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WYDOT hosted public hearing on proposed new rules regarding Wildlife Conservation Plates

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public hearing regarding a new rule and regulation.

Chapter 12, Wildlife Conservation Plates, is a new rule and regulation that will specify WYDOT program and account procedures for funding received via wildlife conservation license plates, including identifying what types of projects and which project activities may be funded from the account.

The hearing took place in person on June 23 in the auditorium at WYDOT headquarters, as well as virtually via zoom.

The proposed rule was reviewed and approved to proceed to rule-making by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Throughout the rule-making process, the proposed rule was reviewed by Wyoming Game and Fish and other wildlife stakeholders.

More information about the rule can be found on the State’s administrative rules website: https://rules.wyo.gov/ Search.aspx?mode=2

New permanent light-trailer license plate

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to remind residents about upcoming changes to license plates for light trailers.

Starting July 1, owners of light trailers, defined as trailers weighing less than 1,000 pounds, can purchase a permanent plate for their trailer.

Light trailers that are less than 6-yearsold would incur a $350 one-time permanent registration fee for the plate.

To register older trailers, owners will need to pay a $50 one-time administration fee, a one-time fee equal to 5-times the county registration fee that would be due at 6 years of service, and a one-time fee equal to 5-times the state registration fee.

If the trailer is sold, the plate expires and the customer must remove the plate. Plates cannot transfer owners.

If an owner purchases plates for a trailer, sells it and purchases a new trailer within 60 days, the fees and plates would transfer to the new trailer.

Like most other license plates, these permanent plates will be issued by the counties.

Commission awards one $3.49 million contract in June

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $3.49 million contract for a Wyoming Department of Transportation construction project during its June 15 regular business meeting.

Coggins & Sons Inc., based out of Colorado, was awarded their bid for a project involving structure work, traffic control, drainage and other work on US Highway 14 at milepost 69.8 just west of Ranchester in Sheridan County. The contracted completion date is Nov. 30, 2023.

Secure Your Load Day, prioritize road safety

CHEYENNE – June 6 marked the annual Secure Your Load Day, dedicated to raising awareness about securing vehicle items to ensure road safety.

Every year, thousands of accidents occur due to unsecured loads on the road. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. To combat this issue, Secure Your Load Day reminds all drivers to take the necessary precautions when transporting items in their vehicles.

The initiative, which began in 2004, encourages drivers to follow a few simple steps to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

• Inspect your vehicle and load – before hitting the road, take a moment to inspect your vehicle and the items you are transporting to ensure they are correctly secured.

• Use appropriate restraints – use ropes, straps, or bungee cords to secure items in place. Ensure the restraints are in good condition and strong enough to hold the weight of your load.

• Cover loose items – if you transport open items, such as gravel or sand, use a tarp or netting to cover and secure them.

• Avoid overloading – ensure your vehicle is not overloaded, as this can compromise its handling and make it more challenging to secure your load.

• Regularly check your load during transit – stop periodically to ensure your load remains secure throughout your journey.

By following these guidelines, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by unsecured loads. This protects the safety of all road users and helps prevent unnecessary delays and disruptions on our roads.

Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. We can all contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system by securing our loads properly.

Let’s all do our part to ensure that our roads remain safe for everyone. Remember to secure your load, not just on Secure Your Load Day, but every time you hit the road.

District 1

Parsley Bridge in Cheyenne temporarily closed

CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation temporarily closed Parsley Bridge, in Cheyenne, June 6.

Crews completed an epoxy overlay and pavement grinding to the bridge deck. Motorists were detoured through the closure, and advised to adjust travel plans accordingly.

Rehabilitation work on I-25 pedestrian bridge

CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began rehabilitation work on the pedestrian bridge spanning Interstate 25 in Cheyenne June 7.

Rehabilitation work began on the structure, focusing on the concrete pillars. The pedestrian bridge was closed throughout the project.

Lane closures were in place along Bishop Boulevard and Hynds Boulevard.

