Interchange – July 2024

Interchange

Teton Pass experiences critical failure

WYDOT’s round-the-clock efforts to restore connectivity after Big Fill landslide

On June 8, a section of Teton Pass (WYO 22) suffered a catastrophic failure. The highway was closed when it occurred, and there were no injuries and no equipment damaged.

By Jordan Young and Stephanie Harsha

The Wyoming Department of Transportation received international attention in June after a portion of Wyoming Highway 22, known as Teton Pass, collapsed in what is now referred to as the Big Fill landslide.

Efforts to restore connectivity between Jackson Hole and the neighboring Idaho communities on the state’s busiest twolane highway has showcased WYDOT’s responsiveness, professionalism and commitment to the agency’s mission of providing a safe and effective transportation system.

The timeline

It all started with a motorcycle crash on June 6, one that thankfully saw no injuries. As law enforcement investigated the crash, cracks in the pavement were noted at mile marker 12.8, and maintenance and engineering crews were dispatched to investigate the roadway and the subsequent land movement. While the cracking was relatively small, the road was closed so crews could conduct surveying and observation, as well as call in a paving crew to patch the area. The road was reopened that afternoon to accommodate the evening commute. Geology

was also called to study the area.

In the early morning hours of June 7, WYDOT crews were notified of a mudslide at mile marker 15 near the scale house on the pass, which prompted the highway to be closed once again.

Crews worked all day to clear the mudslide. Engineers and geologists surveyed the area and investigated the cause, determining it was more than likely due to the heavy water saturation and spring runoff. Engineers are confident that with warmer weather, the chance of further issues will decrease. Water continued

Photo: WYDOT drone

Teton Pass

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to come off the mountain, but maintenance crews worked to channel the runoff off into controlled drainage ditch and into a culvert. The area was continually monitored.

Even without the mudslide, the pass would have closed early that morning due to the movement at the patched area at mile marker 12.8. The ground moved upwards of 10-12 inches in some places. WYDOT immediately went to work on a repair.

Crews opted to try and stabilize the slide area by removing the asphalt on the roadway, minimizing the weight on the unstable ground. This also aimed to reduce the driving force pushing the movement. The road was planned to be realigned closer to the mountain in a shoo-fly detour configuration, similar to what drivers sometimes see on a two-lane road construction project.

Jackson-based Evans Construction was selected in the emergency contracting process and began immediately mobilizing crews and equipment to work on the pass. Work removing guardrail and asphalt began that same day.

In the late evening hours June 7, the highway collapsed, taking both lanes with it. Fortunately, no one was injured and no equipment was damaged. Geologists and engineers were immediately dispatched to evaluate the safety of the area and begin surveying and analyzing in preparation for proposed reconstruction.

WYDOT updated the public on the slide June 8, and videos and images from WYDOT Public Affairs and Wyoming Highway Patrol drones went viral online, on every major news outlet in the nation and even internationally. Public Affairs handled more than two dozen media agencies as they asked questions, asked for interviews and other information sharing. WYDOT social media posts about the slide reached about four million people.

After extensive studying, drilling and other analyses, WYDOT engineers and geologists were confident in a safe temporary detour around the slide area. WYDOT geology crews spent days drilling holes and investigating soil profiles to learn about what failed and to have data ready for a more permanent solution.

Crews with Evans construction have been working around the clock to construct the temporary detour after the Big Fill Slide on Teton Pass in June. This photo is from progress on June 11.

Photo: WYDOT drone

WYDOT geology crews were up at the Big Fill slide area as soon as movement was detected on June 6 and spent much of mid-June drilling holes and studying soil profiles as crews made the temporary detour and determined a long-term solution to restore connectivity to the area. Photo: WYDOT Teton Pass continued on page 4

WYDOT resident engineer in Jackson Bob Hammond (center) works with Jay Pence, District Ranger with Caribou-Targhee US National Forest, and an official with Evans Construction as crews work on a temporary detour after the Big Fill slide.

On June 11, the Transportation Commission met for a special meeting to award a $430,000 emergency project to Evans Construction, based out of Jackson, for their work on the detour at mile marker 12.8.

As of press time, crews were on track to build the temporary detour within a few weeks of the initial slide, thanks to contractors and WYDOT engineers and geologists working a 24-hour schedule.

The detour will feature a paved roadway with two 12-foot lanes, one in each direction. The detour will also have concrete barriers protecting motorists from any hazards. The detour has been constructed on the interior of the curve, away from the unstable slide area. In addition, crews are using quality material to build a solid foundation for the road.

Crews have taken material off the old embankment and used it as some of the detour fill, which will relieve the driving forces that are pushing on the slide. However, the detour will create a slightly sharper curve and steeper grade. WYDOT plans to reduce the speed through the area to accommodate the grade and increased curvature. There will be advanced signage warning drivers of the reduced speed and any other applicable restrictions.

On June 13, the Transportation Commission held a special meeting and approved an $880,600 emergency bid to Avail Valley LLC for work to construct a box culvert where the mudslide hit at mile marker 15. The culvert will help with drainage in the area.

That work was intended to take place simultaneously with the work at mile marker 12.8 so the road can reopen once the detour is complete. Work on the culvert may take a little longer than the detour work, but the contractor has agreed to work with live traffic if the scheduling requires.

“… with a little help from our friends”

WYDOT couldn’t complete this effort alone.

The United States Forest Service has been instrumental in providing quick permits for tree removal, dirt work and other construction efforts as WYDOT and Evans Construction work on the temporary detour on the highway, which is within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The USFS also assisted with wayfinding to assist recreationists with accessing some trails and camping areas outside of the slide area.

The Idaho Transportation Department also provided assistance, including providing crews and equipment to help clean the mudslide at mile marker 15, which was on the wrong side of the Big Fill slide for WYDOT crews to make it there immediately after the collapse.

Additionally, local and regional governments in Northwest Wyoming, including county and town councils and commissions, have been assisting with carpool coordination, START bus coordination, and other methods to assist community members facing longer commutes and detours. These groups have also assisted tourists as they determine if the Teton Pass closure affects their trips to the area.

WYDOT would also like to thank the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for its help coordinating resources in the immediate aftermath of the slide, and we’d also like to thank the Congressional delegations of Wyoming and Idaho who sent a letter to US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to urge the US DOT to provide necessary federal assistance to WYDOT for the repairs to Teton Pass.

“While the natural disaster is a setback, I could not be prouder of the way Wyoming has come together and sprang into action,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis in her email newsletter. “I want to thank the engineers and hardworking men and women of WYDOT for all they have done and will continue to do to repair Highway 22. Thanks to their hard work, early reports are that a detour could be constructed within a matter of weeks.”

Governor Mark Gordon’s quick emergency declaration on June 8 and other support has also been vital to the fast-paced efforts of WYDOT. The Governor’s office newsletter on June 14 noted “the collaboration from all involved is something Wyoming can be proud of.”

“I want to express my gratitude to WYDOT Director Westby and his entire team for their efforts to rapidly develop and implement a plan to get traffic moving over Teton Pass again as quickly as possible,” Governor Mark Gordon said in a June 10 WYDOT press release.

WYDOT continues to work with the USDOT and other federal partners to establish emergency funding for the slide repair efforts. The funding cannot be used for extra amenities to the road, just to repair what was there.

Looking to the future

WYDOT geologists will continue to map, assess, and investigate the area, and additional mitigation measures will be taken to lessen the risk of failure. WYDOT engineers, geologists and planning personnel are currently researching numerous potential options for what a permanent solution to restore connectivity will look like.

“WYDOT’s response through this crisis demonstrates the commitment, passion and ingenuity of our crews,” said WYDOT director Darin Westby in a June 10 WYDOT press release.

Photo:

WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

$4.82 million in contracts in June

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $4.82 million in contracts for two Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its June 20 regular business meeting.

Jackson-based Evans Construction Company was awarded a $4.44 million bid for a patching project involving asphalt paving, milling and traffic control at various locations within Lincoln, Sublette and Teton Counties. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2024, and this project is funded primarily with state dollars.

Reiman Corp., based out of Cheyenne, was awarded a $374,677 bid for a bridge rehabilitation project involving traffic control and bridge rehabilitation work on Wyoming Highway 233 on Hams Fork Road in Lincoln County. The contracted completion date is Nov. 30, 2024, and this project is funded primarily with federal dollars.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

Commission awards emergency contract for Teton Pass mudslide repair

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $880,600 emergency bid to Avail Valley Construction LLC during a special meeting this afternoon via Zoom.

Based out of Victor, Idaho, Avail Valley will construct a box culvert at the slide area, which is located at mile marker 15.5 on Wyoming Highway 22, also known as Teton Pass.

The culvert will help improve drainage in the area. Crews with Evans are aiming to have the project complete so the highway will be ready to reopen once the detour is complete at the Big Fill landslide located at mile marker 12.8 on Teton Pass.

US DOT awards nearly $60 million in advanced vehicle technology grants

WASHINGTON – The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced it is awarding $60 million in grants under the Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating V2X Deployment program to advance connected and interoperable vehicle technologies. The grants to recipients in Arizona, Texas and Utah (with additional deployments in Colorado and Wyoming) will serve as national models to accelerate and spur new deployments of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

“As this Department explores every measure that can help reduce roadway fatalities, connected vehicle technology – like V2X – has potential to make roads safer and save lives,” said US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The grants we’re announcing are helping accelerate the development and adoption of potentially life-saving V2X technology nationwide.”

The Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating V2X Deployment initiative is focused on road safety, mobility and efficiency through technology that enables vehicles and wireless devices to communicate with each other and with roadside infrastructure and provide warnings. This means cars will be able to effectively communicate with traffic devices and the roadside.

“These grants are leading the way in promoting and deploying V2X technologies to explore the potential to save lives on our nation’s highways,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “The funding provided will help accelerate the technology so that we can deploy it on a national scale and provide new tools to reduce deaths on our nation’s roads and highways.”

