wyoming can remain beautiful for the people and visitors to the state.

The Adopt-A-Highway volunteers include members of fraternal, civic and social clubs, employee and professional organizations, churches, governmental agencies, families and retirees.

When a group adopts a highway, WYDOT places a sign designating that section of road as that particular group’s.

WYDOT officials asks volunteers to be on the lookout for dangerous objects such as broken glass, needles, sharp metal objects and exposed nails when picking up trash. Volunteers should carefully put those next to their bagged garbage for pickup.

Volunteers also should not pick up abandoned containers with unknown substances because they could be dangerous. Instead, volunteers should tell WYDOT about it.

Anyone interested in adopting a highway section can contact a district coordinator at: • (307) 745 2100, for Laramie, Albany and Carbon counties; • (307) 473-3200, for Natrona, Converse, Platte, Niobrara, Goshen, northern Carbon and southern Johnson counties; • (307) 352-3050, for Sweetwater, Uinta, Lincoln, Sublette and western Teton counties;

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Road work on WYO 130 underway within Laramie city limits

Briefs continued from page 5 • (307) 674-2300, for Sheridan, Campbell, Crook, Weston, northern Johnson and northern Niobrara counties; and

Photo: WYDOT

• (307) 568-3400, for Park, Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie, Big Horn and eastern Teton counties.

Volunteers picking up trash from the side of the interstate during Spring Clean Fling.

Section of Snowy Range Road closed, detour to take effect LARAMIE – Traffic on Snowy Range Road (WYO 130/230) was detoured onto Garfield and Cedar streets so that crews could add the last layer of pavement to the new section of Snowy Range Road.

The detour began June 27 and continued into the first week of July.

Westbound traffic coming over the Clark Street Bridge from downtown Laramie was diverted to Cedar Street and then to Garfield Street to rejoin Snowy Range Road west of the Laramie River.

Eastbound traffic toward downtown Laramie had the same detour in the opposite direction.

The work is part of the $23.5 million Snowy Range Road Bridge project. The project remains on schedule with a tentative completion and opening date in July.

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LARAMIE – Crews with Simon Contractors began milling a section of WYO 130 within Laramie city limits on June 25.

The work area is from the WYO 130/230 junction in West Laramie moving west from that point.

Paving on the section will begin later.

The work is part of a project to resurface a 10-mile section of WYO 130 in Albany County.

Work on the entire project is taking place during daylight hours on weekdays and some Saturdays. A pilot car is guiding traffic through other sections of the project.

Drivers should expect delays during working hours and should plan accordingly. Laramie Regional Airport passengers should also keep the project in mind when traveling to the airport.

The $2.5 million job is expected to be complete in mid-August. In addition to the resurfacing work, ADA upgrades will be made to sidewalks within city limits.

Paving projects underway in Laramie LARAMIE – WYDOT maintenance crews paved two roads in Laramie beginning on June 25.

The first section paved was 3rd Street (US 30/287) from Curtis Street to Beaufort Street.

Once 3rd Street was complete, workers paved the Curtis Street bridge over I-80.

Only one lane of travel was open at a time during paving, and flaggers allowed traffic from each direction to take turns through the work zone.

Road work to begin on US 287 north of Rawlins RAWLINS – Work to resurface a 10mile section of US 287 north of Rawlins began June 18.

The work zone is from milepost 2 to milepost 12 and consists of milling transitions, shouldering, paving operations, a chip seal and reclamation work.

A pilot car will guide traffic through

the project area during daytime working hours. Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Additionally, there will be work on the approach to the Rawlins landfill, though access to the landfill will not be affected.

Work is scheduled to last through September.

I-80 work affects travel through Pine Bluffs CHEYENNE – Interstate 80 road work near Pine Bluffs caused eastbound lane closures beginning on June 11.

Lane closures were in effect in eastbound lanes to allow for paving operations.

The Parsons Street interchanges were also temporarily closed while paving took place. Drivers were advised to use Exit 1 in Nebraska as a detour during that time.

SEMA was the contractor for the project.

15th Street Bridge reopened June 12 LARAMIE – The 15th Street Bridge over Interstate 80 reopened on June 12.

Crews with Reiman Corp. have been repairing the bridge deck since last year when a tractor trailer hit the bridge.

Parsley Boulevard bridge closed for repair CHEYENNE – The Parsley Boulevard bridge over Interstate 80 closed to all traffic on June 11 for crews performing repairs to the structure.

The bridge will remain closed until early August.

The closure will allow crews to repair concrete pedestals that help support the bridge and place an overlay on the structure.

These repairs will continue to ensure the structure remains safe for use until its scheduled replacement in the early 2020s.

LARAMIE – The Wagonhound Rest Area between Laramie and Rawlins began its several month closure on June 7 so workers are able to replace the Interstate 80 bridge decks at the Wagonhound interchange.

The closure is expected to continue through September.

During construction, all I-80 traffic will be diverted onto the exit and entrance ramps of the interstate to detour around the bridges. No traffic will be allowed to exit at Wagonhound Road, necessitating the closure of the rest area.

The next available WYDOT-operated rest areas for travelers are at Fort Steele for westbound traffic and the Summit for eastbound traffic.

The bridge replacement is part of a larger bridge rehabilitation project on the I-80 corridor between Laramie and Rawlins.

Reiman Corp. is the contractor for the project.

WYDOT to pave two sections of road on US 30 CHEYENNE – Wyoming Department of Transportation crews will pave two sections of road on US 30.

Crews paved a small section of US 30 about 7 miles east of Cheyenne on US 30 near the I-80 Port of Entry from May 30 to May 31. Short delays are expected.

Then, crews paved the intersection of Dell Range and US 30 in Cheyenne June 4 to June 5.

For the Dell Range/US 30 paving, WYDOT temporarily closed the intersection. WYDOT had detour signs in place directing traffic onto Whitney Road from US 30 and Dell Range. US 30 remained open.

WYDOT performed the paving and repair work to extend the life of the two areas.

WHP trooper and Albany County deputy involved in shooting LARAMIE – On May 26, law enforcement was advised to be on the lookout

for a suicidal subject driving a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup in Albany County.

The subject and vehicle were located on Vedauwoo Road in the Medicine Bow National Forest approximately 12 miles east of Laramie by a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) Trooper and an Albany County Deputy.

After locating the subject, the trooper and the deputy were involved in a shooting with the subject, who had a firearm.

The subject was taken into custody and the officers rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. The subject was taken by helicopter to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

The trooper and deputy were not injured.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been requested to investigate the incident. As is standard in any WHP trooper-involved shooting incident, the trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated.

As DCI is investigating, no further information will be released about the incident by the WHP.

Vehicle Pursuit Ends Safely WHEATLAND – On June 21 troopers with the Wyoming Highway Patrol were involved in a vehicle pursuit spanning more than 47 miles on Interstate 25 in Platte County. Shortly after noon, a WHP trooper observed a 2017 Hyundai Accent passenger car speeding at 103 mph in a posted 80 mph zone near Glendo.

When the trooper stopped the vehicle, the driver gave the trooper her driver’s license before speeding off and leading the trooper on a pursuit. During the pursuit, speeds exceeded 100 mph on several occasions. A trooper ahead of the pursuit was able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device at milepost 57. The vehicle pulled over and all three individuals within the vehicle were taken into custody without incident.

The driver of the Hyundai has been identified as 27-year-old, Elbert, Colorado, resident Brittany Chriss.

Both passengers in the vehicle were

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also arrested. They were identified as 38-year-old Johnny Rineheart from Denver, Colorado, and 38-year-old Amy Dwyer from Aurora, Colorado All three suspects face several criminal charges and were booked into the Platte County Detention Facility. The case is under investigation by WHP troopers.

Photo: WHP

Wagonhound Rest Area to close for several months

High-speed chase ends safely near Glendo.

WYDOT hosts public open houses ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation District 3 staff hosted open houses on June 18 in Evanston and June 20 in Rock Springs about the 2018 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The meetings collected feedback and public comments on current and future projects in the Uinta and Sweetwater county areas.

“This is a good opportunity for local residents to share their thoughts about the work that is going on, and the work that is planned in Sweetwater and Uinta counties, including the Gookin overpass and work on Interstate 80,” WYDOT Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Harsha said.

There was information at the meeting about projects and issues in both counties, as well as projects that are planned district-wide. Public involvement is valuable to WYDOT when planning and coordinating highway projects. Information on funding programs available through WYDOT for local government projects were also available.