The bridge temporarily closed on Feb. 6 due to concerns about the worsening condition of one of the concrete pillars. Temporary shoring has been in place to allow the bridge to remain open throughout the school year.

The expected completion date of the project is Aug. 18, 2023.

Work underway on US 30 north of Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Knife River Corp. began work on US Highway 30 north of Laramie.

The work began at milepost 327/Curtis Street and end ten miles north of Laramie at milepost 317.

The project includes milling, asphalt overlay, seal coat and chip seal. Some minor curb and gutter work also took place.

During paving, traffic was restricted and a pilot car was used to keep traffic moving by the construction operations, with a 14-foot width restriction.

Motorists encountered delays.

The expected completion date of the project is the end of August 2023.

Seasonal paving in Albany County

LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began seasonal paving operations in Albany County.

Work started on the Interstate 80 service road/Old US Highway 30 near Vedauwoo, between mileposts 2.75 and 3.6.

Other locations in Albany County maintenance crews plan to pave this year include:

• WYO 34, at various locations;

• WYO 10, between mileposts 8.6-8.7; and

• Various other areas, including the Laramie complex maintenance yard.

Chip seal repair work to begin near Centennial

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. began chip seal repair work on June 6.

Chip sealing helps preserve pavement and improves traction.

Crews did spot repairing on portions of Wyoming Highway 11 from mileposts 0-10.94 near Centennial where chip seal operations were completed last year.

Structure and paving work to begin in Baggs

BAGGS – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and McGarvin-Moberly, with subcontractors DeBernardi Construction Co., began working in the town of Baggs.

The first phase of the three phase project on Wyoming Highway 789 and Wyoming Highway 70 involves sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA updates and double gutter work. Crews closed alternating intersections to complete the work. This included all the intersections on both WYO 789 and WYO 70 in the town of Baggs.

Milling and paving work within town followed starting mid- to late June. This work was completed on WYO 789 to the Colorado border and on the first mile of WYO 70 to the east of town.

The final phase of work consisted of bridge work on the Little Snake River Bridge on the North end of town and the Ledford Slough Bridge east of town.

In addition to shutting down the intersections, crews completed lane and shoulder closures to complete most of the work. Temporary traffic lights on the structures for a stop and go traffic pattern were used.

Motorists encountered travel delays through the work zone, including potential lane shifts and lowered speed limits.

The work is expected to be completed in September 2023.

WYO 130 through the Snowy Range opens for the season

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

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

Although the highway is now open to traffic, motorists – including bicyclists and motorcyclists – should stay alert as they travel through the mountain pass. Severe weather is still possible at higher elevations in late spring, including heavy, wet, intense snow storms. Check road conditions before you travel at www. wyoroad.info or on the Wyoming 511 mobile app.

Tim Morton, WYDOT District 1 maintenance engineer, warns drivers to “be aware of melting snow along the roadway. The snow melt can refreeze at night creating isolated hazardous slick spots which may catch drivers off guard.”

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

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

Last year, the highway opened May 26. WYO 130 opened May 21 in 2021; May 18 in 2020; May 25 in 2019; May 21 in 2018; and on May 25 in both 2017 and 2016.

District 2

The first phase of the I-25 project in Casper begins

CASPER – The rehabilitation of Interstate 25 through Casper continues this summer. Following the recent opening of the new bridge over Walsh Drive, the next phase for the interstate is now underway and involves five bridges: two over the North Platte River and two over Center Street, plus the river bridge on F Street. The demolition and construction of the F Street bridge kicked off the project.

Work began replacing the F Street bridge over the North Platte River. Access to all business remained open, however access to businesses on the east side of the bridge was from the F Street/Center Street intersection and access to business on the west side was from the Poplar Street/F Street intersection.

Pedestrian access along the Platte River Trail was affected. Expect trail closures north of F Street and on the south side of the interstate during the project.