The grants announced promote the deployment of V2X technologies with the goal of advancing the full lifesaving potential of V2X communication, while ensuring connected technologies communicate securely and without harmful interference across a variety of devices and platforms.

“I’m proud of the partnerships between Federal, State, local and tribal government agencies for coordinating all of these technologies to improve safety,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Dr. Robert C. Hampshire.

The grants announced were as follows:

Arizona: The Maricopa County DOT received $19.6 million to lead a largescale deployment of V2X technologies, relying primarily on 5.9 GHz communications, to connect 750 physical roadside units and virtual roadside units to an estimated 400 vehicle onboard units targeting transit, emergency and freight fleets.

Texas: Texas A&M Transportation Institute received $19.2 million to deploy V2X technology in the Greater Houston area, the City of College Station, including near the campus of Texas A&M University and the corridors connecting these two metropolitan cities.

Utah: The Utah DOT will receive $20 million toward V2X deployment sites in three states – Utah, Colorado and Wyoming – each representing a broad variety of population densities, demographics, jurisdictions, topography, and transportation facilities. The project covers all of Utah, I-80 through the entire length of Wyoming, and major portions of Colorado, including the Denver Metro Area, I-70 from Denver to the Utah border, and I-25 through Colorado. The applications focus on safety, mobility, and environment, and support the ability to demonstrate measurable impact and address critical needs including connected intersection, weather impact, curve speed warning, traveler information and vulnerable road user and other safety alert technologies.

WYDOT

Driver Services announced closures for staff training

CHEYENNE – Patrons planning to conduct business at select Wyoming Department of Transportation Driver Services offices were made aware of upcoming staff training closures.

Throughout the June, Driver Services Briefs continued on page 6

Briefs continued from page 5

exam stations statewide met for staff development and training. Some of these training opportunities required the office to close to the public for a limited time. Patrons were encouraged to pick alternate times or locations to conduct business those days.

Additional meeting locations around the state will be communicated as scheduling is finalized.

Many Driver Services forms, instructions and policies can be found on our website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/ driverservices

As a reminder, patrons to a few larger Driver Services locations can get in line at their local exam station virtually using this link: https://webapp.dot.state.wy.us/ ao/f?p=146:1

District 1

Concrete slab work underway at Central, Yellowstone intersection

CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Construction and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began concrete slab repair work in Cheyenne.

Work took place near the US Highway 85/Central Ave. and Yellowstone intersection. Work includes slab replacements. Heavy equipment producing loud noise was required to complete the work. Lane closures were expected.

Work is planned to pause for the duration of Cheyenne Frontier Days at the end of July. The intersection is anticipated to be open throughout the event.

Brief closure of Christensen Road

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Reiman Corp. and Aztec Construction closed a portion of the Christensen Road approach on June 19.

Crews milled pavement through the intersection as well as the approach to the south. The intersection was closed intermittently as crews treated the subgrade and place crushed base.

During the closure, traffic traveling from the south was diverted to Reese Road. Travelers coming from the north were able to access US Highway 30/E.

Lincolnway.

Crews reopened the newly completed greenway underpass for all pedestrian traffic. Miscellaneous work took place around the pedestrian box for the duration of the US 30 project.

Brief closure on

Waltersheid in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors closed a portion of Waltersheid on June 7.

Slab replacements took place at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 212/ College Drive and Waltersheid.

During the closure, traffic was detoured to US Highway 85 then West Allison Rd. The closure was anticipated to last about two weeks.

Motorists were encouraged to obey all posted signs, flaggers and other traffic control and avoid distractions while driving through work zones.

Road work on WYO 34 near Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on Wyoming Highway 34 on June 4.

Crews began work at mile marker 0 at the intersection of US Highway 30/287 and WYO 34, and end at mile marker 9.7.

The project is a carryover from 2023. Crews also chip sealed the road section.

During the project, traffic was restricted and a pilot car was used to keep traffic moving by the construction operations. Motorists encountered minor delays and were advised to adjust travel plans. There was a 14-foot width restriction.

The project is expected to take a couple weeks.

Seasonal paving operations underway in Albany County

LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began seasonal paving operations in Albany County June 10.

Work began on Wyoming Highway 130 at milepost 27.7 to 28.7. This operation was expected to take a few days.

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

• WYO 130 at milepost 21.49 to 21.71;

• US Highway 287 at milepost 408;

• I-80 service road at milepost 5;

• I-80 in the westbound lane at milepost 326; and

• Various other locations.

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

Motorists through any of the above areas this month should expect potential delays due to lane closures, reduced speed limits and other traffic control. In any work zone, be sure to avoid distractions like cell phones and obey all posted signs and flaggers.

Paving operations in Albany County are expected to take a couple weeks.

Traffic shifted on US 30 in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Reiman Corp. and Aztec Construction shifted traffic on US Highway 30/East Lincolnway the first of June.

Traffic was shifted in stages to the westbound lanes. Please pay attention to traffic patterns that may change day to day.

Some traffic movements were restricted due to the newly constructed median. Whitney and Saddle Ridge Trail remained open, while Polk Avenue remained closed. Some approaches were temporarily closed while crews work through the area. They reopened immediately after crews had moved past them.

The construction crews with Reiman Corp and Aztec appreciate the patience motorists have shown considering all of

Map images showing the detour around Walterscheid in Cheyenne.

the inconveniences the project has caused to both local residents and motorists passing through. The project has been progressing quickly and is ahead of schedule.

District-wide chip seal project causes delays

LARAMIE – Motorists around southeast Wyoming encountered delays as Wyoming Department of Transportation District 1 began its annual chip sealing project on June 4.

Chip sealing helps preserve the pavement and improves pavement traction.

Crews with Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. began the project in Laramie County on Bishop Boulevard, between mile markers 1.08-8.7.

Next, crews addressed sections on US Highway 85 at mile markers 3.91-7.31, south of Cheyenne.

Crews then moved to Albany County, and chip sealed Wyoming Highway 130 from mileposts 27.38-33.67 by Centennial and US Highway 30 from mileposts 308.35-317.99 by Bosler.

Finally, they wrapped up work in Carbon County. They applied chip seal on Wyoming Highway 13 from mile post 8.40-17.33 by Arlington and Wyoming Highway 71 at mile marker 1.25-10.47 south of Rawlins.

A week after chip seal operations, fog seal operations took place in the same locations.

Drivers were made aware of potential delays as pilot car operations were in place on all two-lane highways.

Paving work on I-80

near Wagonhound

RAWLINS – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work along Interstate 80 near Wagonhound.

Work took place between mile markers 258 to 268 in the eastbound lanes only.

Work included mill and overlay, with a high performance wearing course. Some concrete slabs were replaced in the driving lane as well.

The hot plant for the project is located near the Wagonhound Rest Area. Motorists encountered heavy truck traffic in and around the rest area throughout the duration of the project.

Motorists on the interstate also encountered delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and lowered speed limits. Steep grades along the road section slowed interstate traffic even further. A 14-foot width restriction was in place for interstate traffic during this project.

District 3

Intersection in final configuration, traffic switch

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, Inc. implemented a traffic shift on Wyoming Highway 390 on June 27. The shift moved traffic to the permanent configuration of the intersection at Wyoming Highway 22.

• Timing: The shift was in place by 6 a.m. on June 27.

• Traffic Shift: Crews removed the temporary traffic barriers put in place on June 15 and traffic began using the permanent lanes.

• Delays: Short delays were encountered June 26 and early in the morning on June 27 as crews made the switch.

• Merging Reminder: Eastbound drivers on WYO 22 using the bypass lane still merge with traffic turning left from WYO 390 at the traffic light.

For more information about the Florida T and how it works, visit the project website at wy22wilsonsrb.com, where you can also find project progress details and information about upcoming work.

WYDOT crews milling, paving north of Farson

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland, began work on a project north of Farson on US Highway 191. The work includes milling, paving and chip seal operations over the next few months.

The work took place from mile marker 44 to mile marker 52. Traffic was carried through all work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers and pilot cars. Drivers were advised to expect

delays of up to 20 minutes. Motorists were advised to watch for flaggers and be prepared to stop.

WYDOT and contract crews hoped to have the milling, paving and chip seal work completed by the end of August.

The completion date for this project is set for June 30, 2025. The project was awarded in December of last year for $4,846,271.33.

Teton Pass closure

includes bicycle traffic

JACKSON – Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass remains closed as crews continue work on the interim detour for the Big Fill landslide at milepost 12.8. The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contractors began hauling crushed base and asphalt to the detour site at milepost 12.8 on June 21.

Crews asked all bicycle traffic to use the pathway or the Old Pass Road on the east side to access the area for recreation and refrain from cycling on the road.

The safety of cyclists and recreational users is paramount during this time, as there was more construction traffic on Teton Pass during this time.

There was advanced signage warning drivers of the reduced speed and any other applicable restrictions.

More permanent reconstruction plans are underway. WYDOT engineers are working internally with their geologists, environmental services and planning and design departments to develop long term reconstruction options.

Lane Switch on WYO 390

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, Inc. implemented the next traffic shift on Wyoming State Highway 390 on June 15. The shift will accommodate continued paving of the intersection at Wyoming Highway 22. What to expect:

• Timing: The shift was expected to be in place on June 15.

• Changes: The two southbound WYO 390 lanes approaching the intersection and the northbound lane on WYO 390 will shift west to accommodate concrete paving on the eastern portion of

Briefs continued on page 8

WYO 390. The left lane on WYO 22 to WYO 390 will be in the same location on WYO 22, but will then continue on the new shifted lane on WY 390 northbound. Right-turning traffic off WYO 390 will use the new concrete pavement to the west and then yield to the WYO 22 westbound traffic at the end of the concrete pavement.

• Delays: Drivers traveling through the intersection overnight on Friday, June 14 and in the early hours on Saturday morning were advised to anticipate short delays as crews worked to move barriers in preparation. Occasional short stops were also encountered as flaggers assisted construction trucks through traffic. However, WYDOT anticipated minimal delays.