Public involvement is a crucial component of WYDOT’s mission to provide a safe, high quality and efficient transportation system. WYDOT strives to exercise good stewardship of our resources and regards public input as a valuable asset in achieving those goals.

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$14 million federal grant received for new Rock Springs interchange ROCK SPRINGS – A $14 million federal grant for a new interchange project on Interstate 80 near Rock Springs will improve traffic mobility and safety, and help entice business development in the area.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will receive a $14 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that will be used to construct a new interchange and reconstruct Industrial Road from Foothill Boulevard south to Blairtown Road.

The $14 million grant WYDOT will receive is part of the $1.5 billion INFRA grant program, which is part of the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. “This project is vital to Wyoming because it will improve traffic flow and provide a direct connection from Interstate 80 to an intermodal industrial park that provides energy-related services,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “The Rock Springs area has a growing industrial park, which has direct access to rail service. This interchange will facilitate intermodal access, and freight movement and will open new areas for commercial, industrial and economic growth.”

Although WYDOT will receive $14 million, the total cost of the project is just under $30 million. Federal grants like the INFRA program are necessary to help important projects like the one near Rock Springs come to fruition. Federal grants rely on local match, and in order to be competitive, the state’s ability to provide matching funds is necessary.

The project includes replacing an existing bridge over the interstate to provide a higher vertical clearance, constructing eastbound and westbound ramps with continuous acceleration/deceleration lanes to Dewar Drive and building a new grade-separated crossing over the Union Pacific Railroad for access to the industrial park.

Construction could begin in 2020.

WYDOT applied for the grant to help

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improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Currently, there is no direct access to the interstate from the industrial area. Trucks have to drive through residential areas to access the industrial park.

I-80 is a major freight network and the new interchange will help improve movement of freight within the state and nationally, helping to diversify the economy in this part of the state. It can also help entice future growth in the industrial area by offering direct access to the interstate.

“The Rock Springs project meets the needs of the public because it will reduce truck traffic in non-commercial areas while it addresses the current needs and future growth of the energy sector in that area,” said Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT chief engineer.

Asphalt patched on WYO 22 in early June JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation with contract crews from Lewis & Lewis Inc. and HK Contractors patched sections of WYO 22 Teton Pass on June 6.

Crews worked on patching at different locations on WYO 22 from mileposts 0.44 to 17.0, from near the Y intersection to the Idaho side of Teton Pass.

Crews will maintained two-way traffic through the majority of the work, but a couple sections required one-way alternating traffic. Those sections were paved outside of commuter hours.

This is a district-wide contract patch project which repairs short sections of road in rough condition with a lift of asphalt. This type of work is longer lasting than patching potholes but not as comprehensive as a full overlay.

WHP Trooper assaulted on traffic stop GREEN RIVER – On May 31, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle at milepost 92 on Interstate 80, just east of Green River for a speeding violation.

While conducting the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of additional criminal activity. The driver was detained and in the process, attempted to initially flee on foot away from the traffic stop. The suspect ran out into traffic in an attempt to evade the trooper. Once the trooper caught up with the suspect

a physical altercation ensued, where the suspect attempted to disarm the trooper of his handgun.

While this altercation was occurring a member of the public stopped along the interstate to assist the trooper.

Another trooper arrived shortly thereafter. With the help of the citizen, and the other trooper, the suspect was taken into custody. Minor injuries were reported on both the trooper and the suspect. The citizen was uninjured. The suspect was medically cleared and transported to the Sweetwater County Detention Center for further processing.

It was later discovered the vehicle contained approximately 74 pounds of marijuana and approximately 1 gram of cocaine. The Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to assist with the investigation.

The suspect has been identified 36-year-old McKinleyville, California, resident, Dustin Roberts.

Cattleman’s Bridge off Spring Gulch Road closed JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Teton County closed the temporary bridge that was carrying traffic over the Gros Ventre River while the permanent structure, Cattleman’s Bridge, is under construction.

The closure was in response to unsafe conditions and potential catastrophic failure of the temporary structure due to the sinking of one of the structure’s piers.

The sinking of the pier was caused by scouring, or erosion, of the foundation of the pier due to high water flows from the spring runoff in the Gros Ventre River.

Work was immediately initiated to divert the water flow away from pier to prevent a total collapse.

The flow of the Gros Ventre River appears to have peaked, hopefully minimizing the potential for additional damage.

“Our biggest concern was the safety of the traveling public. When it became apparent that the scouring would not subside, crews began working on diverting the water flow. A failure of the temporary bridge would cause harm to crews working in the area and potentially damage the new structure that is under construction,” WYDOT District Engineer Keith Compton said.

After meticulous inspection from both WYDOT and the contractor, Reiman

Jefferson Street/ East Main Street improvements to begin July 9 in Lander

Corp., it was decided that the damage to the temporary bridge was too substantial to safely reopen. Instead, WYDOT and contract crews will be accelerating work on the new structure, by bringing in more manpower and resources, with the goal of opening the new structure in early July.

“The temporary bridge was constructed only to carry traffic until the new bridge was completed – the new structure has been designed to current standards, which includes resistance to anticipated future scouring,” Compton added.

Emergency services to areas served

by Cattleman’s Bridge will be maintained via Highway 89, Spring Gulch Road and Sagebrush Drive. Emergency vehicles will have priority access through the roundabout construction at Gros Ventre Junction.

WYDOT and contract crews from Reiman Corp. are asking for the public’s patience and help during construction.

Engineers are asking that the public stay clear of the Cattleman’s Bridge area, as there will be an acceleration of activity and mobilization in the area while crews work to open the new structure.

The bridge opened to single lane traffic June 24. The original, earlier date for the opening was delayed due to heavy rains and thunderstorms and additional work on utilities and manhole adjustments.

The contract was awarded to Reiman Corp. in October for $3.8 million. The Teton County bridge is located on Spring Gulch Road north of Jackson. The project is part WYDOT’s Bridge Replacement Off System program where WYDOT partners with local counties to replace deficient bridges off the state highway system.

Retaining wall project on U.S. 14 in Shell Canyon GREYBULL – A $1.8 million project to replace timber retaining walls with mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls began in early July on US 14 through Shell Canyon.

The project, east of Greybull, “consists of removing two timber crib walls and replacing them with MSE walls,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin.

Cowley prime contractor Wilson Brothers Construction plans to begin work in Shell Canyon after the July 4 holiday.

“During work, there will be single-lane traffic past each wall location. Traffic delays of up to five minutes are expected at each location,” Miller said.

The US 14 wall construction locations are at mileposts 23.13 and 24.73, between 23 and 25 miles east of Greybull.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

LANDER – More than $813,000 in roadway, curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements to begin July 9 on Jefferson Street and US 287/WYO 789 in Lander.

The prime contractor on the project is EHC, LLC, of Deaver.

The project is located within the city limits of Lander, and two routes are being improved – Jefferson Street, from its intersection with North 8th East to North 6th; and East Main Street (US 287/WYO 789), beginning at milepost 80.51 and extending about 1,600 feet to milepost 80.21.

“Work on East Main Street will extend sidewalk for about 1,600 feet along the east side of the highway from Mount Hope Drive south to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Apartments,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith of Lander.

“Curb and gutter will be extended about 350 feet along the east side of the highway.”

Smith said the Jefferson Street improvements includes grading, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt paving, sidewalk, curb and gutter and other work.

“Four named streets exist within Jefferson Street: North 6th Street (east end), Riverview Drive (middle of project), Unnamed Street (middle of project) and North 8th Street (west end),” Smith said.

“The scope of work includes some limited reconstruction of these streets within the project limits.”

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

D5

Manderson-Hyattville pavement improvement project underway

Photo: WYDOT

BASIN – Extensions to culverts kicked off work on the WYO 31 highway improvement project between Manderson and Hyattville.

Prime contractor on the $1.8 million project is Mountain Construction of Lovell.

The Manderson-Hyattville project includes concrete extensions, culvert extensions, minor slope flattening, asphalt milling, an asphalt pavement overlay and chip seal.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Photo: WYDOT

The temporary structure next to the new Cattleman’s Bridge collapsed due to the sinking of a pier. The pier’s foundation had eroded due to high spring runoff waters.

Jefferson Street in Lander to see road improvements.

Sand Creek bridge epoxy overlay LOVELL – Traffic delays of up to 15 minutes were expected June 25 during bridge work on the $1.96 million WYO 32 project between Lovell and Emblem.