In early June, Center Street was reduced to one lane on the northbound side and I-25 traffic was switched to one lane each direction on the southbound lanes. Concrete barriers were moved from the Walsh Drive overpass area to the Center Street/North Platte River area and crossover lanes were constructed.

This 2-year project replaces the five bridges and includes new concrete road surface between them. The project length is 0.97 miles. The general contractor is Ames Construction. The cost of the project is $57.6 million. The contractual completion date is November 2025.

District 3

Chip seal operations underway south of Rock Springs

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from H-K Contractors, Inc., are conducting chip seal work south of Rock Springs on US 191 throughout this week. Operations began June 16 and lasted roughly a week.

Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flagger and pilot cars. Drivers were encouraged to plan accordingly for delays that were ongoing through the work zones.

Following the work on US 191, crews moved to WYO 352, Cora Road, north of Pinedale. The work is part of a district-wide contract. The completion date for the work is Aug. 30, 2023.

Crash clean-up causes delays in Snake River Canyon

JACKSON – A planned closure of the US 89 Snake River Canyon resulted in extended delays for drivers when complications with the clean-up pushed delays into commuter hours June 14.

On June 13, a southbound pickup truck drifted into the northbound lanes, causing a collision with a semi-truck near milepost 131. The semi-truck went off the road and crashed down the embankment. Due to the need for multiple tow companies for the extraction, the vehicle was left overnight and the crash clean-up was scheduled for the next afternoon.

Clean-up activities began in the early afternoon of June 14, but due to complications with the extraction of the semi-truck, the operation unexpectedly extended into commuter hours, causing congestion and extensive delays for drivers in the canyon.

“What we were expecting to be a one hour job, turned into three hours,” Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Matt Brackin said.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol initiated a 511 Notify Alert to alert drivers of the clean-up activities and subsequent delays in the Snake River Canyon.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is reviewing the incident and process, hoping to find ways to improve the process and make crash clean-ups, especially in commuter routes, more streamlined and less intrusive for drivers.

“We’ve already had an after action review with the tow companies to specifically address ways of avoiding impacts to commuters for closures in the future,” Lt. Brackin said.

Public meetings held for WYO 22 Corridor Project

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted two public meetings discussing the environmental analysis and design of improvements to the WYO 22 corridor.

The WYO 22 Corridor Project extends from the Y intersection with Broadway Avenue through Wilson. An evaluation for a connection to existing Tribal Trail Road, per an agreement between WYDOT and Teton County in March to fold the County-led Tribal Trail project into the WYO 22 project.

“Combining the two projects helps respond to comments from some members of the public that the Tribal Trail project should be analyzed along with the WYO

22 project,” said Bob Hammond, WYDOT’s resident engineer.

Building on previous WYDOT and local studies, the WYO 22 Corridor Project examines potential corridor improvements including multi-modal aspects (e.g., roadway, pathways, transit) and animal-vehicle collision mitigation opportunities. This project involves identifying transportation needs and improvements to WYO 22 and analyzing associated impacts, in coordination with stakeholders and the public. This work will be used to support a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process that WYDOT hopes to initiate in 2024.

These open-house-style meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the project; ask questions and provide your input; and find out about next steps and project schedule. Comments received are considered in the NEPA process.

The meetings were held on June 14, at Victor Elementary School in Victor, Idaho, and on June 15, at The Virginian in Jackson, Wyoming. There were no formal presentations, but interested parties could drop by the meetings.

WYDOT officials and other team members were on hand to answer questions and discuss any concerns you may have. In addition, written comments could be submitted during the meeting or after the meeting via mail or email. Spanish interpretation was made available at both meeting locations.

If you weren’t able to attend in person, WYDOT is also hosting a self-guided virtual open house. The online meeting launched June 14. Participants can logon at any time through July 17. The online meeting is accessible 24/7 at: https://visualmedia.jacobs.com/ WY22Corridor/.

Green River tunnels closed temporarily

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed access to the Interstate 80 tunnels outside of Green River June 15. Crews performed annual maintenance on the electrical infrastructure, as well as cleaned and did minor road maintenance.