• Of note: Traffic between Wilson and Jackson on WYO 22 will be noticeably reduced for the next couple of weeks while Teton Pass remains closed. However, it’s important that drivers remain alert and travel slowly through the construction zone.

Crews are hoping to have the intersection in its final configuration by the end of the month and plan to move traffic onto the first phase of the new bridge before the Fourth of July holiday. Unforeseen circumstances may necessitate adjustments to the schedule. WYDOT remains committed to keeping the public informed. WYDOT prioritizes the safety of all travelers and construction crews. Please reduce speed while traveling through the construction zone and pay close attention to adjusted traffic patterns, signage, and flaggers’ instructions.

Swinging bridge replacement continues

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Reiman Corp., have completed setting girders on Swinging Bridge off of Teton County Road 22-10 this week. Access to the road remained closed as crews continued working on the new bridge.

All the substructure work was completed and the girders were set. Rebar will be tied and the concrete deck placed by the end of July.

The road access and bridge area have

been closed since last fall and the new bridge should open in the early part of summer 2025.

Residents and drivers needing to access the area can detour on Henry’s Road, Teton County Road 22-45, which intersects US 26/89/189/191 south of the bridge. Residents in the area were able to access their homes and businesses through the detour on Henry’s Road.

The total work includes the demolition and removal of the old structure and the construction of a new structure in the same location. The scope of work includes additional grading, traffic control, road surfacing and other miscellaneous work. The contract was awarded in September of this year and the completion date for the work is June 30, 2025.

The Swinging Bridge replacement project is part of WYDOT’s Bridge Replacement Off System program. The BROS program is a federally funded program to reduce the number of deficient off-system bridges. It applies to bridges owned by cities, towns and counties, located on a non-federal aid roadway.

Once a new bridge has been constructed by WYDOT, the local agency maintains responsibility for all maintenance on the structure.

Drilling work in Hoback Canyon caused minor traffic impacts

JACKSON – Jorgensen Associates Inc. performed geotechnical drilling work alongside US Highway 191, Hoback Canyon, the week of June 10. The work took place between mileposts 158 to 162 (east of Hoback Junction to Stinking Springs).

The work involved drilling geotechnical boreholes along the road shoulder. Crews worked away from the road where

access allows, but the mobilization of equipment and some of the drilling operations required a single lane closure controlled by flaggers. Drivers were advised to expect up to 20 minute delays during daytime hours. Traffic impacts varied each day.

Crews concluded the work by June 14.

Drivers encountered minor delays. The subsurface investigations are being conducted for a proposed wildlife crossing.

A geotechnical drilling team take borehole samples from the roadside of US 191 for a proposed wildlife crossing.

Guardrail repair work on Teton Pass impacted traffic

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation repaired damaged guardrail sections of Wyoming Highway 22 Teton Pass, at various locations, June 3 through June 7.

Work took place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., in an effort to avoid commuter hours. While work was underway, traffic was limited to a single lane, controlled by flagging operations. Drivers were advised to expect delays and plan their travels accordingly.

When work is complete on Teton Pass, operations moved to US Highway 89 in the Snake River Canyon. Drivers encountered lane closures and shoulder closures on US 89.

Swinging bridge replacement off of Teton County Road 22-10.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Additional bridge deck pour

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, continued with the bridge deck concrete pours for the new bridge deck on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming Highway 22 at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 390. The deck pours were on May 30 and June 3-4.

Crews needed to mobilize equipment to prepare for the job, including a pump truck and a loader. Due to the rising levels in the Snake River, crews were unable to work below the bridge and had to reduce traffic to one lane for roughly a half hour. Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane under flagging operations, but crews hoped to limit the delays to less than a half hour.

Striping on Interstate 80

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Streamline Markings, began striping traffic markings on Interstate 80 at various locations between the Bridger Valley and Rock Springs on May 29. Operations took place as temperatures allowed from sunrise to sunset. Striping operations are mobile so motorists were asked to reduce their speeds and be aware of striping vehicles. The work lasted two to three weeks, depending on weather.

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

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

WYDOT and contract crews also remind drivers that driving over wet paint

can reduce the reflectivity of the markings, as well as stick to your vehicle. If a motorist does get paint on their vehicle, WYDOT recommends the following tips:

• 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.

• 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 the 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 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.

District 4

Realignment of Fort Road, East 17th Street intersection on North Main Street

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor Oftedal began work to realign the intersection of Fort Road and East 17th Street off of North Main Street. When first constructed, Fort Road and East 17th Street were offset due to the lo-

cation of railroad tracks between the two streets that have since been abandoned and removed.

As time passed and Sheridan developed to the north, access to Fort Road and East 17th Street saw an increase in traffic. As a result, more motorists were making left-hand turns at this offset intersection. It was determined the functionality and safety of this intersection needed to be addressed.

Approximately 35-feet of each street is being shifted to either the north or south of the existing intersection which will properly align the intersection and increase its safety and effectiveness.

Detours to access Fort Road north of the closure area are in place on North Main Street at 16th Street and Val Vista. Southbound North Main Street needing to access the businesses located east of the closure area can utilize Wenzel Street.

Work is expected to be completed by late July.

The realignment of Fort Road and E. 17th Street.

Paving operations on WYO 59 north of Wright

GILLETTE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor McGarvin Moberly began a mill and overlay with wearing course project on Wyoming Highway 59 north of Wright between mile markers 77 and 83 the week of June 10.

Work was completed under traffic with lane closures, head-to-head traffic, reduced speeds and flagging. It was expected to take four to six weeks to complete. Traffic encountered uneven, milled surfaces.

WYO 59 is a heavily traveled truck route for many mining companies and sees a high volume of heavy truck traffic.

Briefs continued on page 10

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Buffalo Main Street and Bypass rehabilitation project underway

BUFFALO – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Croell Inc., began rehabilitating 3.34 miles of the Interstate 25/Interstate 90 bypass and US Highway 16/87 (Main Street) route through downtown Buffalo.

The overall scope of the project includes resurfacing the existing roadway surface, upgrading ADA ramps and crosswalks, replacing isolated sidewalks and curb and gutter, performing minor repairs to the Clear Creek Bridge structure, replacing the culvert at Cemetery Creek, and upgrading the traffic signals at Hart Street.

This is a two-year project and will be broken into five phases. Work to be completed in 2024 includes repairing and resurfacing Main Street from the I-25 interchange north to Parmalee Street, from Hart Street north to the I-90 Interchange, and a short portion of Rock Creek Road just north of that intersection.

Year two work includes replacing the Cemetery Creek culvert south of Parmalee Street and repairing and resurfacing Main Street from Parmalee Street north through downtown to Hart Street.

The majority of the work will be completed under traffic and on unimproved surfaces. Traffic control will include flagging operations, lane closures with head-to-head traffic, reduced speeds, and occasional short delays.

In addition to the Main Street paving operations, Johnson County Road and Bridge will utilize county dollars to pave the North and South Bypass roads and address isolated repairs to soft spot settlement damage along that route.

Using city dollars, the city of Buffalo plans to upgrade the water main from Hart Street to Fort Street and replace the 66-inch storm sewer between Trail and Holland Street. Additionally, the city will utilize Context Sensitive Amenities funds to replace street lighting in the downtown area.

District 5

Upcoming public meetings address future northwest Wyoming highway projects

BASIN – A series of annual public meetings is scheduled in July, August and September to address future highway and bridge improvement projects in northwest Wyoming.

The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process involves annual meetings with public officials and citizens who play key transportation partnership roles in Wyoming, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation District Engineer Pete Hallsten, P.E., of Basin.

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

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

Information about the STIP process is available at https://www.dot.state.wy.us/ STIP

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

WYDOT has public meetings in July, August and September to receive input and answer questions from citizens, and local and tribal government officials:

• 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024 –Washakie County – Washakie County Courthouse, County Commission Chambers, 1001 Big Horn Ave., Worland;

• 3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 – Hot Springs County – Hot Springs County Government Annex Building, County Commission Chambers, 117 North 4th St., Thermopolis;

• 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3 , 2024 –Fremont County – Fremont County Courthouse, County Commission Chambers, 450 North 2nd St., Lander;

• 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3 , 2024 –Wind River Reservation – Frank B. Wise Business Center, 3 Ethete Rd., Fort Washakie, WY 82514.

Fremont County DUI Task Force focused on Lander Brewfest

LANDER – The Fremont County DUI Task Force was in operation and patrolling for impaired drivers the first weekend of June.

The operation featured the Mobile DUI Command Vehicle from the Cheyenne Police Department. The vehicle is a resource for law enforcement and was featured prominently throughout Fremont County as a reminder to never drive impaired.

SafeRide also provided free rides within the Lander city limits during the Lander Brewfest.

The Memorial Day holiday weekend enforcement operation resulted in 339 traffic stops, two arrests of impaired drivers, and 89 speeding citations.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, however, officers, deputies and troopers issued 22 citations for other offenses and made 17 other arrests, including two for possession of controlled substances, during the May 24-27 operation.

The task force issued 200 warnings during the four-day operation and issued four seat belt citations.

No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force has arrested 19 impaired drivers and made 1,022 traffic stops during four enforcement operations in 2024.

The purpose of the Fremont County DUI Task Force is to reduce fatal crashes through the enforcement of impaired driving and seat belt laws. These enforcement efforts are supported by a media campaign that stresses law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving and commitment to seat belt enforcement.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force includes Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Dubois and BIA Wind River police departments.

Two Lander-area pavement improvement projects resumed

LANDER – Chip sealing began June 10 on 5.8 miles of Wyoming Highway 789/US Highway 287 at the south edge of Lander. Milling, paving and placement of asphalt mix wearing course was underway June 10 on 1.4 miles of WYO 789 at the north edge of Lander.

Avail Valley Construction-WY LLC, of Afton, is the prime contractor on both projects – the $4.95 million Muddy Gap-Lander/Lyons Valley Section on the south edge of Lander and the $2.9 million Lander-Hudson State School Section project on the north edge of Lander. Both projects had a contract completion date of Oct. 31, 2023.