“Paving is complete on the project, Briefs continued on page 10 July 2018

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Briefs continued from page 9 and the chip seal should happen later this summer,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin.

The WYO 32 project is located between mileposts 100 (Foster Gulch) and 112.72 (WYO 32’s intersection with WYO 295).

“When complete, this rural highway will have new fence, bridge rehabilitation on the Foster Gulch, Sand Creek and Coon Creek bridges and an asphalt pavement mill, overlay and chip seal,” said Miller.

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Company of Lovell. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Pavement removal, bridge work ongoing between Lovell and Cowley LOVELL – Traffic is directed to a crushed gravel driving surface until fall with the late-June milling of asphalt pavement on US 310/WYO 789 between Lovell and Cowley.

Bridge pile driving began the week of June 20 at the Shoshone River bridge according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin.

“Work is continuing on the railroad bridge,” Miller added.

The $11.7 million Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project consists of road widening, bridge widening over the Shoshone River, replacement of the Sage Creek and railroad bridges, asphalt paving and other work.

The prime contractor is S&S Builders, LLC, of Gillette. Contract completion date is June 30.

Paving improvements under way on US 287 on Beaver Rim LANDER – A $2.85 million pavement improvement project, bridge rehabilitation and other work are bringing traffic delays to US 287 travelers on Beaver Rim, about 35 miles southeast of Lander.

Other work, which began last week between Sweetwater Station and the

New Move Over law effective July 1; covers more workers

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top of Beaver Rim on US 287, includes construction of a turning lane at US 287’s junction with Bison Basin Road at the east end of the project. The turn lane is being built because of increased tourism, visitation and summer use of the historic trails in the area.

The remainder of the US 287 road work includes project grading, milling of the asphalt driving surface, placing pit run rock and crushed gravel, asphalt pavement surfacing and chip sealing on the 5.98-mile project between Muddy Gap and Lander.

Bridge rehabilitation is occurring at the Sweetwater River bridge near Sweetwater Station (milepost 41.62) and the Antelope Creek bridge at milepost 46.34, according to Brian Martin, Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer in Lander.

Repairs include guardrail updates at the Sweetwater River bridge, drainage work, approach slab replacement and an epoxy overlay of the two bridge decks.

“Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes while paving activities are under way,” Martin said. “Traffic is also being restricted to a single lane each way over the two bridges while the epoxy

Wyoming Department of Transportation employees who work on the sides of the road will now be covered by the state’s new Move Over law.

The new law goes into effect July 1 and requires that motorists move over for maintenance, construction and utility workers in addition to emergency responders like the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

“Maintenance, construction and utility workers need to have a safe work environment when they’re out on the job,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “This new law ensures they have that so they can make it home safely every night. This new law will help us improve safety for everyone who either travels or works on our system.”

The new Move Over law requires motorists to do what they currently do when encountering an emergency vehicle that is pulled over on the side of the road.

When a construction, maintenance or utility vehicle is stopped on a road with two or more lanes traveling 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 comply.

The new law may help prevent potential crashes that stem from travelers being too close to workers on the side of the road.

“We’ve had many vehicles that have been rear-ended or sideswiped because people didn’t move their vehicles over,” said Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT’s chief engineer. “This new law expands upon a law we already have to protect more workers. This shouldn’t really be a big impact to the traveling public as they’re already used to moving over for emergency vehicles.”

Tony Avila, area foreman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, knows firsthand how vital the new Move Over law is for WYDOT

overlays are being completed, and in the area where the turning lane is being constructed.”

Paving work by McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, including placement of the chip seal finish, is expected to take about a month to complete.

The $2.85 million project was awarded in January 2017 by the Wyoming Transportation Commission.

Concrete pour in Riverton; WYDOT allows contractor to extend work zone RIVERTON – Nearly 800 cubic yards of concrete was poured June 19 on the $13.96 million North Federal highway improvement project in Riverton.

The largest concrete pour of the project, thus far, is between East Park Avenue and East Lincoln Avenue.

In other news, WYDOT is granting permission to S&S to move the 2018 work zone 375 feet north of Forest Drive to near the south edge of the Sunset Drive/ North Federal intersection. workers.

“Over the last 37 years of my career at WYDOT, I’ve seen a lot of close calls,” Avila said. “This new Move Over law is very important because it lets our employees know that it’s now safer for them. This law tells our employees that they matter and that we care about them getting home to their families safely.”

Although the law has always covered emergency responders, Patrol has still experienced collisions from inattentive drivers who failed to move over.

Since 2016, vehicles have hit 12 patrol cars stopped at the roadside. As a way to help remind the public about the importance of moving over, some Patrol cars have a decal on the rear window that says, “Save a Life, Move Over.”

“Motorists can do their part by not only following the requirements of the new law but also by not driving distracted,” said Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller. “When you drive distracted, you’re not fully aware of your surroundings. Motorists need to put all distractions away, especially cellphones, and just concentrate on driving.” n

The 375-foot work extension means that work will continue in the northbound lanes of North Federal Boulevard, prior to the contractor moving to the south end of the project to work on the two southbound lanes of North Federal at Washington.

“Just like the rest of the project, the contractor will work with businesses to keep business accesses open to each business during construction,” Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton said. “And, the contractor is required to communicate individually with each business owner during construction.”

US 20/WYO 789 closed for railroad crossing repairs in Worland WORLAND – A two- to three-day closure of US 20/WYO 789 in Worland began June 5 to allow BNSF Railway crews to repair electrical issues in the highway railroad crossing.

The closure began at the west end of Big Horn Avenue in Worland.

The Culbertson Avenue bridge will remain open during the railroad crossing repairs.

Thermopolis Streets public meeting held THERMOPOLIS – Citizens were invited to a public meeting regarding an upcoming highway improvement project inside the Thermopolis city limits on May 31.

The public meeting was held at the Thermopolis Fire Hall.

The Thermopolis project is scheduled for 2020 or 2021. It involves isolated reconstruction on US 20/WYO 789, including storm drain added near the Hot Springs State Park Headquarters. The project includes Americans with Disabilities (ADA) improvements at 16 intersections, isolated replacement of broken sidewalk and curb and gutter, and asphalt milling and a pavement overlay throughout the project area (mileposts 130.82 and 133.40) inside the town of Thermopolis. n

WHP Total number of employees: As of June 7, 2018

1,950

Total number of highway fatalities: As of June 19, 2018

1,896

One year ago

One month ago One year ago

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By J.L. O’Brien

Photo: WYDOT

With an increase in reported slide areas near the state’s roads, Farrell said resources employees have include RHRS, Geology the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s geologists have Program employees and the employee’s own observations. been working to educate employees of the safety risks of working “Use all of your senses,” Vanderveen said. “You can hear it. If in rockfall areas. you hear something, get the hell out of there.”

Two Geology Program employees made a presentation to However, Vanderveen said one of the best resources is employees with Photogrammetry and Survey April 30 as part of WYDOT’s maintenance crews. an effort to help department employees better recognize dangers “If there are rocks in the ditch, ask the maintenance guy,” he and understand rating systems. said. “If they cleared it in the last month and there are rocks in Geology Program Project Geologist David Vanderveen said the ditch, it’s not safe.” there was a 15-year period in which the state didn’t get many Vanderveen added that maintenance crews provide about 90 calls to assess slide risks, but since 2014, there has been many percent of the data used for assessing slide areas. “Maintenance is more requests. a huge, huge asset.”

Vanderveen said the increase in slides could be in part due to Some factors employees should look for are above normal the state coming out of drought condiprecipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, seismic tions. activity, wildfires and construction activWhile department employees know ity. that slides and rockfall are an increased If an employee sees evidence that danger in recent years, Geology Program causes concern, they should not work Engineering Geologist Mick Farrell said around it. “You can come back and do they cannot really assess if a slide is imyour work another time,” Vanderveen minent. said.

Instead, the department uses a system He added that employees should not that rates all potential slide areas for danpark in rockfall areas. ger. The Rockfall Hazard Rating System Two recent events illustrate the im(RHRS) database has been used for most A boulder sits on the roadway of US 20/WYO 789 portance of taking care in rockfall areas. after heavy snow and spring rains caused rockfall rock slopes adjacent to Wyoming highVanderveen related two stories to the in Wind River Canyon in May 2016. The rockfall ways. The system takes into consideration closed the highway briefly for rock scaling and group. In one recent instance, geologists cleanup efforts. slope height, ditch effectiveness, averwere conducting an assessment south of age vehicle risk, decision sight distance, Thermopolis. They completed their work roadway width, geologic character, block size and volume as well at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m. a slide occurred that dumped enough rock to as the rockfall history. A higher number indicates a greater risk, cover a truck precisely where they had been parked at 4 p.m. but Farrell said a lower rating doesn’t mean there is no danger.