Crews closed one direction of the tunnels at a time, routing interstate traffic through Green River between exit 89 and exit 91, using Flaming Gorge Way. Signs and traffic control devices were used to notify the traveling public of the closures and detours.

If Highway Striping Paint Gets On A Vehicle

• As soon as possible, take your vehicle to a car wash. This will loosen and remove most of the paint, unless it has dried for more than one full day.

WYDOT crews performed annual maintenance on the electrical infrastructure in the Green River tunnels, as well as cleaning and minor road maintenance.

Crews conducted nighttime roadway striping

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Streamline Markings were working around the Jackson area beginning the evening of June 8. Crews striped traffic markings on WYO 390/Village Road and US 89/189/191. Operations took place in the evenings as temperatures allowed.

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

WYDOT reminds drivers to be aware of the striping trucks on the road and to slow down accordingly. Stripers travel at 15 mph while applying the paint and travel with a shadow car, which watches for traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to not follow stripers too closely and only pass when it is safe to do so. Striping operations are slow moving and cause traffic delays.

WYDOT and contract crews would like to also remind drivers that driving over wet paint can reduce the reflectivity of the markings, as well as stick to your vehicle.

• If the car wash does not remove the paint, allow the water to dry off the vehicle. On the dry surface, spray the paint residue with WD-40 and allow it to stay on the area for 1-2 hours and rewash the vehicle. The WD-40 will soften the paint without hurting the vehicle’s finish. If there is a heavy concentration of paint, repeat the procedure.

• For heavy accumulations of paint that have dried for several days, apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly to the dried traffic paint and allow it to stay on overnight. Take vehicle to a pressure car wash. Repeat the process if necessary.

• Do not scrub the surface of your vehicle with a solvent or scouring cleanser when removing the paint. This will only damage the finish.

• Paint is often difficult to remove from wheel wells, due to their flat finish. Apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly and leave it on for several days. Then use a pressure washer to wash away the residue. Applying an alcohol such as Solox or rubbing alcohol to the area in the wheel well will help to soften any residue left after the petroleum jelly is washed away. Do not scrub the surface, just apply with a rag or sponge.

Crews milled, paved south of Smoot

AFTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from HK Contractors, Inc., began work on a project south of Smoot in the Star Valley area. The work included milling, paving and chip seal operations. Drivers were advised to expect delays

News continued on page 8 of up to 20 minutes, so those commuting on these highways were advised to plan accordingly. Traffic was carried through all work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers and pilot cars. Motorists were advised to watch for flaggers and be prepared to stop.

Milling operations lasted until June 26. Crews then began paving operations. Paving began June 23. Paving operations were followed by chip seal work in mid-August.

The completion date for this project is set for August 23, 2023. The project was awarded in August of last year for $4,195,169.

District 4

Paving operations underway in Weston County

NEWCASTLE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded Northern Improvement Company of Fargo, North Dakota, a $4,108,468 million contract to mill and overlay and chip seal a 6.60 mile stretch of US 85 beginning at milepost 195.75 between Mule Creek Junction and milepost 202 south of Newcastle.

Work began the week of June 5 and is scheduled to be completed by July 31. Milled, uneven surfaces, reduced speed limits and pilot cars during daylight hours will be encountered by area motorists.

District 5

Byron chip sealing

BASIN – The final piece of a $3.63 million highway improvement project through the town of Byron occurred June 14-15.

A reduced speed limit of 20 mph and minor traffic delays were expected during chip sealing activities.

This spring’s extended periods of wet weather had delayed chip sealing of the new highway project in Byron.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell is the prime contractor on 1.4 miles of US 14A highway improvements through the town of Byron.

Paving crew scheduled for hot-mix patching in Fremont County

RIVERTON – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew began hot-mix patching work June 14 in Fremont County.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work began June 14-15 on the Moneta service road adjacent to US 20/26 near Moneta; June 19-20 on WYO 28 over South Pass; June 21-22 and June 26 to the Riverton area (WYO 789 over Beaver Creek, south of Riverton, WYO 789 near Riverton, and West Main Street in Riverton); and June 27 on US 287 north of Lander.

More than 2,900 tons of hot-mix patching asphalt was planned in Fremont County.

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

Chip sealing on WYO 135 southeast of Riverton

Riverton – The final piece of a $3.41 million pavement rehabilitation project on WYO 135 began June 16, southeast of Riverton.

The project begins at milepost 24.15 near the community of Sand Draw and extends south 10.44 miles to milepost 34.59 at Sweetwater Station Rest Area (WYO 135’s junction with US 287).

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

Motorists encountered delays of up to 20 minutes during chip sealing operations.

This project represents the third of three sections of roadway improvements between Riverton and Sweetwater Station. The second project between Riverton and Sand Draw was completed in 2019.

Northwest Wyoming chip sealing near Lovell

LOVELL – A Wyoming Department of Transportation chip sealing crew began its summer work on WYO 37 northeast of Lovell beginning June 19.

About three miles of chip sealing were applied on WYO 37 (mileposts 0-3) June 19.

The crew’s three-week Big Horn Basin summer schedule has the chip sealing operation working on June 20 on US 310 southeast of Lovell (mileposts 225.45 to 229.20, and mileposts 229.20 to 230.00); June 21-22 on US 310 south of Lovell (mileposts 235.00 to 236.27) and on the north edge of Lovell (mileposts 237.42 to 238.28); June 26-27 on WYO 114 (mileposts 29.47 (Garland) to milepost 40.62); June 29 and July 3 on WYO 295 (Willwood) from mileposts 0 (junction with WYO 32) to 12.17; and July 17-20 on WYO 290 beginning at the west of Meeteetse (mileposts 0 to 6.02).

All chip sealing is dependent upon favorable weather.

Chip sealing work was swept at the end of each day, but some loose rock may remain.

Chip sealing loose-rock damage when people drive at excessive speeds through a newly chip-sealed area. Drivers are encouraged to slow down chip-sealed areas in order to prevent windshield damage.

Passing lanes pavement overlay east of Moneta

THERMOPOLIS – Asphalt pavement milling of passing lanes between Moneta and Waltman began June 12 east of Shoshoni on US 20/26, with a pavement overlay of the seven sets of passing lanes.

The $4.64 million project included asphalt pavement surfacing, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on the entire width of the highway at seven sets of passing lanes, and inside the Waltman Rest Area.

Prime contractor is Knife River of Casper.

As part of the project, soft spot repair was scheduled in the parking lot of the Waltman Rest Area, and several days of closure were planned during this work.

“Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes. Traffic will be moved through the work zones with pilot

Total number of employees: As of June 7, 2023

1,766 One month ago 1,770 One year ago 1,792 vehicles,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis.

Project completion date is June 30, 2023.

Hot-mix patching in Big Horn County

BASIN – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew is continued work in Big Horn County.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work continued on WYO 32 north of US 14/16/20 (also north of Burlington).

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

WYDOT North District 5 Paving Foreman Shannon Armstrong, of Basin, recommended motorists obey posted speed limits during the paving operation, and obey flaggers and traffic control for safety’s sake. Drivers would encounter short delays.

US 14/16/20 chip seal completes pavement improvements east of Yellowstone

CODY – Fog sealing of highway pavement shoulders, thermoplastic markings placement, and chip sealing occurred in early June on 10.25 miles of US 14/16/20 directly east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

The $5.4 million pavement improvement project is in its final stages west of Cody.

“By contract, all work was required to be complete by June 30,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during this work.”

The project is located west of Cody between Yellowstone National Park and Cody from milepost 0.00 (Yellowstone’s East Entrance) and extending east 10.25 miles to milepost 10.25 (Fishhawk Trailhead).

Prime contractor for the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.