Workers at an intersection in Lander during the WYO 789/US 287 pavement improvement project.

North on WYO 789

The 1.4-mile project on Lander’s north edge includes asphalt milling, paving and placement of asphalt wearing course pavement between mileposts 82.40 and 80.97 – the traffic signal at the hilltop intersection of WYO 789/US 287.

A 12-foot width restriction remains in effect north of Lander.

The work north of Lander on WYO 789 includes asphalt pavement surfacing, traffic control, sidewalk, curb and gutter, milling, grading and other work on 1.4 miles of WYO 789.

South on US 287

Paving was completed last year on 5.8 miles of WYO 789/US 287 beginning on the south edge of Lander. Chip sealing began June 10 from milepost 73.97 to milepost 79.10, with plant mix wearing course placement the following week in Lander from milepost 80.16 (the west end

of the WYO 789/US 287 intersection) to milepost 81.03. A 14-foot width restriction remains in effect south of Lander.

The WYO 789/US 287 project includes bridge rehabilitation, curb and gutter, sidewalk, rotomilling of existing asphalt pavement surfacing, a 2-inch pavement overlay, plant mix wearing course and other work.

Bridge work starting on

Red Gulch bridge north of Thermopolis

THERMOPOLIS – Barrier was placed on the CCC Red Gulch Bridge to prepare for bridge rehabilitation north of Thermopolis on US Highway 20/Wyoming Highway 789 as part of a $6.97 million highway improvement and fence replacement project.

The Thermopolis North project is located between mileposts 133.4 (the old National Guard Armory) and 139.5 (Black Mountain Road) on US 20/WYO 789.

“Subcontractor Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne, will be removing the bridge deck by hydro-demolition, completing a latex bridge overlay, and minor concrete repair, all in June,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation engineer Lance Schatz of Thermopolis.

Traffic control during rehabilitation of the bridge, adjacent to the Fountain of Youth Campground, will include oneway traffic movements across the bridge through use of a portable traffic signal.

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co. of Lovell. Contract completion date is June 30, 2025. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Mountain Construction Co. this past November.

“At some point after bridge rehabilitation is completed, prime contractor Mountain Construction will pave 6.4 miles of roadway from Thermopolis to Black Mountain Road,” Schatz said.

Project work on the pavement preservation project includes pavement leveling, a pavement overlay, chip sealing, widening of maintenance pullouts through the project, fence removal and replacement, placement of rock riprap, guardrail removal and replacement, placement of

asphalt curbing, and bridge deck rehabilitation and a bridge overlay near the campground.

Chip sealing east of Lovell, west of Byron on US 14A

LOVELL – Chip sealing will complete a pair of pavement rehabilitation projects east of Lovell and west of Byron.

Chip sealing on the 8-mile Lovell East project and on 6 miles of US 14A directly west of Byron in early June.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on both pavement rehabilitation projects.

The $7 million Lovell East project included pavement leveling, a pavement overlay and chip sealing between US 14A mileposts 47-55. The $2.3 million Garland-Byron project included asphalt pavement milling, a pavement overlay and chip sealing between US 14A mileposts 32-38, west of Byron.

Waltman Rest Area closes for renovations

SHOSHONI – A three- to four-week closure of Waltman Rest Area for renovations began June 3 between Shoshoni and Casper.

“The facility received new toilets, plumbing, new tile and a new store-front door for the entry,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance Chad Shaffer of Shoshoni.

The contractor provided and maintained portable toilets at the site during the closure of the US Highway 20/26 rest area. The portable facilities were located just east of the rest area building during renovations.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

U.S. Secretary of Transportation visits Wyoming

Buttigieg: WYDOT, ‘you’ve got a lot to be proud of’

By Mark Horan

It’s not every day that a member of the U.S. President’s Cabinet visits Wyoming on official business, so it was a special opportunity for the Wyoming Department of Transportation when Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg came to Cheyenne on June 17.

During his short time in the Capitol City, Buttigieg and his team went out to a construction site on US Highway 30 to meet with a small group of construction workers and stakeholders. The ongoing project in that area of Cheyenne includes a number of safety improvements such as added turn lanes and medians, reduced speed lanes, a traffic light, and a new pedestrian underpass.

After a welcome from Governor Mark Gordon on site, the Secretary, WYDOT Director Darin Westby, and Cheyenne Mayor Pat Collins, provided brief comments about the important relationship between the state and its federal partners. A majority of transportation infrastructure projects in Wyoming are paid by formula and discretionary grant funding through the federal government. The US 30 project, for example, was paid for with $15 million in formula money, leaving just $5 million for the state and city to roughly split.

“Our partnership with the US DOT and Federal Highway Administration is strong,” Westby said. “We’ve been fortunate

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks to a small group of stakeholders on a construction site on US 30 in Cheyenne. He is joined by Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins (far left) and WYDOT Director Darin Westby.

over the last couple years to get some of these discretionary competitive grants for truck parking projects, wildlife crossings, rail safety, work zone safety, and data management. With that, we’ve been able to do a lot of great work.”

Westby added that WYDOT is applying for additional discretionary grants to fund resiliency projects in the Wind River

During his June 17 visit to Wyoming, Secretary Buttigieg took time to visit with construction staff and government officials from the state and community.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Canyon as well as additional wildlife crossings and truck parking throughout the state.

Buttigieg – or “Mayor Pete” as he was nicknamed during an eight year term as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana – thanked city and state officials for welcoming him to the state.

“Your governor has often reminded me of the unique and specific needs of rural communities, western communities, fast growing communities like you have here in Wyoming,” Buttigieg told the group. “We have sought to make sure that our policies and our ideas match the needs of this state, and I want to recognize the community and the advocates here who have worked to

make sure that safety is a priority in roadway design.”

Buttigieg said he took pride in saying there are more than 50,000 projects of all sizes taking place all over the country, including Wyoming. He commended WYDOT for its ability to seek out and obtain highly competitive discretionary grants.

“Anybody who had a hand in that should know that you have demonstrated the value of these projects to get them to the top of the list,” Buttigieg assured.

Following the event on US 30, Buttigieg took a driving tour of the Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 interchange, which needs a major overhaul. He then proceeded to WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center for the remainder of his visit. He said he was impressed with the technological advancements WYDOT has made in the areas of road monitoring and communication.

In a meeting at the TMC, Buttigieg was briefed by WYDOT officials on a handful of current and future projects in Wyoming, including ongoing efforts to reopen and repair Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass following the Big Fill Landslide on June 7.

“I recognize the impact that that has on Teton County residents, on regional commuters and on the economy, especially knowing how many people count on that route in order to get from an affordable place to live to a place where they earn a living,” Buttgieg said. “We’re committed to continuing to work with our state and local partners to assist with emergency repairs and funding and to help develop a long term solution to rebuild that roadway.”

Buttigieg closed his public remarks on a positive note:

“I just want to encourage you to keep up the good work and let you know that this administration and our department are eager to help, whether it is in response to an emergency or whether

SAFER DRIVERS SAVE LIVES ALWAYS BE ALERT FOR PEDESTRIANS

While in Cheyenne, Secretary Buttigieg toured WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center. He is seen here listen

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Boys’ State delegates visit WYDOT HQ

By Mark Horan

Three high school juniors came to WYDOT Headquarters on June 14 for a brief tour as part of their Boys’ State experience.

During their time on campus, the students met with several WYDOT executive staff members and got to check out a few patrol vehicles and snow plows.

The young men were among a group of 54 delegates from around the state that came together for a week-long deep dive on Wyoming government.

Though most of their activities took place in Laramie, the students spent a day in Cheyenne to tour the Capitol and visit with state government officials.

In the Boys’ State program, each individual is assigned a role as an elected official, state commissioner or head of agency. While in Cheyenne, delegates were able to spend a couple of hours visiting specific agencies related to their roles.

Representing WYDOT were “Director” Cooper Allen from Cheyenne; “Aeronautics Commissioner” Ian Andreen from Gillette; and “Colonel” Ashton Bennett from Big Piney.

All three youth asked thought-provoking questions and seemed to be well-versed in the world of transportation. They were very polite to their WYDOT hosts, and it appeared they had a positive learning experience while on campus. Perhaps someday their names will show up in the WYDOT employee directory.

According to their website, Wyoming Boys’ State, held annually in June, is a chance for high school juniors from across the state to participate in a week’s worth of activities to gain knowl-

edge of their state and its governmental structure. Delegates learn first-hand how government works, experiencing what it takes to create and enact laws. The week emphasizes leadership, civic engagement and patriotism.

Girls’ State, a similar event for young women, is also held each year in Wyoming. The Boys’ and Girls’ State programs are sponsored by the American Legion and have been in existence for more than 80 years.

The 2024 Boys’ State delegates who represented WYDOT. From left: Ian Andreen, Cooper Allen and Ashton Bennett.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Pony Express re-ride follows historic trail through Wyoming

By Carlie Dakins

On a hot June weekend dampened only by thunderstorms, the historic Pony Express re-ride crossed Wyoming on the historic route once taken by legendary riders between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California.

Current day Pony Express re-riders follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail, which was added to the National Trails System in 1992. Unlike other trails in the system, the PENHT is a route and can be followed by horse, on foot or by auto because it’s not a continuous trail. The historic trail route is marked on the Wyoming state highway map printed annually by WYDOT.

This year, the riders entered eastern Wyoming from Lyman, Nebraska and rode through Torrington and along US Highway 20/26 northwest to Casper. From Casper, the riders began heading south along Wyoming Highway 220 and the North Platte River toward South Pass. The riders continued south toward Evanston on their way to Salt Lake City, Utah, and ultimately Sacramento, California.

The National Pony Express Association is a volunteer organization that was founded in 1977 to preserve, identify and re-ride the historic trail.

The original Pony Express was founded in April 1860 as a mail service, operating for 18 short months until the connection of the transcontinental telegraph in October 1861. The company provided a 10-day delivery service using 40 riders in each direction with 190 stations along the route. Riders would ride 10-15 miles before changing horses and 75 miles before being relieved by another rider.