While a Cody construction crew was at lunch recently, a rock Because ratings consider traffic volume, low-traffic areas will get fell into the driver side of one of the vehicles parked at the cona lower rating. For instance, because Point of Rocks is adjacent to struction site. the interstate, it has a very high rating. The rating system is used Geology Program employees will be traveling the state to for remediation purposes. make presentations to the districts. Vanderveen said that the sub“Any rating means danger,” Vanderveen added. “And if it’s ject is particularly important now because of prominent projects hazardous to a car, it’s hazardous to a person.” coming up in areas know to have rock-fall risks, like Point of The purpose of the presentation the geologists are giving is to Rocks, Chugwater and Cody. n help employees identify and avoid danger.

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Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

Rockfall risk presentation

Communication from the field is a critical key to safety.

By J.L. O’Brien Because of her diverse, hands-on experience before her career in safety began, the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s new Employee Safety Program Manager Wendy Bruso wants to hear from you.

“I really want to encourage every staff to get involved,” Bruso said. “I want to hear their insight. I want to hear their concerns. I want to hear their needs.”

Her career path didn’t begin at a desk.

“I paid my way through my degrees working as a wildland firefighter and on road construction crews,” she said.

Bruso was part of an asphalt paving crew and has experience testing asphalt, so it is only natural that she values hands-on experience “We are always going to encourage people to be safe,” she said.

“But I also want people to reach out when they’ve had a near miss or see a safety issue.”

Because of her background, Bruso said she takes a sciencebased, data-driven approach to her work.

“Regulation and safety are the core of a successful business,” she said.

Bruso’s experience before coming to WYDOT included working in the coal bed methane/oil and gas industry where she first worked in regulation and compliance. She also worked for an energy industry consulting agency and in a public health and safety position.

Bruso’s first degrees were actually bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Wyoming.

It was her time working in the mineral industry where she first gained experience in employee safety. She co-led a company’s safety program before it was bought by a larger company.

She said the parent company’s safety program was phenomenal which increased her excitement about and knowledge in the field. She found that she enjoyed getting involved with developing training. She had experience teaching as a part of her gradu-

ate school experience and training colleagues. She also taught biology for Sheridan College.

“I’m a problem solver,” Bruso said. “I want people to get with me to help them with what they need.”

Bruso later went to Montana State Univeristy-Bozeman for an additional master’s in education. She sought the degree in education because she feels that the two most important keys to employee safety are training and communication, and an education degree could really help in facilitating communicating complex concepts.

“We’re here to help,” she said. “I want to be a resource and to provide awareness, education, training and engagement.”

The Riverton native said the interview process with the committee got her excited about the position WYDOT. “WYDOT is full of talented people,” she said. “I’m excited to tap into the talent and experience out there and help keep our staff safe.”

When she’s not at work, Bruso spends her time enjoying hiking and hunting, particularly moose. She gardens and, as she loves to learn, is an avid reader. She particularly loves reading western writers like C.J. Box and Craig Johnson, who she said do a good job of painting a literary picture of Wyoming.

Bruso and her husband are gastronomy aficionados as well, with the goal of trying out each restaurant wherever they live.

She also loves classic cars, something she got from her family.

Her grandfather owned an auto body shop and used car lot, and her dad owned and sold more than 100 vehicles. She, herself, has a couple of classic cars that she plans to start working on soon.

When she’s not working, enjoying the outdoors, reading, tinkering or enjoying culinary offerings, she and her husband relax with action movies. She said “Avengers” and “The Justice League” are some of her favorites. n

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GEOLOGY

W Y D O T

By Mark Falk, Geology

In terms of both engineering expertise and financial resources, WYDOT makes a considerable investment in building and maintaining highways.

Yet the end result of a road or bridge project will be no better than the foundation on which that project is built, and that’s why WYDOT’s Geology Program exists.

The Geology Program is part of WYDOT’s Engineering and Planning division and provides geological and geotechnical services to all WYDOT programs to help accomplish WYDOT’s mission. The mission statement for the Geology Program is to “provide high quality, timely, and innovative solutions to geotechnical problems”.

The need for incorporating geological and geotechnical information into highway design has long been recognized.

The beginning of interstate construction six decades ago proved to be the catalyst for making more detailed subsurface investigations during project planning and design – taking a deeper look, so to speak. Consider the fact that at one time, a bridge foundation investigation might consist simply of driving a reinforced bar of steel – manually with a sledge hammer to determine the depth to competent material.

During the 1950s, the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, began bringing geologists into the fold, and by 1960 the Engineering Geology Section (forbearer of today’s Geology Program) had coalesced with a staff of five, including supervisor Bill Sherman, who would lead Geology until his retirement in 1988. Subsequently, Geology was headed by Gary Riedl (1988-1993), Mike

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT drill rig 4001 with Mick Farrell, Jared Nuhn and Jim Whetstone investigating the Dry Sandstone slide on WYO 70 in the spring of 2011.

Photo: WYDOT

Hager (1993-2008) and Jim Coffin (2008-2016). The current program manager is Chief Engineering Geologist Mark Falk.

Geology currently has 21 employees. The management team consists of the Chief Engineering Geologist James Dahill the assistant chief engineering geologist and three principal geologists. Each Principal Geologist function as project managers and are responsible for all of the geology activities from the inception of projects through construction. Each principal geologist is responsible for approximately one-third of the routes on the state highway system. The rest of the geology team includes field geologists, drill crew members, laboratory technicians, a CADD operator, and an administrative assistant.

The basis of nearly all geological and geotechnical investigations and subsequent recommendations is the collection of field data. Given this fact, the program is strongly field oriented because there is only so much geology that can be accomplished in the office and geologists have a strong desire to go out and “kick the dirt.” Prior to the field geologists and drill crews performing their investigations, the principal geologists must ensure that all utility locates, permits, mapping, plans and cross sections and the coordination with district crews for traffic control is obtained and completed.

The drill crew is the heart and soul of most geological investigations. By necessity, crew members spend a great majority of their time (40 plus weeks a year) at work away from home, working outdoors in the full range of Wyoming weather conditions – hot and dry during summer, frigid and snowy during winter and often, throughout any of the seasons, buffeted by high winds.

These hard working drill crews maintain three rigs capable of using either auger or rotary type drilling methods. Two of the drills are truck-mounted and one is on an ATV chassis with large rubber tires. The rigs are versatile and can be operated on a variety of terrain types, including steep side slopes and wet, soft ground.

Working with the drill crew, the field geologists determine the location of test holes along with the depth and type of testing and sampling during the drilling process.

The field geologists also travel a considerable amount; approximately 30 percent of their work time is spent on the road.

In addition to coordinating with the drill crew to collect and test samples, they conduct geologic mapping and hand-held GPS surveys. Other responsibilities include consulting with maintenance personnel for roadway history and analyzing laboratory data.

The end result of their efforts is a geotechnical report containing design recommendations to be used by other WYDOT engineering personnel and sometimes by consultants or other personnel in other agencies. Producing the recommendations requires cooperation with the other WYDOT engineering programs; for example, obtaining mapping from Photogrammetry and Surveys, plans from Project Development and layouts from Bridge.

One of Geology’s primary responsibilities is investigations for a variety of highway related structures. These include: bridges, box culverts, pipe culverts, retaining walls, sign structures, tower lights and buildings. Recommendations for structure foundations are provided to the Bridge program or building design consultants. Depending on the year, Geology will spend 25-35 percent of their time on structure investigations.

In the past, Geology spent a great deal of time doing soils profile investigations, which consist of drilling test holes every 500-700 feet along the roadway to collect soil samples which are used by the Materials Program to design the pavement section for roadway reconstruction projects. It is not uncommon to have two or three large soils profile investigations at any one time.

Since WYDOT has been focusing on pavement preservation with less reconstruction the past few years, the subsurface investigations for pavement rehabilitation have focused more on specific pavement problem areas and existing subsurface conditions to determine if a specific project is a candidate for full depth reclamation (FDR) treatment.