For more information about the National Pony Express Association and future re-rides, visit: www.nationalponyexpress.org

A Pony Express re-rider south of Casper, following the North Platte River and WYO 220.

Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT

A National Pony Express Association rider on her section of the historic re-ride through the Casper area on June 21.

Photo:

Carlie

Highway Patrol

Honoring those who served

WHP alumni event held in Cheyenne

By Mark Horan

Twenty-three alumni of the Wyoming Highway Patrol gathered for a reunion on June 11 at Lion’s Park in Cheyenne.

The group – made up of past troopers, Port of Entry specialists, dispatchers, and even some former colonels – spent the morning catching up with old friends and colleagues over coffee and pastries. Following a group photo, the reunion enjoyed a catered lunch. Lots of stories and memories from the old days were shared throughout.

After lunch, attendees had a choice of touring either the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s headquarters, the Transportation Management Center (where WHP dispatch works), or one of the Ports of Entry. The alumni were also afforded the option to renew their retiree identification card and concealed firearm permit if they wanted.

WHP Col. Tim Cameron organized the event as a way for the agency to embrace its history.

“There’s nothing more relevant, more specific, than living history from people that came before you,” he said.

Cameron added that it’s important to bring former staff back and keep them in the fold.

“Our troopers, who are out there working day in and out, watch how we treat our retirees, because one day they’ll be retired,” he said.

Former Supervising Sgt. Mike Martin drove down from South Dakota with his wife to be part of the gathering. Martin joined the force in 1971 and served for nearly 30 years. During his tenure, Martin worked in Jackson, Gillette, Worland and Casper. Throughout much of his career, Martin taught at the Wyoming Law Academy, Highway Patrol Academy and chemical testing laboratories in the state.

Martin said he was pleased that WHP thought enough of him and his colleagues to put the alumni event on.

“I don’t know how you can ask for anything more,” Martin said. “I’m very

proud of this outfit, and always have been. It’s important to me that I understand the Patrol still appreciates what we did, because a lot of things we did way back then established the ground with what’s going on now.”

One of Martin’s proudest accomplishments was establishing a best evidence practice when dealing with offenders. Early on in his career, Martin began recording all his Driving Under the Influence arrests on a J.C. Penny tape recorder. He was the only one doing that for about four years, but then he had someone contest their arrest in court. Martin’s recordings were introduced as evidence, resulting in a winning case for Patrol.

“Two weeks later every man on the floor started tape recording, and then later on they started recording things like fatal wrecks,” Martin said. “The next thing we know, they upgraded the cameras, and now we have mobile and body cameras. It all started with a tape recorder, and I started that program in 1973.”

Cameron plans on making the alumni gathering an annual event, and hopes the districts will consider other ways to support and stay connected with their retired law enforcement family.

“It’s all about revering your history and the people that were part of it,” Cameron said.

On June 11, 23 WHP alumni gathered at a reunion at Lion’s Park in Cheyenne.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Former and current WHP leadership gathered at the alumni event. From left: retired Col. Sam Powell; retired Interim Administrator Shannon Ratliff; retired Col. Kebin Haller; retired Col. Jess Oyler; retired Col. John Butler; and Col. Tim Cameron

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Retired Sgt. Mike Martin holds a photo from his first year as a Patrolman in 1971. Martin served in the Wyoming Highway Patrol for nearly 30 years and looks back on the memorabilia he kept with fond memories.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Wyoming State Library’s Publication Depository

How you can help

By Mark Horan

Did you know that the Wyoming State Library is rich with a variety of resources for Wyoming state employees and residents alike? From 24/7 digital collections, to an interlibrary loan system, to meeting rooms and telework computer labs, the state library offers an abundance of free resources for state employees as well as the general public.

One of the key aspects of the state library is that it is a statutorily mandated depository for state and federal publications. All temporary or permanent agencies (including all divisions and branches), commissions, boards, task forces and offices of the executive, judicial and legislative branches, as well as elected state officials, should participate in this requirement.

State publications are valuable for a variety of reasons: as sources of statistical, regulatory, educational and consumer information; as guides to the programs, services and activities of agencies; and as a historical record of publicly funded activities. The depository program ensures long term availability of publications and access to all through the WYLD system, which can be accessed here: https://library.wyo.gov/collections/ gowyld/. The program enables state agencies to communicate their programs to citizens.

Items to be deposited with the Wyoming State Library include: any item of published information, regardless of format, that is paid for in full or in part with public funds, directed by Executive Order and/or mandated by legislation and is produced in multiple copies for public distribution, or any item not specified above that may have long-term information value to the public. Agencies should deposit both items they distribute at no cost and for which they charge a fee.

Recently, library officials contacted the Wyoming Department of Transportation seeking assistance in collecting any of the following documents produced by the agency:

✔ Budgets, budget requests and financial reports

✔ Books (including commercially published items)

✔ Plans/report drafts available for public comment

✔ Environmental impact statements (draft & final)

✔ Laws, regulations and rules

✔ Conference proceedings

✔ Journals and magazines

✔ Planning and evaluation documents

✔ Research reports and studies

✔ Standards documentation

✔ Legislative reports

✔ Newsletters

✔ Newspapers

✔ Maps

In determining what documents to collect, the following items DON’T need to be deposited:

✘ Conference/workshop programs

✘ Advertisements, product catalogs

✘ Announcements, applications, forms

✘ Correspondence (letters, email)

✘ Brochures, fliers, posters

✘ Meeting agendas, minutes

✘ Press releases

✘ Text of speeches

✘ Requests for proposal

✘ Handbooks, training manuals

✘ Internal or working drafts of reports

✘ State records (birth certificates, drivers licenses)

If publications exist in physical format, the state library should be sent five copies for their depository. Documents can be dropped off in person or mailed to 2800 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009. Agencies in Cheyenne can send over documents via inner-office mail. Taking old publications over to the state library is a good option for staff approaching retirement who are wondering what to do with items on their bookshelf that have been collected over time.

If documents exist solely in digital format, files should be emailed to statepublications@wyo.gov for inclusion in the library’s digital collection, which can be accessed at: https://library. wyo.gov/collections/digital-collections-suite/ Large files can be uploaded via Google Drive. If publications exist in both digital and physical format, please send in both.

Please contact State Publications Librarian Anne Kuipers at 777-7281 if you have questions as to whether your publications meet the criteria for depository collection. For general information on the state library visit https://library.wyo.gov or stop by their building in Cheyenne.

Thank you for your assistance in collecting publications for the Wyoming State Library.

Photo: Adobe Stock

Noteworthy

WHP’s Jarvis wins WTA Safety Award

‘I simply just love what I do’

By Jordan Young

Alanna Jarvis with the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Commercial Carrier Division in Cheyenne was awarded Safety Person of the Year at the May 2024 Wyoming Trucking Association convention in Rock Springs.

The award honors an individual or group for their work directly related to improving highway safety.

Noting the award is a huge honor, Jarvis said it’s a milestone as she works on her career goals and builds on her education.

“Getting this award doesn’t just complete a goal, but also brings me joy knowing that I’m making a difference doing my job and helping others,” she said.

Jarvis has been working with the WHP for about three years; right now she works with the mobile inspection team as mobile inspector, a job she’s had since 2023. She does this work as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, a Federal program.

She said she loves working with commercial carriers and ensuring “the safety of the general population, along with the drivers themselves.” The education and carrier outreach components in particular are rewarding for her.

“I love working with the commercial industry, teaching them new regulations and rules or refreshing them on regulations in our ever-changing career field,” she said. “I even sometimes learn information from the carriers – at the end of the day, we are a team and we share the goal of safety on our roadways.”

Looking forward, Jarvis does not consider this as the culmination of her efforts, but a stepping stone for what’s to come.

“I’m trying to further my career into becoming a Trooper to continue to help others and keep our roadways safe,” she said. “I cannot stress how much this award means to me while I’m continuing my career path with WHP.”

Water safety: one example of many WYDOT responsibilities to the public

By Jeff Goetz

The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s maintenance employees tend to be jacks-of-all-trades, having far more duties than simply repairing potholes or plowing snow. Of the variety of tasks our maintenance staff performs, perhaps none are as impactful as ensuring the water we make available to the public is safe to use, to drink, and to return to the ecosystem. That assurance comes from training and certification of WYDOT maintenance employees as water and wastewater operators.

Many WYDOT facilities, including many rest areas, rely on wells for water. There are 37 WYDOT rest areas and welcome centers in Wyoming. Within District 2, there are nine. Of those, six operate on well water. Additionally, the Torrington Port of Entry gets its water from a well. To ensure safe, potable water at locations that are not on any sort of municipal water supply, the State of Wyoming and WYDOT require a certified Responsible Charge operator and Substitute Responsible Charge operator for each.

Training is provided through the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Once certified, an operator continues to

Alanna Jarvis, a mobile inspector with the WHP Commercial Carrier unit, talks with a driver during a mobile inspection in summer 2023. Jarvis said she loves educating drivers to promote safety on Wyoming Highways.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Ed Tirado, Lusk maintenance technician, is one of several WYDOT employees certified, or working on certification, as a Responsible Charge Operator.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

keep their skills up-to-date through continuing education. For WYDOT, the Operator Certification program is valuable training for employees to correctly operate each portion of water distribution system at locations served by wells.

“The public expects a safe water supply, even if all they do is use the toilet and wash their hands,” said Kim Parker, Operator Certification Program Lead with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.

The effects of unsafe water at a rest area or other facility frequented by the public can reach far beyond any illness it may cause. For many travelers their first impression of a state is at a rest area or welcome center. They’re also areas where thousands of people from different locations pass through.

“A waterborne disease outbreak has the potential to infect every person that stops to use the facilities at a rest area, which could be dozens to hundreds of people per day. A disease outbreak traced back to a Wyoming rest area could have significant negative impacts on our tourism and trucking industries,” Parker said.

To help ensure that doesn’t occur, some maintenance personnel have been trained as a Responsible Charge Operator or a Substitute Responsible Charge Operators.

Ed Tirado, WYDOT maintenance technician in Lusk, oversees the water supply at the Lusk rest area. He is one of the many employees who is certified or working to become certified. Tirado echoes Parker on the importance of safe drinking water, saying bad water would effectively “erode the confidence in the state government,” above and beyond any waterborne illness impact.

Tirado oversees the Lusk rest area but is able to oversee others within the District.

“Currently, the limited licensees WYDOT has are used to cover vacancies. I’m listed on several rest areas in the district to cover for a lack of certified operators at the station where the rest area is located,” Tirado said.

In short, WYDOT has a need for more operators. Though it’s not a mandatory license, employees are encouraged to become certified and receive a small monthly bonus for doing so.

Becoming a certified operator

A high school diploma or the equivalent is required of all wishing to pursue certification. Training for a Level 1 includes meeting residency, experience, and training requirements, and passing an exam. Thirty-five hours of training is required for each of the Level 1 certificates.

“DEQ recommends that operators take a correspondence course (worth 90 hours) to prepare for the exams,” said Parker, adding 24 hours of continuing education is required over a threeyear period.

Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Those topics include Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ rules as well as training on pumps, valves, water distribution, collection, discharge, disinfection byproducts.

“Operators are required to know how to correctly operate and maintain wells, storage tanks, disinfection equipment, filters, pumps, valves, piping, water quality sampling, cross connection control, and more,” Parker said.

“If repairs (are needed) and are done by a third party, it is important that they (operators) be able to observe to make sure that the water system was correctly disinfected prior to being returned to service.”

Most of WYDOT’s facilities require Level 1 certification. Level 1 certificates require 6 months of work experience. Fort Steele’s water treatment plant is the only Level 2 WYDOT facility, and it requires a full year of work experience to qualify for the certificate. The payoff may not be seen by the public, but clean water is a necessity and for those like Tirado, keeping it safe is thanks enough.

“There are a lot of jobs that WYDOT does that are unseen by the traveling public. There are some jobs and functions that other WYDOT employees don’t even know we do,” Tirado said.

“It is my pleasure to (help) ensure that the citizens of Wyoming and visitors to our great state get clean and safe drinking water.”

The Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program: one way WYDOT works to keep the traveling public safe beyond the pavement. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program, visit the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality web site at: deq.wyoming.gov.

Another WYDOT location that requires these specialized water certifications is the Fort Steele Rest Area, where water from the North Platte River is treated for the Rest Area use, as well as the wastewater.

Ed Tirado, Lusk maintenance technician, demonstrating water sampling at the Lusk rest area.

Photo:

Game and Fish Game and Fish Commission invests in the Wind River to Grand Tetons

Connecting Wildlife on the Togwotee Trail project

By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met in Dubois for its May meeting. The Commission once again invested in wildlife crossings to help prevent vehicle collisions with big game, as it voted to approve an additional $500,000 toward The Wind River to Grand Tetons – Connecting Wildlife on the Togwotee Trail Dubois project on US Highway 26.

The wildlife crossing project will include the construction of three new underpasses, one overpass and the improvement of three existing underpasses. The wildlife crossing project is a result of a collaborative effort between the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes and partners.

These crossings will maintain habitat connectivity for mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, moose and pronghorn. Mule deer from northwest Wyoming migrate through Dubois and cross US 26 multiple times. About 5,000 mule deer winter in the Upper Wind River Valley and cross the highway daily for food and water. Elk, moose, white-tailed deer and

TechTalk

Phishing mitigation

By Enterprise Technology Services

ETS has observed an increase in phishing attempts. To mitigate these threats, here are some standard best practices. Recognize the Signs of Phishing Phishing emails often appear to come from legitimate sources. Here are several red flags to watch for:

• Unusual Sender: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Be wary of slight misspellings or unfamiliar domains.

• Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.

• Urgent Requests: Be cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action.

• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Hover over links to see the actual URL and avoid downloading unexpected attachments.

Verify Before You Click

• Double-Check Requests: If you receive an email requesting sensitive information or financial transactions, verify the

pronghorn also winter here, and many stay year-round. Bighorn sheep near Red Creek frequently cross the highway and are often seen foraging or licking road salt along the right-of-way. Wildlife/vehicle collisions on US 26 involve all these species.

Once fully completed, this project is expected to result in an 80-90 percent reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions with mule deer and other wildlife and an average savings of more than $800,000 in vehicle damage and human injury costs per year.

request through a separate, trusted communication channel.

• Report Suspicious Emails: Use our internal reporting tool to flag suspicious emails. This helps our IT team investigate and mitigate potential threats.

• Use the “Phish Hook”: When in doubt please use the “Phish Hook” for any email you believe may be a phishing email.

Stay Informed

• Training and Resources: The Department of Enterprise Technology Services provides cybersecurity training and education for all state employees. training.knowbe4.com

• Stay Alert: Always be cautious and skeptical of unexpected emails, even if they appear to come from known contacts. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, we can collectively protect our State and Agencies from phishing attacks and other cyber threats. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ETS at 307-777-5000.

A pronghorn antelope buck in a highway’s right-of-way.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Total number of employees: As of May 28, 2024 1,808 One month ago 1,831 One year ago 1,766

Employee Safety

Guardian Angel green and yellow lights

Jordan Striff,

Employee Safety

Due to the inherent dangers of working in low light, nighttime, or foul weather conditions within the rightof-way, WYDOT will be incorporating the availability of Guardian Angel lights through the WYDOT Procurement program. These green and amber lights are available to all WYDOT programs. They can be purchased through the normal Procurement ordering process with the approval of your chain of command.

Cargo securement

By Jerry Fritz, District 5 Employee Safety Officer

WHP will use Red/Blue/IR lights and can order them through their normal ordering processes.

Total number of highway fatalities: As of May 31, 2024 28 One year ago 44

Kudos to the Shoshoni Maintenance Crew for embracing the spirit of the “Cargo Control Class” during a recent training. Following the training at their facility, they invited me to inspect the quality of their tie-down procedures. Sixty-five people from 12 stations attend the training.

Training covered regulations from Federal Motor Carrier FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration):

5.1.3 Cargo Securement (393.100). Secure cargo requirements prevent cargo from leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from a commercial vehicle. Regulations include minimum strength requirements for devices used to secure cargo, requirements that prevent cargo from moving, and rules for securing specific commodities. When commercial motor vehicles are used to transport cargo on public roads, they must be loaded and equipped, and their cargo must be secured, according to regulation.

District 5 Maintenance illustrates the whimsical side of a serious subject – cargo securement.

Photo: WYDOT

Highway Safety Secure your load for safer roads

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety

June 6 was designated “Secure Your Load Day,” an annual national safety campaign to increase public awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads and to remember those injured or killed because of unsecured loads. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in 2022 there were 895 deaths, 17,203 injuries, and 98,502 property damage crashes nationwide caused by unsecured loads.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-228 (Loads on Vehicles) 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, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.” Failure to secure your load can result in a fine, imprisonment, or both (Wyoming Statute § 6-3-204, Wyoming Statute § 31-51201). A load is secure when nothing in/on the vehicle or trailer (including any covering used) can slide, shift, or fall onto the roadway, or become airborne. Secure loads help drivers avoid any associated penalties, but more importantly, they keep roadways clean and safe.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20192023), 40 traffic crashes involved the loss of a vehicle’s load which immediately resulted in a crash. All 40 crashes were the result of an object being thrown or falling from one vehicle and striking another vehicle. Single vehicles can also experience cargo/equipment loss or shift resulting in damage to the vehicle transporting the cargo/equipment, the cargo/equipment itself, or injury to the transporting vehicle’s occupants.

The majority of these 40 traffic crashes (37, 92.5 percent) were property damage only crashes. Three (3, 7.5 percent) were injury crashes with two suspected minor injuries and one possible injury.

In addition, during this same period, 1,091 crashes involved a non-fixed object on the roadway or an object on the roadway set in motion by another vehicle. Some of these crashes could involve objects that had come to rest on the roadway after falling from a transporting vehicle.

The majority of these crashes (981, 89.9 percent) were property damage only crashes. However, there was a fatal crash and 109 injury crashes with one fatality, 11 suspected serious injuries, 75 suspected minor injuries, and 44 possible injuries.

Securing your load is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes and basic supplies to properly secure a load.

An unsecured load caused a sheet of wood to pierce this passenger car’s windshield.

How to Secure a Load:

1. Place lighter items below heavier items to keep them in place. Securely fasten the heavy items directly to your vehicle.

2. Tie down items using rope, netting, straps, or chains. Securely fasten large items directly to your vehicle.

3. Add extra protection by covering the entire load with a tarp or netting. Make sure that any covering is securely tied down.

Important Reminders:

• Don’t overload vehicles or trailers.

• Double-check to be sure the load is secure before departure and re-check the load at all roadside stops (i.e. gas stations, food stops, overnight stays).

• Speed, weight, and gravity are not load securing devices. Ropes, straps, and netting are load securing devices.

Driving with an unsecured load is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Most drivers have experienced a rock hitting their windshield. Imagine if that rock had been a hammer, piece of lumber, or a piece of furniture. Even the smallest item falling from a vehicle can be deadly. Don’t put other motorists’ lives at risk. Properly secured loads prevent crashes, injuries, and save lives. Robin Abel, founder of Secure Your Load offers this advice: “Secure your load as if everyone you love is driving in the car behind you.”

Photo:

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2018-2022 report that:

• 40 traffic crashes directly involved the loss of a vehicle’s load.

• 1,091 crashes involved a nonfixed object on the roadway or an object on the roadway set in motion by another vehicle.

• The majority of crashes related to a vehicle’s loss of load are property damage only crashes.

USEFUL TIPS

• Place lighter items below heavier items to keep them in place.

• Securely fasten large and heavy items directly to your vehicle.

• Tie down items using rope, netting, straps, or chains.

• Add extra protection by covering the entire load with a tarp or netting.

• Make sure any covering is securely tied down.

• Don’t overload vehicles or trailers.