Geology continues to do material source investigations to find aggregate which is suitable for making pavement and roadway base. Investigations are done for both gravel pits and quarries for crushable rock. Gravel pits are investigated by digging a series of test holes with a backhoe to characterize the gravel deposit and collect samples which are used by the Materials Program to do mix designs for pavement. Quarries are typically investigated by a series of drill holes in which rotary coring methods are used to collect core samples for testing.

One of the most high profile responsibilities that Geology has is to respond to and make recommendations to remediate geohazards which affect the safety of the traveling public and highway infrastructure. The geohazards typically affecting the roadways in Wyoming are landslides and rockfall. These events

Blaine Smith, Mick Farrell and Justin Mordahl (from left) discussing the Geology of the area with local experts at the Wind River Tunnels.

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Photo: WYDOT

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Photo: WYDOT

system to evaluate the potential risk of rock slopes throughout the state. A rockslope inventory of all of the rockslopes adjacent to WYDOT roads has been developed.

All of these slopes are assigned a risk hazard rating based on such things slope height, rock size, roadway width, ditch catchment effectiveness and average vehicle risk.

Rockfall remediation projects are recommended based on these hazard ratings and input from district Engineer and Geology rope team member Mick Farmaintenance person- rell trains in the Jackson area. nel. Examples of recent projects include: scaling projects in Shell Canyon and Wind River Canyon, scaling and rockfall mesh installation on WYO 296, and hazard rock removal and the installation of rockfall mesh and rockfall attenuator systems near the Cody tunnels.

The Geology Program has formed a “ropes team”. The purpose of this team is to use rock climbing equipment to access slopes to evaluate rockfall hazards and inspect rockfall mesh and other rockfall remediation equipment. In addition to the “ropes team” all of the geologists in the Geology program have been trained in rock slope hazard analysis. The purpose of this training is to aid individuals working near rock slopes in identifying potential rockfall hazards and determine if it is safe to climb on or work below a particular slope. Members of the “ropes team” have developed a training that they are sharing with personnel from other programs who need to work near rock slopes. So far, they have shared this training with Photogrammetry and Survey personnel and some District 5 maintenance personnel. See related story on Page 12.

In the past several years, the use of drilled shafts on WYDOT projects has increased. This increased usage has been for bridge foundations, landslide repair and tower lights. In these various applications, the design of the drilled shafts are to resist various loading conditions such as vertical loads for bridges, lateral loads for light towers and subsurface shear for landslide repair. As the use of drilled shafts increased, several Geology Program personnel have been trained in drilled shaft inspection. Geology now works closely with field construction crews to help train them in shaft inspection at the beginning of projects that have drilled shafts.

The Geology Program continues to adapt its operation and the services it provides to meet the ever-changing needs of WYDOT. When those crews are out there drilling in all kinds of conditions and locations, they are there trying to get information to help others do their jobs to provide a safe and efficient transportation WYDOT drill rig 821 conducting a soils profile investigation along US 26/287. system for the public. n Geology continued from page 15 are commonly associated with extreme precipitation events such as well above normal snowpack which melts rapidly and extreme rainfall events. Landslides in the mountainous areas of the state are usually directly related to snow melt, while landslides in other parts of the state are generally related to spring and early summer rains.

The spring of 2017 was particularly challenging for the Geology Program. Well above average snowfall occurred through a large portion of the state in the winter of 2016-17. Reported landslide and rockfall events began in late February and continued well into the summer. In all, there were 28 new landslide and rockfall events which affected WYDOT roads. In response to these events, Geology was usually able to provide someone to look at the sites and assess the potential risks and make preliminary recommendations for a course of action within 24 hours. To aid executive staff and other decisions makers, Geology created a spreadsheet with real time data of all of the various sites and a google based statewide location map.

The majority of the time, geohazards are primarily a reactive proposition for Geology and WYDOT. One of the Geology Programs goals is to become more proactive in the approach to geohazards. While predicting exact locations and timing of landslides is nearly as impossible as predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, identifying conditions which make landslides more likely is something Geology is focusing on. An example of this is a program that was developed to review the embankments along I-90 between Ranchester and the Montana state line each year. At the beginning of the program, each of the slopes was reviewed and assigned a potential risk number based on its current condition and evidence of instability. Recommendations were made to the district for prioritization and potential remediation of these sites.

Each spring, all of these sites are re-evaluated, and the district are advised of changes in the status of the slopes. So they can decide if any remediation should be added to the STIP. Another process that has been developed within Geology is to track the snowpack at sites along various roadway sections which have experienced rockfall and landslide problems. The goal of collecting this snowpack history and comparing it to rockfall and landslide history along a particular highway corridor is to develop a general guideline of when increased rockfalls and landslides can be expected. For example, on WYO 28 over South Pass, landslide movement along the route is anticipated if two or more inches of rain occur within a two-day period during May in a year where the maximum snow water equivalent is more than 18 inches for the season.

Rockfall is somewhat easier to have a proactive approach to remediation. The Geology Program uses a rockfall hazard rating

Noteworthy

Fred Fedrizzi (left) with his brother and WYDOT 60-year service award recipient David Fedrizzi. Fred Fedrizzi also has a history with WYDOT – he worked with summer crews in his younger years.

family,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “Your dedication and commitment to the department is extraordinary. We are so honored to have someone like you with our department. It’s people like you who make WYDOT truly special.”

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead attended the luncheon to help honor Fedrizzi, saying that it’s people like him who show how dedicated the employees of the state are.

“You are a walking history book of Wyoming and of Wyoming’s transportation history,” Mead said. “You are truly one of a kind. Thank you for your service.”

Fedrizzi, 82, attributed his longevity at WYDOT to his brother, Fred, who is retired and takes care of the house they share.

“I’m going to stay at WYDOT as long as I can,” Fedrizzi said.

“My brother keeps the home fires burning and has made sure I was able to get to work. As long as he can still do that, I will stay at WYDOT. The last 25 years of my career wouldn’t have been possible without my brother Fred.” n

Photo: Rick Carpenter

By Aimee Inama In 1957, the average price of a home was $10,000. The president of the United States was Dwight D. Eisenhower.

And, David Fedrizzi started working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Fedrizzi recently marked his 60th anniversary working for WYDOT, making him the longest employed state employee in the history of Wyoming. He attended the June Wyoming Transportation Commission luncheon where he received his service award.

“I started preparing to work for WYDOT by playing in the sandbox when I was 6 years old on Highway 430,” Fedrizzi said chuckling. “I love WYDOT. This is more than a job. This is part of my family.”

Fedrizzi, of Rock Springs, began his career at WYDOT in 1957 as a levelman in his hometown after working at his local Safeway store and the Bureau of Land Management, and serving in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant. After earning his degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming, he worked as a project engineer.

In 1966, he was promoted to resident engineer in Kemmerer.

He then moved to Cheyenne to work as a bridge designer. After two years, he was promoted to Bridge Design Squad leader.

Fedrizzi then moved to Sundance to work again as a resident engineer. But his hometown was calling so he moved back to Rock Springs in 1970 where he’s served as the District 3 finals engineer, a highway management specialist and a materials and water agreements manager and Adopt-a-Highway coordinator.

“Dave we are so proud that you are a member of our WYDOT

Photo: Rick Carpenter

WYDOT employee David Fedrizzi celebrates 60 years with the department

David Fedrizzi attended the awards luncheon with dignitaries from the state which was held at the Cheyenne Country Club in June. (From left) Gov. Matt Mead, WYDOT Director Bill Panos, Wyoming Transportation Commission Chairman Bob Ruwart, David Fedrizzi, Wyoming Transportation Commissioner Jim Espy and Fred Fedrizzi.

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WYDOT Director Bill Panos addresses U.S. Senate committee about intelligent driving systems

By Aimee Inama Intelligent driving technology has the potential to save lives, reduce crashes and alert drivers of upcoming hazards, but officials need to consider infrastructurerelated issues when implementing these new innovations.

Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Bill Panos testified about the impacts to highway infrastructure from the implementation of connected and automated vehicles during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on June 13 in Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso chairs the Panos committee.

Panos is chairman of the Committee on Transportation System Operations for the American Associations of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). He spoke on behalf of WYDOT and AASHTO, which represents the state departments of transportation.

“These new technologies have the potential to decrease crashes and fatalities significantly and positively influence the safety of not only vehicle occupants, but also highway maintenance and

construction workers, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” Panos told the committee. “Connected and automated vehicles are in our future and we want the infrastructure to be ready and safer than it has ever been when they are deployed. If deployed properly, this technology will save lives.”