• Double-check to be sure the load is secure before departure and re-check at all roadside stops.

BY THE NUMBERS

Wyoming crash data

June 1, 2024 vs. (June 1, 2023):

Fatalities: 25 (58)

Serious Injuries: 132 (168)

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 5 (12)

Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0)

CMV-Involved Fatalities: 4 (21)

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 3 (14)

Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 3 (2)

Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 1 (7)

Speed-Related Fatalities: 9 (33)

Data current as of 06/05/2024

U.S. Forest Service

Prescribed burns on Pole Mountain this summer

Smoke was visible when operations were underway

LARAMIE – Multiple units totaling approximately 1,000 acres on the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest were scheduled to be treated with prescribed fire this summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Fire staff planned to take advantage of windows of opportunity where fuel and weather conditions align to conduct prescribed burns on National Forest System lands in Albany County, Wyoming. For safety and effectiveness, operations were not initialized if weather conditions were unfavorable.

If conditions were favorable, burning occurred at multiple locations. Several of the units were located near Wyoming Highway 210/Happy Jack Highway and smoke was visible to the public.

“Building on past success, we’ll continue to use prescribed fire as an important aspect of our management efforts on Pole Mountain,” said District Ranger Frank Romero, “Last year we successfully implemented prescribed burning during the summer months, and we anticipate the same type of vegetation treatments this year.”

The work is part of the ongoing Pole Mountain Vegetation Project in eastern Albany County that began in 2014. Nearly 9,000 acres were authorized to be treated over a period of approximately 10 years, with the goal being the return to a resilient, diverse and historically healthy forest. Multiple years of prescribed burning have occurred since the project decision was signed.

Smoke from the burns were visible to the public from Interstate 80, WYO 210 as previously mentioned, and nearby forest roads. Signs were placed on adjacent highways and forest roads notifying the public of the burns as necessary. Fire

staff from the Forest Service continued to monitor the burned areas following the operations.

Staff primarily used ground ignitions to carry out the burning, and there was the possibility that unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, could be used. Public flying of UAS is prohibited in the burn unit airspace.

Necessary smoke permits were obtained from the state of Wyoming. Each prescribed burn planned by the forest went through an environmental analysis and had a detailed burn plan developed in advance.

Prescribed burning is a versatile forest management tool that can mimic historically natural fire disturbances, improve habitat for a variety of wildlife and reduce hazardous fuels buildup. Minimal and managed smoke from prescribed fires now helps prevent the potential for more unpredictable and hazardous wildfire smoke in the future.

The Pole Mountain unit is approximately 55,500 acres of NFS lands, 12 miles southeast of Laramie and 30 miles west of Cheyenne along the I-80 corridor. Due to its proximity to I-80, as well as population centers in Wyoming and Colorado, Pole Mountain has become a convenient and popular destination for visitors who enjoy numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.

A wild land firefighter setting small fires during a prescribed burn.

Photo: USDA

Training

It’s time to select the

2024-2025 TLN topics

By Amy Bale, Training Services

The Transportation Learning Network – or TLN as it’s commonly called – is a four-state consortium consisting of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming DOTs. The group works together to select and offer both professional development (i.e., technical/vocational content) and leadership development training webinars for all four state DOTs, as well as consultants and other interested parties.

Soon, you can help select the topics that TLN will offer in the 2024-2025 season. TLN’s annual priority survey will be sent to all WYDOT employees in early July and we encourage everyone to respond. You’ll be able to rank a variety of topics based on your needs and the needs of your team.

Additionally, if there are topics you would like to see added to the TLN schedule that are not on the survey, feel free to contact Training Services at dot-training@wyo.gov and we’ll pass your suggestions along to the TLN staff.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Did you know that in 2020 TLN changed their platform from a video conference format to strictly webinar? Now, every TLN offering is available on your computer – no travel required. In 2023, TLN courses were added to NEOGOV, which made registering for TLN so much easier. TLN numbers this year have almost tripled from last year due to this change.

If you’ve never attended a TLN course, it’s a good time to try one out. We look forward to seeing both old and new faces in next year’s TLN webinars.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Joseph Bomgaars, Facilities Management-Custodial; Mario Garza, Equipment-Mechanics; Caitlyn Jones, Office Services-Files; and Kristine Wendtland, Financial ServicesDisbursements.

Promotions and Transfers

Jacob Bustos, Management Services; Jeffrey Carrington, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey; Taryn Cline, Driver ServicesPolicy and Records; Jason Roascio, Patrol-Support Services-Operation; Cassandra Sanderson, Management Services; and David Van Matre, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80.

Service Awards

Matthew Carlson, Highway SafetyAdministration – 40 years; Kent Ketterling, Construction StaffAdministration – 35 years; Stephanie Lucero, Highway Safety –35 years; Cori Hastings, Maintenance Staff – 30 years; Keith Tupper, Emergency CommunicationsAdministration – 25 years;

Ryan Marsh, Highway DevelopmentProject Development – 20 years; Thomas Pritchard, PatrolProfessional Standards – 20 years; Timothy Tyler, Office Services-Files –20 years; Aubrie Cotton, Purchasing-Buying –15 years; Karmen Warrington, Driver Services – 15 years; Van Frazier, Employee Safety – 10 years; Laura Castaneda, Facilities ManagementCustodial – 5 years; and Jeremy Sumpter, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 5 years.

Retirements

Daniel Lyons, engineer II with Project Development at Headquarters, retired in May with 32 years of service.

Bruce Morgenstern, principal engineer with the Asphalt & Chemistry section of the Materials Lab in Cheyenne, retired in May with 35 years of service. Morgenstern graduated from The

Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He served with the US Air Force from 1981-1989 and was stationed in Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. Starting his WYDOT career in Project Development in May 1989, Morgenstern moved to the Materials Program in August 1993 to oversee the Asphalt and Chemistry laboratories.

Jon Peterson, imaging specialist with the Records Division of Office Services in Cheyenne, retired in May with 12 years of service to the state.

Lt. Col. Joshua Walther retired from the WHP in May after 21 years of service. Walther started with the Patrol as a Trooper in Troop A in Cheyenne. He was promoted to lieutenant of that Troop in 2011, and in 2013 he was promoted to Captain of Evidence, Records, Equipment and Technology. After four years as Captain, Walther was promoted to Major in the Headquarters section, overseeing the Safety & Training, Dispatch, Commercial Carrier and Evidence departments. He served as Lieutenant Colonel since 2021.

Never one to want attention on himself, WHP threw Walther a surprise retirement celebration during Patrol’s most recent Quarterly Awards Ceremony in Cheyenne. While there, Walther received praises for his contributions to the WHP during his career.

From left: Maj. Karl Germain, Lt. Col. Josh Walther, Col. Tim Cameron and Maj. James Thomas smile as they wish Walther good luck in his retirement.

Photo: Jordan Young/WYDOT

Sanderson

Frazier

Tupper

Ketterling

Morgenstern

Tyler

Roascio

Cotton

Lucero

Peterson

Carlson

Lyons

Pritchard

District 1

Welcome

Matthew Turner, Rawlins Maintenance; and Brian Upton, Medicine Bow Maintenance.

Service Awards

Brian Rushing, Elk Mountain Mechanics – 5 years.

Not just a fine day –a “Superday”

District 1 Maintenance hosted a “Touch A Truck” area at the June 22 Superday event held in Cheyenne. Adults and children alike enjoyed climbing on and asking questions about plows and other equipment on display.

Career Day in Douglas

On Thursday May 16, the Douglas mechanic shop closed its doors for the morning to participate in the annual Douglas Upper Elementary School Career Day for fifth graders. They put together a short PowerPoint presentation outlining some of WYDOTs many career paths then took them out to see some of the equipment.

District 2

Welcome

Jacob Grudle, Chugwater Maintenance; Treyton Megeath, Chugwater Maintenance; George Nelson, Chugwater Maintenance; Kelley Seale, Chugwater Maintenance; and Kimberly Witt, Chugwater Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Brittany Branson, Casper Maintenance; Thomas Green, Casper Construction; Kenneth Hill, Casper Maintenance; Gordon Rhoades, Chugwater Maintenance; Rosalva Saenz, Douglas Construction; Kael Schreiner, Wheatland Maintenance; and Kenneth Tiemersma, Casper Maintenance.

Hill

Branson

Douglas Maintenance spent time at school in May showing fifth graders what WYDOT does. The students were even invited to check out the machinery parked outside their school.

Photo courtesy Douglas Elementarty

Photo courtesy Douglas Elementarty

Rushing Turner

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Service Awards

William Klemola, Torrington Construction – 40 years; Terry Uhrich, District 2 Shop – 35 years; Jonathan Goodman, Douglas Mechanics – 10 years;

Bryant Cooley, Port of EntryTorrington – 5 years; and Mark Robblee, Traffic-Torrington Striping – 5 years.

Retirements

Matthew Goetz, highway maintenance supervisor with District 2 in Wheatland, retired in May with 22 years of service.

Robert Wilhelm, construction and field survey technician with District 2 in Wheatland, retired in May with 22 years of service. A Wheatland native, Wilhelm spent his entire career with WYDOT in Wheatland as well.

District 3

Welcome

Jacob Bushman, Rock Springs TrafficStriping; Stephanie Garcia, District 3 Administration; and Thomas Melton, Traffic-Electrical.

Promotions and Transfers

David Bottemiller, Rock Springs Maintenance; Brent Gottwalt, Rock Springs Maintenance; Michael Hines, Labarge Maintenance; Ty Jereb, District 3 Traffic Staff; Robert Mathson, Lyman Maintenance; Kenneth Matlock, Rock

Springs Traffic-Striping; and Tyler Mullen, Traffic-Signing.

Service Awards

Michael Kennedy, Afton Maintenance – 5 years;

District 4

Welcome

Zachary Deckert, Gillette Maintenance; and Steven Mauch Jr., Sundance Construction.

Promotions and Transfers

Kaleb BowersSeekins, Sheridan Traffic-Striping.