Panos emphasized that safety is the ultimate goal when it comes to transportation infrastructure in states. New technologies like connected and automated vehicles will be another way safety will improve on the nation’s roads. With that technology eventually becoming more common, officials need to start planning and researching now.

Panos said states like Wyoming are currently testing new safety technology. Wyoming is one of only three locations in the nation to participate in the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.

As part of that program, WYDOT received a federal grant to install connected vehicle technology, which will use vehicle-tovehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure and infrastructure-to-vehicle connectivity to communicate road information and alert motorists about issues along Interstate 80.

“The Wyoming pilot program will test new safety technology, such as advanced forward collision warnings, to let travelers know of crashes ahead,” Panos said. “It will also provide immediate situational awareness warnings about weather alerts, speed restrictions, parking availability, and so forth; detailed and current work zone warnings; specialized spot weather impact warnings for ice, fog, and other hazards; and notifications from disabled vehicles.” n

Thermal imaging technology tested at Cheyenne intersection

The new thermal imaging camera being tested is placed to detect pedestrians at an intersection.

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Get those photos in!

Rides

submission deadline: Photo: Christina Spindler

The Traffic Program began testing a new pedestrian detection system at the intersection of Walker Road and Central Avenue, near the WYDOT Headquarters complex near the end of May. The detection system uses thermal imaging to “see” pedestrians and sends a “call” to the traffic light system without the need for a pedestrian button push.

Thermal imaging camera technology is used in the cameras to detect a presence at the corner. The small LED light on the camera will change from green to red once a pedestrian has been detected. Cameras have been installed on both the north and south sides of the intersection.

The new system is leading to a practical outcome to address ADA issues at traffic signals, eliminating the need for a pedestrian to push a button.

Cheyenne area walkers and runners looking for a new route may really enjoy the ease of this pedestrian detection system.

The system is installed on the eastern side of the intersection, which is the side nearest the Cheyenne Airport Golf Club. n

Classic? Hot rod?

Late model?

Two wheeler?

08/15/18

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

By Aimee Inama Wyoming Transportation commissioners had the chance to tour the Wyoming Capitol building in June to get a glimpse of the work crews are doing to renovate and restore the building.

The commission, WYDOT executive staff and other WYDOT personnel donned hard hats, reflective vests and other safety gear as they walked through the 125-year-old building. Inside, they saw crews modernizing electrical and plumbing, plastering and fixing walls and performing other work.

The work is part of the Capitol Square Project, which also consists of replacing the central utility plant, remodeling and expanding the connecting tunnel and remodeling and expanding the Herschler Building.

The state Legislature authorized and directed the project to proceed in 2014, information from the Wyoming Capitol Square Project’s website indicated. The project is set to be completed in mid-2019.

For more information about the project, visit the Wyoming Capitol Square Project’s website at http://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/ n

Photos: Pat Lewis

Transportation commissioners tour state Capitol building

Transportation Commissioners toured the state Capitol building while under renovation.

TechNotes IT optimization and Active Directory migration

By Dan Tolman, IT Program Manager As part of the ongoing statewide IT optimization process, WYDOT IT has been working with ETS to test and prepare for an Active Directory migration. Many of you may be thinking “What is Active Directory?” Active Directory is the authentication system for our Microsoft Windows business network. All State of Wyoming agencies use an Active Directory system to verify that you are allowed to use State-owned computer systems and historically each agency has had to maintain its own servers for this purpose. By migrating to a centralized Active Directory the Agency can reduce the number of servers that are needed resulting in cost savings.

By now you may be thinking “What does this all mean to me?” This change will not have a major impact on the way we do business but there are some things to understand that will impact most users. From the time your user account is migrated until the time that the entire migration is complete, we will have to maintain accounts in both directories. For you, this will mean an extra password to manage. You will be given detailed instructions as well as a website link where you can reset your WYDOT password if you have trouble accessing internal WYDOT resources,

i.e., ERP. Of course, you can also call 777-3995 if the web-based help isn’t working for you or if you just prefer talking to someone.

The first part of this migration began within IT. We migrated ourselves so that we could get the experience needed to help support the rest of the agency. We worked early on with Management Services, Compliance, Audit, HR, Materials Lab and Geology who have assisted us in identifying and working through some issues that have allowed us to refine the migration process.

Thank you to those who helped early on! Because of your efforts, we will see a much smoother process as we move forward.

We will be reaching out to your individual programs in order to schedule a time that works for you to perform this migration.

The plan is to target Tuesday evenings for this work. The team will come onsite around 3 pm on your scheduled Tuesday and work until completion. They will then be onsite the following morning to assist with any problems that may arise. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. n July 2018

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Training

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services If you are a learning junkie like me, you like to learn just for the enjoyment of learning. Yet one of the most beneficial practices for individual employees as well as an organization as a whole is to identify what a person needs to learn or do in order to do their job even better and apply that learning or skill on the job. From this perspective, an employee would ask themself: “What knowledge or skill gap do I need to fill in order to do my job. Or to do my job even better?” A supervisor might ask the same question pertaining to each of their direct reports.

You might discover that a live, instructor-led training (ILT) at WYDOT-U may well meet the need to fill that skill or knowledge gap. Or you might locate a course which is being taught outside of WYDOT that satisfies the need. Or you may be able to fill that gap from on-the-job training. Learning opportunities vary in delivery methodology. And learners may prefer one methodology over another.

An additional option you will soon be able to explore at WYDOT is HRDQ e-learning through the WELL. These courses will be self-guided e-learning courses. Each e-learning title comes with a knowledge course to guide learners through the training and a case study that applies learning to real life situations. The knowledge courses contain interactive quizzes and worksheets all designed to help facilitate and reinforce the training content.

Photo: WYDOT

Filling the gaps, doing better work

These courses will allow you to explore necessary subject matter that may help you to fill those knowledge or skills gaps from the convenience of your computer or tablet. These courses will be ready whenever you are and you can launch them directly from the WELL. In the near future, Training Services plans to roll out a few HRDQ e-learning titles in the WELL. These courses will cover, in part, the core behavioral competencies that have been established by the State of Wyoming for all employees – Communication, Customer Service, Team Player, Judgment and Decision Making, and Personal Effectiveness – as well the supervisor competencies of Developing Others and Leadership.

WYDOT Training Services will continue to find ways to deliver beneficial learning opportunities to the right people at the right time. n

Training @ a Glance Coming in July: Date Class

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

PMI Competency

7/11/18 WYDOT as a Learning Organization:

Systems Thinking & Mental Models 7/17/18 The Flexible Leader 7/18/18 Breaking Thru the Barriers:

Effective Interpersonal Communication Coming in August: Date Class 8/6/18 KNOW WY (New Employee Onboarding) 8/14/18 Customer Service: From the

Customer’s Perspective 8/15/18 Speak Up! Improving Your

Assertive Communication Skills 8/27/18 WY Supervise

(New Supervisors & Emerging Leaders)

Judgment & Decision Making Leadership

WYDOT-U WYDOT-U

Communication

WYDOT-U

PMI Competency

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Location

New Employee Orientation

WYDOT-U

Customer Service

WYDOT-U

Communication

WYDOT-U

New Supervisor Orientation

WYDOT-U

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

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Location

Awards

Trooper Daugherty receives Colonel’s Commendation Award for rescuing children Trooper Bill Daugherty wanted to get into law enforcement to make a difference.

On April 29, he did just that after a little over a year on the job when rescued three children from a dangerous situation on Interstate 80.

For his work, Daugherty, who started with the Wyoming Highway Patrol in April 2017, received the Colonel’s Commendation Award, a prestigious award honoring those who have made an impact. Daugherty received his award during the June Wyoming Transportation Commission luncheon.

“This award isn’t something that’s given out regularly,” said WHP Col. Kebin Haller. “This award is given to those men and women who have gone the extra mile and helped make a difference in the lives of our citizens. In the three years I’ve been colonel, we’ve only given this award out three times. Trooper Daugherty, you are truly an asset to the people of Wyoming.”

The incident on April 29 began after Daugherty responded to a call about a vehicle with three missing children leaving a gas

Photo: WYDOT

By Aimee Inama

Trooper Bill Daugherty was recognized at the award ceremony with (from left) Director Bill Panos, WHP Col. Kebin Haller and Gov. Matt Mead.

station off Interstate 80. Daugherty stopped the vehicle in the Lander area for a traffic violation. He then questioned the driver, who gave conflicting information about his travel plans and a conflicting name of one of the children in the vehicle.

The driver was also traveling in a rental vehicle, which was overdue. Daugherty identified one of the children as a missing child from Las Vegas. He then contacted the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for further investigation into the remaining children.

Daugherty ,with the assistance of two other troopers, arrested the two adults in the vehicle for drugs after finding a spoon with methamphetamine residue, marijuana, digital scales, a syringe, a blow torch and a loaded Hi-Point pistol. The two adults were charged with felony child endangerment, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and no child safety seat.

Congratulations to our May recipients!

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

Greg Brown Jerry Collicott James Donahue Leanna Humble Janelle Leonard Vance Lucero

Julianne Monahan Carl Moody Kathryn Pagel Dale Roberts LeRoy Rusk DJ Sandoval

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov.

The three children were taken into protective custody. However, on April 30, law enforcement was notified the three children escaped protective custody. Daugherty, two other troopers, DCI agents and county deputies located the missing children in Lander.

After further investigation, law enforcement learned another one of the children was a missing child out of Law Vegas. Law enforcement are continuing their investigation into the custody of the three children.

Daugherty, who recently transferred from the WHP station in Lander to Powell, said he’s pleased he was able to help rescue the children and make a difference.

“Every trooper wants to rescue someone and help save a life,” he said.

“One of the reasons I became a trooper was because I want to help the people of Wyoming.” n July 2018

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District News Headquarters

Welcome Jonathan Clark, Right of Way-Property Management; Justin Clark, Fuel Tax-Uniformity; Rebecca Denny, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Kayla Gilmor, Highway Safety; Ming Jiang, Bridge-Operations Design; and Emily Selby, Planning-Programming.

Lloyd Thomas, Bridge-Engineering Design – 15 years; Emily Ahearn, Bridge-Engineering Design – 10 years; Steven Berg, Materials-Bituminous – 10 years;

Shenefelt

Crabtree

Poteet

Promotions and Transfers Brian Anton, Bridge-Hydraulics; Molly Bennett, Bridge-Operations Design; Kori Cruz, Traffic; Kimberly Lamb, Internal Review; Justin Marquez, Highway Development-Project Development; Charles Rollins, Traffic; and Jessica Stevens, GIS/ITS.

Susan Elliott, Administration – 10 years; Vickie Hintze, Bridge-Engineering Administration – 10 years; Janelle Leonard, Planning-Local Government Coordination – 10 years; Craig O’Dell, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection – 10 years; Amy Pearson, Driver Services-CDL – 10 years; Alliek Tomlin, Driver Services-Policy and Records – 10 years; Whitney Wise, Materials-Design and Roadway – 10 years; Bruce Witt, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 10 years; Samantha Cheshire, Patrol Dispatch – 5 years; Timothy Dolan, Highway Development-Project Development – 5 years; Alison Helgoth Ragan, GIS/ITS – 5 years; Laura Miazga, Driver Services-Policy and Records – 5 years; and Andrew Wallerstein, Facilities Management-Security – 5 years.

Retirements Anton

Bennett

Thomas

Ahearn

Thomas Adkins retired on May 2 after working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for almost 41 years. He was a principal engineer in the Planning program.

Adkins

Cruz

Elliott

Lamb

Marquez

Rollins

Hintze

O’Dell

Dolan

Ragan

Miazga

Service Awards Michael Shenefelt, Highway Development-Project Development – 35 years; Douglas Crabtree, Geology – 30 years; Shane Poteet, Highway DevelopmentPhotogrammetry and Survey – 15 years;

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Bradford “Pete” Bean retired on May 2 after working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 26 years. He was a field data collection and lab analyst 2 with the Materials Program.

Gary Crawford retired on June 9 after working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 38 years. He was a shipping and receiving clerk 2 in the Purchasing program.

Crawford was born in Rawlins. When he first started working Crawford at WYDOT he was a stock worker. He then served as a store manager and buyer for WYDOT.

Headquarters, cont.

District 1

Richard Smith retired on June 13 after working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for almost 37 years.

He was a Port of Entry quality control analyst.

Welcome Andrew Apodaca, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; Rodney Hinman, Rawlins Maintenance; and Douglas Talmadge, Cheyenne Maintenance.

Congratulations Wendy Bruso was selected as the OSHA Program Supervisor in the Employee Safety program in Cheyenne.

She began her duties May 3.

Promotions and Transfers

Demoney

Service Awards

Richard Demoney, District 1 Shop; Jonathon McMullen, Rawlins Construction; Michael Ramberg, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Roy Sommers, Cheyenne Mechanics.

Todd DePorter was Bruso selected as the Senior OSHA Specialist in the Employee Safety program in Cheyenne.

He assumed his duties June 7.

DePorter has worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation since DePorter 2015 as an instructor in Training Services program. n

Sommers

Clyde Harnden, Traffic-Electrical – 35 years; and Shawn Varland, Cheyenne Mechanics – 15 years.

Retirements

Pukash

Photo: WYDOT

Michael Pukash retired on June 7 from WYDOT with more than 19 years of service to the state.

Pukash worked as a senior technical technician with the Telecommunications Program. n

Shawn Varland with Cheyenne Mechanics received his 15-year service award certificate and pin from District Equipment Supervisor Dick Demoney.

District 2

Welcome

Service Awards

Jessie Alcala, Port of Entry-Casper; and Kevin Chapman, Torrington Maintenance.

Darren Allbright, Wheatland Maintenance – 10 years; Nicholas, Koch, Torrington Construction – 10 years; Richard Steffens, Casper Maintenance – 5 years; and Tucker Whitt, Casper Mechanics – 5 years. n

Promotions and Transfers

Photo: Merna Carver

Cameron Rissler, Douglas Mechanics.

Who said clearing snow wasn’t fun? Baggs Maintenance employees Tom Styles and Will McGary had a quick photo session while plowing WYO 70. Styles is on the highway and McGary is striking a pose atop what remained of this winter’s snowfall.

Rissler

Koch

Steffens

July 2018

Whitt

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District 3 Richard Denny, Afton Maintenance; Brandon Hall, Port of Entry-Alpine Junction; John Jacobson, Rock Springs Maintenance; Terri Olson, Rock Springs Maintenance; Tanner Passey, Port of Entry-Alpine Junction; and Kelly Randall, Driver Services-Jackson/Afton.

Service Awards Michael Vandenberg, Rock Springs Construction – 35 years; Barbara Flor, Rock Springs Construction – 30 years;

Vandenberg

William McGuire, Rock Springs Maintenance – 20 years; and Richard Wilson, Jackson Maintenance – 10 years.

Retirements Michael Garner retired June 2 from the Wyoming Department of Transportation after 35 years of service to the state.

Robert Olsen retired from Kemmerer Construction June 2 with 13 years of service to the state of Wyoming. n

Flor

Photo: WYDOT

Welcome

The Jackson crew and their families gathered on Memorial Day 2018 with their avalanche control parade entry. From left: Brendan Cody (Daigle family friend); Kate, Sherry and Bruce Daigle, Jackson maintenance crew foreman; April, Brynlee, Weston and Troy Jerup, Jackson maintenance heavy equipment operator; Brian Gorsage, avalanche crew leader; Shirley Weerhiem, equipment operator, with son Sam and grandkids Trayson and Edynn Horrocks.

Garner

District 4

Welcome Darren Barton, Sheridan Construction; Kenneth Durham, Sheridan Maintenance; Scott Keyworth, Sundance Mechanics; Cody Lenz, Sundance

Durham

Maintenance; Jedidiah McKnight, Sheridan Maintenance; Jacob Orban, Newcastle Mechanics; Camron Shawver, Gillette Mechanics; and Andrea Staley, District 4 Administration.

Barton

Keyworth

Shawver

Keeping up with your wellness walks or other outdoor exercising is tough when it is excessively hot outside. When giving up is not an option for a wellness routine, here are three tips that may help you stay the course during even the hottest of days.

1. Go early or stay out late Try to get a good 30-minute walk or run in before the sun reaches its peak in the sky, or sometime before 10 a.m. If this is not an option for you, try after 7 p.m. when the temperatures start cooling off.

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Jack Scribner, Newcastle Construction; Kenneth Washburn, Reno Junction Maintenance; and William Ziska, Sheridan Construction.