Service Awards

Dianna Williams, Driver ServicesNewcastle/Sundance – 5 years; and Jacob Williamson, Sheridan Construction – 5 years.

A crew out paving US 287 with Crowheart Butte overseeing things in the background.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Mauch

Bowers-Seekins

Jereb Mathson

Tiemersma Saenz

Uhrich

Robblee

Cooley Goodman

Wilhelm Goetz

Klemola

Williamson

Service Awards

Daniel Eggli, Patrol-Lander – 10 years; Brett LaJeunesse, Shoshoni Maintenance – 10 years; Joseph Alexander, Dubois Maintenance – 5 years; and Pamela Neidhardt, Port of EntryFrannie – 5 years.

You make that belt look GOOD!

Congratulations to our May recipients!

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

Rob Bates

Erin Blackman

Lee Burns

James Deines

Kayla Martini

Sergio Ramos

Shaylin Stein

Jenifer Viste

Jordan Walla

Seth Wilkinson

Emily Worthan

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate an employee, contact: dot.humanresources@wyo.gov.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Lee Pence caught this shot of the newly opened Beartooth Pass. Check out the amount of snow!

Photo: Lee Pence

Letters

Like most things, the Department of Motor Vehicles is better in Sheridan

By Bryce Jacobson, Sheridan Press

Reprinted with permission

I think, outside of Sheridan County, going to the DMV is known as one of those painful experiences we all have to endure when our license expires or we move to a new house. I finally got my Wyoming license and license plates this week, and my experience was nothing like I’d experienced before in other communities.

When I first arrived at the Wyoming Department of Transportation Driver Services office, an older gentleman from Ranchester was there exclaiming his need for the date and the year for this form he was completing — so I gave him the information he needed. I then had the pleasure/angst of watching him work with the very kind staff at the DMV as they explained to him his doctor doesn’t think he should drive anymore except around Ranchester itself, and if they were going to allow that, he had to apply for a new license, this one with restrictions.

When it was my turn, I got to hear a discussion about the traffic delays in Sheridan and we quipped that the Loucks and Main intersection finally opening had to save us at least 90 seconds, maybe 2 minutes.

They had a technical problem with issuing licenses, apparently statewide, and they informed me about it, gave me their phone number and said it should be back up soon but to call before I drove all the way back.

In the afternoon, when I returned, I got to see the other side of driver’s licenses. That was courtesy of one mom, who was all smiles as her child was taking the computer-based test. A dad

Passings

John W. Karhu Jr.

John William Karhu Jr., 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Basin on June 9, 2024. He was born Nov. 27, 1943 to John and Betty Karhu in Cody, Wyoming.

He attended Cody schools where he took part in two of his favorite sports, football and wrestling. Karhu attended the University of Wyoming for civil engineering and then capped off his education with a master’s in construction management from Stanford University.

He met his wife, Carolyn Roberts, at UW and they were married Aug. 6, 1967.

He worked for WYDOT for 40 years where he was recognized as a dedicated and respected engineer. He retired in 2004 as District 5 Construction Engineer.

He supported his kids and grandkids in all their activities ranging from a variety of 4-H projects to multiple sports. He loved the outdoors, particularly fishing, hunting, and back country pack trips on horseback. He loved animals, particularly

explained to me that his young daughter had just started a job and hence was getting her license.

I also enjoyed the banter of the gentleman behind the counter who often quipped to successful students that they go to the lobby and get their “ATM,” also known as their parent, to come back in and pay for their fees.

Thinking about this experience just reminds me that while DMV apparently across the country is painful — of course it isn’t in Sheridan County. I am so impressed with and thankful for our community and the people who call it home in particular.

The follow up letter from Mr. Jacobson:

What a joy my experience was.

Thank you, Bryce Jacobson

Teton Pass information available on WYDOT website

WYDOT is doing a great job quickly fixing (temporarily) the Teton Pass landslide. I don’t have Facebook and had trouble finding videos and photos of the work. Eventually found excellent photos in the media kit. You need to celebrate your work and make these easier to find.

Congratulations to your team! Beat June 30!

Kevin Cochary Jackson, Wyoming

p.s. Please also recognize the exceptional work snow plow crews do every winter on the pass!

horses and dogs; gardening; and later farming in his retirement years.

Karhu had an incredible work ethic and ingenious mind as evidenced by his perseverance in utilizing tools and resources to continue working on his property, despite the progressive nature of ALS.

In his memory, thank an engineer and spend time with your loved ones enjoying the outdoors. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Spencer F. Smith

Spencer Franklin Smith of Cody, Wyoming, 87, passed away at the Spirit Mountain Hospice House on June 13, 2024.

Smith was born on April 15, 1937. He was a long-time Cody Maintenance employee –Cody Crew 531 – retiring after 21 years of service to the state in November 1999.

Cremation services are pending with Ballard Funeral Home in Cody.

Smith

Karhu

WTDEA

WTDEA chapters award 2024 scholarships to hard working students

The WTDEA State Board, District 3, District 4 and Headquarters chapters awarded scholarships to qualified applicants. The awards help offset the college tuition costs of full-time studies at the school of their choice. Congratulations to all this year’s recipients.

State Board

The WTDEA State Board awarded three $600 scholarships this year.

Payton Miller, daughter of Shaneal Miller with Rock Springs Maintenance, will be continuing her education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha studying clinical mental health. Miller’s past activities are numerous, including: Morningside University women’s swim team captain, KMSC radio – station manager, Psi Chi – the International Honor Society in Psychology, Deans list for five semesters, and Multimedia Communications outstanding senior.

The second scholarship was awarded to Emily Pivik, daughter of Chris Pivik with Contracts and Estimates and Rachael Pivik with Planning, who plans on attending the University of Wyoming to pursue a degree in nursing. Her past activities were Cheyenne South Speech and Debate team, National Honor Society, We The People, Honor Roll and the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions qualifier.

The third award was awarded to Jamie Yates, daughter of Elizabeth Hansen with Casper Traffic, and she will be attending Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah to study psychology. Her past activities are National Honor Society, student leadership board for Kelly Walsh High School GEAR UP, section leader for chamber orchestra in violas, chosen to attend a trip to Boston with the 30 best students of GEAR UP as well as being on the principal’s honor roll every semester.

District 3

District 3 awarded one scholarship this year and it went to Payton Miller of Rock Springs. She is the daughter of Shaneal and J.B. Miller, of Rock Springs, and Shaneal is a senior staff technician for Maintenance in District 3. Payton graduated from Morningside University in May 2024 with a bachelor of arts in psychology and mass communication with minors in photography and criminal justice. She has chosen to continue her education this coming fall at the University of Nebraska Omaha to obtain her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Upon receiving her masters degree, she hopes to work with members of the armed forces and first responders in a counseling setting.

District 4

District 4 awarded two $500 scholarships this spring.

The first award went to Ivy Spomer. She is the daughter of District 4’s Urban Striping Crew Leader and WTDEA member, Russell Stewart and his wife, Kenya. Ivy is currently a full-time nursing student at Sheridan College. When she isn’t in the classroom, she works at Sheridan Memorial Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant and as a waitress at Perkins. Ivy also enjoys music and participates in bi-weekly music lessons for both piano and guitar.

The second District 4 award went to Hanah Sullivan. Hanah just finished up her sophomore year at Black Hills State University where she is double-majoring in environmental biology and geology. She is the daughter of Human Resource Representative and WTDEA member, Jenny Sullivan and her husband, Bruce. While going to school fulltime, Hanah is also a member of the Black Hills State Track Team, throwing shot put, hammer and discus.

Headquarters

Headquarters Chapter awarded two $500 scholarships to qualified undergraduate students.

The first award went to Emily Pivik. She is a recent graduate of Cheyenne South High School where she was a member of both the speech and debate team and National Honor Society. In the fall, she is attending the University of Wyoming in the fall.

Grace Yearout is also a recipient of the Headquarters scholarship. She is the daughter of Jeri Yearout with the Bridge program and her husband, Jeremy. Grace is a recent graduate of Burns High School and she plans on attending the University of Wyoming to study pharmacy.

Yates

Miller

Spomer

Sullivan

Pivik

Yearout

Outdoors

JeanPaul Willson, with the Materials program, shared these photos from 2019 when he visited his family in South Africa. These were taken at his family’s game farm located near Kruger Park in eastern South Africa. In the left image, he is watching an elephant walk through an open field near the back patio where he and his family have morning tea and coffee. The image on the right he is watching for wildlife on top of an outcrop overlooking a riverbed. As a zoology major, he says he could easily spend all day watching for wildlife.

Photo:

JeanPaul Willson

Photo:

JeanPaul Willson

Courtney Herceg, with the Civil Rights Office, shared this photo of her visit to Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Photo: Courtney Herceg

Photo: Melissa Alton-Brunk

Melissa Alton-Brunk, with Bridge, recently visited Vedauwoo Recreation Area and shared her experience.

Photo: Melissa Alton-Brunk

Break Time

Strimko is a logic puzzle that involves filling circles arranged in a square grid with digits. Some circles contain clues (pre-filled numbers), while others are empty and need to be filled by the solver. The grid also contains several chains, which are sets of connected circles.

Basic Rules

• Digit Placement: Fill every empty circle with a digit from 1-6.

• Unique Digits: Each digit from 1-6 must appear exactly once in each row and column of the grid.

Additional Rules

• Chain Rule: In addition to the rows and columns, each chain must also contain the digits 1-6 exactly once.

Answer to the June 2024 Break Time maze:

Basic Solving Tips

• Start with Clues: Begin by looking at the rows, columns, and chains that have the most clues. These will guide you to place digits in the empty circles.

• Avoid Repetition: Ensure that no digit is repeated in any row, column, or chain.

• Use Elimination: Identify which numbers cannot be in a particular circle and eliminate them as possibilities.

• Look for Certainties: Before placing a number, make sure it is the only possibility for that circle.

• Chain Consideration: Pay special attention to the chains, ensuring that the digits within them adhere to the rules.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

Address Service Requested