Orban

Wellness

24

Promotions and Transfers

July 2018

Staley

Scribner

Washburn

Ziska

2. Take shade with you If you can’t walk along a tree-lined street or through a park with trees, wear a wide-brimmed hat, carry an umbrella or parasol to reduce your exposure to the sun. Keeping the sun off your skin will keep you cooler. And don’t forget the SPF! 3. Don’t forget to hydrate Carry a water bottle along with you while out during the day to maintain proper hydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue and dizziness. If carrying water with you is not an option, sip some water before you go and right after you return from your walk or run to replenish the water your body has lost through sweating.

Hope the tips help – get out there and stay well! n

District 5

Welcome Kyle Heinrich, Lander Maintenance; Ronda Nolting, Driver Services-Lander/ Dubois/Riverton; Keren Pittman, District 5 Administration; and Gina Preator, District 5 Administration.

Promotions and Transfers Robert Crum, District 5 Maintenance Staff.

Robert Emmett, Basin Mechanics – 30 years; Paul Thatch, Lovell Maintenance – 25 years;

Crum

Cradle Call Bret Moore with Worland Maintenance/Construction and Lauren Baird are happy to announce the birth of their daughter Reagan Ellen.

She was born April 26 weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces. She joins her big sister, Addalyn, at home. Proud grandparents are Kaia Tharp, Thermopolis Construction, and Allen Tharp, Basin Traffic.

Emmett Photo courtesy of Bret Moore

Service Awards

James McLean retired on June 5 from South Pass Maintenance with 15 years of service to the state.

Gary Meier with Basin Mechanics retired on June 1 with 21 years of service to the state.

Congratulations Thatch

Lamb

Lyle Lamb, District 5 Maintenance Staff – 20 years; Clarence Hancock, Basin Maintenance – 10 years.

Retirements

Navy man Jeff Redland received a promotion to lieutenant after finishing his first deployment on the USS Bunker Hill.

The fleet is stationed in San Diego, California, and the Bunker Hill is in the 5th Fleet, attached to the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Jeff is son to proud dad Mark Redland with Ten Sleep Maintenance. n

Davi Duran retired from Riverton Construction on June 2 with 36 years of service to the state.

McLean

Photo courtesy of Mark Redland

Duran

Meier

July 2018

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State Board scholarships awarded

WTDEA

State Board Photography Contest

Santora

le Afte c y

ading!

Re

Ashley Santora – Santora is attending Eastern Wyoming College for elementary education. She is the daughter of Cheyenne Equipment employee Dennis Santora. n

Congratulations to Chris Potter in Bridge. He is the winner of the WTDEA State Board University of Wyoming 2018 Football game raffle.

Potter has won two tickets to a football game of his choosing and hotel stay in Laramie.

The WTDEA State Board thanks all who purchased a ticket to support the WTDEA State Board Scholarship Fund. n

r

The WTDEA State Board of Directors presented a one-year cash award in the amount of $600 to two qualified applicants to use toward their full-time undergraduate study.

The State Board received seven scholarship applications this year but were, unfortunately, only funded enough to offer two awards.

WTDEA holds raffles and events throughout the year to help fund and sustain the scholarship programs. WYDOT employees are encouraged to participate in these raffles and events which raise money to assist students offset the high cost of their education expenses.

State Board announces UW raffle winner

ease Re l c P

WTDEA

This year’s recipients are: Gabrielle Bowie – Bowie is attending the University of Wyoming as a junior pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education.

She is the daughter of Evanston MainBowie tenance employee Darrell Bowie.

WTDEA State Board is seeking submissions for the 7th annual WTDEA Photography Contest –

Wyoming Wildlife

The 12 winning photographs will be displayed in the 2019 WTDEA Cash Calendar. The contest and online voting is open to all active WYDOT employees. Your “Wyoming Wildlife” photos must be taken in Wyoming. Winners will receive a 2019 WTDEA Cash Calendar featuring a $100 monthy bonus drawing.

Give us your BEST SHOT! Submit your “Wyoming Wildlife” photos to DOT-WTDEA-Stateboard@wyo.gov Deadline for submissions is August 8, 2018. Voting will be open from August 27-31, 2018.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Shook

Photos courtesy of Michael McCabe

Outdoors

Kyle Shook with the Right-of-Way Program in Cheyenne vacationed in Oregon and was near Pacific City when he snapped this shot of Haystack Rock along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Right-of-Way retiree Michael McCabe and his wife, Patricia, enjoy swimming with dolphins during their recent Carribean cruise to Honduras and Belize.

Photo courtesy of Scott Hamilton

Photos courtesy of Phillip Summers

Photo courtesy of Phillip Summers

Phillip Summers, a heavy mechanic in Sheridan, finds time to enjoy the outdoors fishing, hunting this whitetail deer west of Sheridan and hanging with his kids at the Youth Pheasant Hunt at Fort Phil Kearney.

Scott Hamilton with Sheridan Highway Maintenance shows off the catch from his annual ice fishintg trip to North Dakota.

July 2018

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Outdoors

Photo courtesy of Jim Baragar

Photo courtesy of Mark Strauch

Photos courtesy of Tina Simpson

Sundance Construction employee Tina Simpson and her daughter, Signe, enjoy getting out in the outdoors to hunt. Signe (right photo) took a bull elk last fall in northeast Wyoming. A few weeks later, Tina (left photo) harvested an impressive bull elk herself.

Mark Strauch, a heavy mechanic in Sheridan, took his ATV out with a little too much packed on the back.

Amanda Santee from the Human Resources office shows us her version of springtime in the Medicine Bow National Forest between Centennial and Libby Flats.

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July 2018

Photo courtesy of Diana Gorman

Photo courtesy of Amanda Santee

Jim Baragar, son of retired District 2 Clerk Kitty Norris-Guile and retired Highway Patrolman James Baragar (deceased), diving off the coast of Belize. Baragar was swimming with a curious turtle.

Diana Gorman with Patrol Administration in Cheyenne snapped this pastoral scene at her house in Sheridan looking out toward the Big Horn Mountains.

Photo courtesy of Karen Goehring

Photos courtesy of Travis Harnish

IT-Financial Systems employee Karen Goehring and husband, Mark, were able to travel with great friends to Roatan, Honduras, last November for the trip of a lifetime. They completed their scuba diving certifications thanks to their travel companions/owners of Diver’s Oasis in Springfield, Missouri.

Right-of-Way employee George Dale snapped this beautiful sunrise in Southwest Wyoming.

Another shot from Kyle Shook in the Right-of-Way Program from his vacation in Oregon. This shot is along the Pacific Coast Highway near Lincoln City.

Photo courtesy of Kaylee Lonn

Photo courtesy of Kyle Shook

Environmental Services Senior Cultural Resources Specialist Jason Bogstie (second from left) with three fellow Scottish Rite Freemasons (from Idaho and Montana) all participated as a team in the 2018 Tough Mudder at the Northstar Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe, California.

Photo courtesy of George Dale

Photo courtesy of Jason Bogstie

Sheridan Maintenance employee Travis Harnish and son, Tucker, enjoy the outdoors no matter the season.

Morgan Lonn with her first deer. She is the daughter of Rawlins Resident Engineer Jake Lonn and Transportation Technician Kaylee Lonn. She used her dad’s muzzle loader in an area just north of Rawlins.

July 2018

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YOUR MONEY. YOUR FUTURE.

YOU’RE IN CONTROL. Whether you’ve been saving for years, or you want to really get serious about saving – we understand the importance of having the right option to secure, and have control over your hard-earned money.

We get it.

And We’re with you.

You’re In Control Share Certificate • Open with as little as $500 with no maximum limit • 30 month / 2 ½ year term • Increase your earning rate one (1) time over the life of the term

• SmartPoints do qualify • Allowed a onetime partial withdrawal during the term* • And each time your Certificate renews you get the same perks again

The You’re In Control Certificate is our new 30-month Term Share Certificate product – period.

You can relax and feel confident you ’ve not only chosen the right option to meet your savings goals, but that you’ve also chosen the right financial partner.

Visit WyHy.org/InControl or contact us today!

307-638-4200 • memberservices@WyHy.org

*Some restrictions and fees may apply. See website or contact the Credit Union for full details. Federally Insured by NCUA.

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July 2018

Break Time

Take five and find five differences in the images.

Check your answers in next month's Interchange, or on the Break Time intranet page.

Answer to the June 2018 Break Time maze:

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 Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@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

July 2018

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Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

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

Address Service Requested

IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE DO THIS

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW