Interchange June 2020

Interchange June 2020

Vol. 48, Issue 6

Carlson retires after 32 years

Gillett steps into Chief Engineer role

Letters WYDOT helps with the May 30-June 1 weekend COVID relay Thank you all for doing this! I just want to tell you how much you are helping in this response.

The clinical labs and their satellites so appreciate the weekend pickups. I hear it from them all the time, how much they appreciate the weekend pickups. Not only are you expediting the sample delivery to Wyoming Department of Health’s Wyoming Public Health Laboratory (WPHL), but you are an integral part in ensuring the samples reach us in good shape, allowing for the best results we can deliver. Your deliveries alleviate the need for freezing samples and using Cat B shipping regulations along with the dry ice requirements needed to ship frozen samples. (Did you know that a freeze thaw cycle reduces the RNA content in

Interchange

Vol. 48, Issue 6

a sample by at least 10%?) Once again, you are helping out by making sure our samples are the best they can be.

Not to mention that each and every sample you pick up has a real person as its source. What you are doing is serving the population of our state in the best way possible.

WPHL appreciates the opportunity to offer testing seven days a week and we couldn’t do that without you all. It also spreads the sample testing out over more days so the week days aren’t quite so crazy. You are helping us maintain some semblance of sanity.

I just wanted you to know that what you are doing, taking time out of your lives, to pick up and deliver these samples to us, truly is a huge part of this process.

Thanks for being a crucial part of our team.

Gale Stevens Wyoming Department of Health Public Health Laboratory

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

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

Staff WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Aimee Inama Carlie Van Winkle Jordan Achs Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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

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

2

Interchange

n

June 2020

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

13

Features 13 Non-commercial driving tests Driver Services Offices resuming driving tests

14 A successful partnership WYDOT and Tribal Communities work together

14

16 Carlson retires after 32 years Farewell, not goodbye

20 ‘BUILD’ grant signed Grant for the I-80 Winter Freight Improvement Project

16

Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 By the Numbers.......................................................................6 Training.....................................................................................18 Noteworthy....................................................................... 19-20 Extra Mile Awards................................................................. 20 District news.......................................................................... 22 Passings................................................................................... 24 WTDEA..................................................................................... 25 Break Time.............................................................................. 27 On the cover:

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

June 2020

n

Interchange

3

District Briefs Commission awards $19 million in contracts in May CHEYENNE – Construction crews will make slide repairs to a section of WYO 296, Chief Joseph Highway, that will stabilize the area and repair a dip in the road.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Condon-Johnson & Associates Inc., of Oakland, California, a $5.7 million contract for the work. The commission awarded that and six other contracts during its recent meeting.

For the WYO 296 work, crews will drill 120, 39-inch shafts that vary between 50 to 70 feet deep at Dead Indian Pass, which is on Dead Indian Hill on the Chief Joseph Highway in Park County. The work will anchor the land in place and prevent it from moving.

Crews will also do pavement work in the area to repair a dip in the road. The contract completion date is June 30, 2021.

Other contracts the commission awarded included pavement work, sign logo replacement and fence repair work.

Northern Improvement Co., of Fargo, North Dakota, was the lowest bidder on a $3.8 million pavement contract on US 85 between Lingle and Lusk in Goshen County. Crews will pave about 15 miles to improve the surface.

Crews will also install new weather stations in the area. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2021.

JTL Group Inc., of Cheyenne, won a $3.9 million pavement contract for work on almost 9 miles of US 20-26 between Casper and Shoshoni in Natrona County. Crews will mill and overlay the road, replace fencing and extend the existing passing lanes.

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) decided to put the project out for bid to improve the road surface.

The contract completion date is July 31, 2021.

The commission also awarded JTL

HQ

4

Interchange

n

June 2020

Group Inc. a $2.7 million pavement contract for work on about 2.5 miles of WYO 220 between West Belt Loop and Robertson Road in Natrona County.

Crews will mill and overlay the road to improve the surface, make enhancements to the turning lanes, install new fence and install new signs and delineator posts.

The contract completion date is June 30, 2021.

Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $1.4 million to Kilgore Companies, of Rock Springs, for a pavement contract, minor concrete work and culvert work on almost 5 miles of WYO 350 west of Big Piney in Sublette County by July 31, 2021; • $1.4 million to King Enterprises, of Mills, for a fence removal and replacement contract on South Pass and south of the Diversion Dam intersection by Oct. 31, 2021; and • $280,168 to S & L Industrial, of Cowley, for a logo sign replacement contract at various locations on Interstate 80 by June 30, 2021.

FMCSA extends Emergency Declaration; continues support of emergency relief efforts CHEYENNE – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended its emergency declaration regarding commercial transportation of essential COVID-19 supplies. The declaration was extended through June 14, after it was scheduled to expire on May 15, 2020.

The declaration, which can be found at fmcsa.dot.gov, assists with the transportation of essential supplies, equipment and persons in support of COVID-19 relief efforts by providing certain exemptions from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Parts 390 through 399.

Specifically, the declaration covers transportation to meet immediate needs for: • Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and

treatment of COVID-19; • Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants; • Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores; • Immediate precursor raw materials – such as paper, plastic or alcohol – that are required and to be used for the manufacture of items in categories 1, 2 or 3; • Fuel; • Liquefied gases to be used in refrigeration or cooling systems; • Equipment, supplies and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine and isolation facilities related to COVID-19; • Persons designated by Federal, State or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes; and • Persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 response.

Commercial motor vehicle drivers who can safely operate a motor vehicle while transporting essential supplies, equipment and persons related to the COVID-19 emergency outbreak will be allowed to continue to operate beyond standard hours of service.

The director for the Wyoming Department of Transportation will also continue to waive size and weight permit fees through June 14 when a commercial vehicle is transporting COVID-19 supplies, equipment and persons to communities in Wyoming and beyond.

Commercial vehicles will still need to get a permit if they are oversize and/ or overweight, but the fee will be waived.

All safety measures will continue to be followed for non-divisible and divisible loads, as long as maximum allowable weights are not exceeded for axles, bridges and gross weights.

“This extension will continue to ensure we help keep necessary supplies moving throughout our state and the nation during this coronavirus environment,” said K. Luke Reiner. “We want to support the commercial transportation industry

during this unprecedented time so our communities can continue to get needed supplies.”

Commercial carriers can obtain their permits at the appropriate Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) ports of entry.

The ports can also fax or email those forms. For a list of the ports of entry, visit http://www.whp.dot.state.wy.us/home/ ports.html .

Wyoming officials work to ensure motorists have access to food vendors CHEYENNE – Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) officials approved its first food truck vendor, which will sell food at the Interstate 25 Welcome Center.

G-Licious Catering, of Cheyenne, which offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches and breakfast foods, is the first food truck to offer the service at a rest area in the state. The business can start offering food effective April 29.

The move means commercial truck drivers and other motorists traveling along interstates 80 and 25 will have another option for purchasing food. The I-25 Welcome Center is close to the intersection of I-25 and Interstate 80.

Typically, WYDOT doesn’t allow food truck vendors or other businesses to sell items at the state’s rest areas.

However, motorists have been having a hard time buying food because restaurants have either closed or have restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, WYDOT decided to allow businesses to apply for a special event permit so motorists have access to purchase food.

“We are pleased we are able to offer motorists this service at our rest areas,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner.

“This service is for all motorists but it is especially vital for our commercial truck drivers who are transporting critical supplies and food in our state and throughout our nation. Without those dedicated men and women, our nation would not be able to function.”

WYDOT’s special event permit for food trucks requires vendors to follow certain guidelines. Vendors will provide trash cans and remove any trash daily, may be required to remediate any issues

that impact WYDOT property and land, will need to supply other necessary documents and will set up business at a specific location at a rest area.

Businesses that are interested in having their food truck services at one of WYDOT’s rest areas are urged to contact the department’s district offices for an application. A list of locations and office contact information can be found at http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/news_ info/contact-information.html.

Road, bridge work underway on I-80 Summit interchange LARAMIE – Travelers planning to access trailheads or rest area facilities using the Happy Jack Road exit on Interstate 80 may experience potential delays as road work began May 26.

Contractors will complete bridge rehabilitation work to the structure that connects motorists from I-80 to the Summit Rest Area and WYO 210 (Happy Jack Road) at exit 323.

Additionally, the Telephone Canyon portion of I-80, from mile markers 319-324, is scheduled for milling and paving with a high-performance wearing course. Not only does the wearing course improve durability and friction, but it also creates a smoother driving surface.

A width restriction was in place through the work zone.

Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors are working on the project, which is expected to be complete in fall 2020.

D1

WYO 130 through Snowy Range open for season; WYO 70 opens before Memorial Day weekend LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation reopened the seasonally closed section of WYO 130 on May 18.

Although the scenic byway through the Snowy Range was opened to traffic,

motorists – including bicyclists and motorcyclists – should still stay alert as they travel through the mountain pass. Snow melt can freeze on roadways overnight, and some slick spots may remain during the day.

Additionally, late-spring wintry weather is not uncommon in the Snowy Range.

Motorists and outdoor enthusiasts should keep an eye on weather and road conditions as they use the highway.

WYDOT crews from Laramie and Saratoga started clearing snow on their respective sides of the highway in late April. Multiple rotary plows, loader-mounted rotaries and a snowcat were used to help clear the accumulated snow.

The heavy equipment was much needed; snow drifts were more than 15 feet on some portions of the highway. Even so, crews were able to open the highway earlier than the target date of Memorial Day weekend.

Beyond the work to clear the snow, crews repaired guardrail and signs along the highway, along with other maintenance work.

The heavy equipment used to open WYO 130 joined the Baggs crew focusing on WYO 70 over the Sierra Madre range between Savery and Encampment. Work on that highway also started in late April and crews saw large drifts as work continued to open the highway.

Late-spring wintry weather is not uncommon in the area. Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts should keep an eye on weather and road conditions as they use the highway.

Crews from Baggs and Saratoga started clearing snow on their respective sides of WYO 70 in late April, after the WYO 130 opening. Multiple rotary plows, loader-mounted rotaries and a motor grader with a V- and wing-plow were used to help clear the accumulated snow.

The highways are two of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming with seasonal closures. WYO 130 tops out at more than 10,800 feet, and WYO 70 crosses the Continental Divide at the 9,955-foot Battle Pass.

Both highways close annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical. This season, WYO 70 closed Dec. 2. WYO 130 closed officially for the season Oct. 29, however the highway first closed Oct. 20 due to Briefs continued on page 6 June 2020

n

Interchange

5

tions are below: Laramie County • Various intersections along WYO 212 (College Drive) including the Interstate 25 interchange;

Briefs continued from page 5 hazardous winter conditions, large snowdrifts and poor visibility.

WYO 130 opened May 25 last year, on May 21 in 2018 and on May 25 in both 2017 and 2016.

Last year, WYO 70 opened June 3. Before that, it opened May 21 in 2018, June 1 in 2017 and June 9 in 2016.

• Various intersections along US 30 (Lincolnway) including at on- and offramps to Interstate 80 and I-25; • The I-25 and Randall Interchange; and • Various markings along US 85, WYO 219, WYO 210 and WYO 211.

Albany County • The Snowy Range Road intersection of WYO 230 in Laramie as well as some markings west of the Laramie area;

Photo: WYDOT

• Various markings on US 287 in northern Laramie as well as some markings south of the Laramie area; and

Laramie maintenance crews in rotaries work to clear snow on WYO 130.

• Various locations in intersections along US 30 (Grand Avenue) in Laramie.

Carbon County • The railroad crossing on WYO 76 in Sinclair.

WYDOT reminded motorists that they

Project to replace thermoplastic markings district-wide CHEYENNE – Crews with S&L Industrial and the Wyoming Department of Transportation replaced worn-out thermoplastic markings in various locations throughout southeastern Wyoming starting on May 13.

Left- and right-turn arrows, lane-drop arrows, crosswalk striping and stop bars for areas like railroad crossings (RXR) are some examples of roadway markings that are made with thermoplastic. The plastic markings last longer than paint, make intersections safer and reduce the amount of maintenance needed.

“That means fewer disruptions for the traveling public and less time our striping crews are out there placing themselves in high-traffic areas,” said Wayne Shenefelt, WYDOT resident engineer for the project.

The majority of the replacements were performed first in Cheyenne, followed by Laramie and then crews will wrap up in Sinclair.

The thermoplastic replacement loca-

6

Interchange

n

June 2020

could encounter potential delays from short lane closures, large equipment and other activity in and around the intersections.

Work underway on Muddy Creek North section of WYO 789 RAWLINS – Motorists traveling along WYO 789 between Creston Junction and Baggs encountered delays as the Wyoming Department of Transportation and McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. began road work on May 12.

During the milling process, traffic was reduced to one lane of travel led by a pilot car. Additionally, speed limits were reduced through the entire 10-mile project due to the milled surface.

Once milling was complete, crews began paving. A pilot car directed traffic through the work zone during the paving process which was expected to last four weeks.

The $2.9 million Muddy Creek North project is scheduled to be complete this fall.

WHP Total number of employees: As of May 4, 2020

1,964

One month ago

1,945

One year ago

1,929

Total number of highway fatalities: As of May 14, 2020

26

One year ago

63

I-80 westbound off-ramp to I-25 northbound closed for road work; delays, detour expected CHEYENNE – Crews with S&S Builders started May 12 on slab repairs to the off-ramp that guides Interstate 80 westbound traffic to the northbound lanes of Interstate 25.

WYDOT urged travelers, commuters and commercial haulers to take alternate routes to their destinations; the ramp was closed for 10 days.

A detour was in place going east on US 30 (Lincolnway) until meeting up with I-25. Signs were in place to guide motorists through the detour.

This work is part of a district-wide slab repair project that started in March with work on College Drive (WYO 212) near Campstool Road. Last year, the project included repairs to I-80’s eastbound lanes near the I-25 northbound ramp.

The project’s completion date is June 30.

Milling and paving operations underway in Laramie County CHEYENNE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation started this year’s milling and paving season on May 11 in various locations around Laramie County.

Beginning in Pine Bluffs, crews milled each end of three sections of roadway on WYO 213 (mileposts 7.1-7.6) and WYO 214 (mileposts 3-3.6 and mileposts 5.8-6.3). Lay-down paving started in those areas immediately after and lasted approximately one week.

Starting May 12, crews milled the ends of two sections of WYO 211 (mileposts 23.4-24 and mileposts 18.5-18.7), a section of WYO 219/Yellowstone Road (mileposts 5.1-4.5) and a section of Lincolnway/US 30 east of the Pershing Boulevard intersection (mileposts 366.3366.6) in Cheyenne.

Crews began paving around Cheyenne in the reverse order of the milling operation, starting with US 30.

Road work continues on I-80 west of Laramie LARAMIE – Starting May 4, crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on 8 miles of Interstate 80 near Herrick Lane.

A continuation of a project that started last year, crews started with the turnaround areas used by maintenance and emergency services in the interstate median along mileposts 291.5-299.5 west of Laramie. Scheduled work includes milling, paving and dirt work.

Later this summer, crews will be finishing out the project with a wearing course on both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate. The wearing course improves the friction, smoothness and durability of the driving surface.

Bridge replacement project underway on I-80 east of Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Travelers on Interstate 80 between Pine Bluffs and Cheyenne encountered delays as crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began a bridge replacement project April 27.

The two-year project encompasses a portion of I-80 near Hillsdale, between mile markers 372 and 382. Scheduled work involved milling, paving, bridge rehabilitation, bridge replacements at the Hillsdale interchange and other improvements.

This construction season, crews are focused on the westbound lanes and directing traffic to run head-to-head in the eastbound lanes. Crews placed crossovers at either end of the project.

Slip ramps provided local traffic access to and from the interstate on the Hillsdale interchange.

WYDOT will return traffic to the normal configuration this winter. In spring 2021, crews will switch to the eastbound lanes and direct traffic to run head-tohead in the westbound lanes.

In addition to the lane changes, other delays like reduced speed limits are likely through the work zone. Motorists should slow down, stay alert and follow all traffic signs and flaggers as they pass through.

Travelers on County Road 140/Stuckey Road can expect night closures while the old Hillsdale structures are torn down and the new ones are built. Additional information and specific dates for the night closures will be released later this summer.

The project’s estimated completion date is Oct. 31, 2021.

I-25 southbound off-ramp to Vandehei Avenue closed for slab repair work CHEYENNE – Starting April 27, the Interstate 25 southbound off-ramp to Vandehei Avenue was temporarily closed as crews with Simon Contractors completed slab repairs.

The closure lasted about a week. Crews first cut, demoed and removed the current slabs and then poured new ones. The new slabs needed time to dry and gain enough strength before the off-ramp was reopened.

WYDOT urged southbound motorists to use the detour off-ramp at Horse Creek Road or the Central Avenue off-ramp farther south during the temporary closure.

The off-ramp work is part of a larger slab repair and overlay project underway on I-25 between the Randall and Horse Creek interchanges.

Bridge rehabilitation work began on I-25 near Missile Drive CHEYENNE – Crews with S&S Builders and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began bridge rehabilitation work on Interstate 25 on April 27.

Part of a district-wide bridge rehab project, crews will be completing repairs to the bridge decks, approach slabs and substructures on both the northbound and southbound I-25 structures over Missile Drive as well as the I-25 structures over the BNSF Railway.

There will also be some slab repair within the project area, which spans mile markers 10.5-10.8 on the interstate.

Motorists should avoid distractions and stay alert through the work zone as Briefs continued on page 8 June 2020

n

Interchange

7

they will encounter speed limit reductions, lane closures with temporary concrete barriers and at least one detour.

More information about potential detours will be available later in the project.

Additionally, a 12-foot width restriction is in place through the work zone.

Construction, maintenance projects underway around District 2 CASPER – Phase II of the US 20 project east from Lusk has begun. Much of the grading work, new base and pavement removal is under construction.

The project runs from mileposts 41-54 and will be completed in 2021.

On I-25, bridge rehabilitation projects are underway at the Glendo interchange and further north near Orin Junction. over the North Platte River. Additionally, work has begun on a bridge over railroad tracks on US 18/20 just east of the Orin Junction interchange.

Maintenance crews have been busy upgrading and replacing delineator posts along I-25 in the area south of Glendo.

Patching, crack sealing and other work has also commenced.

In Casper, crews have been filling potholes on the various state routes in the city.

Crews at Shirley Rim have been working to clear snow from the cut area on WYO 77.

D2

WYDOT performs maintenance on tunnels GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation cleaned and swept the Green River tunnels May 18.

Work began on the eastbound tunnel and then moved to the westbound tunnel.

Traffic was reduced to a single lane through the duration of the work zone. Speeds were reduced to 45

D3

8

Interchange

n

June 2020

miles per hour while crews worked in the tunnels.

In addition to the lane reductions, the Green River eastbound on-ramp at exit 89 (west side of Green River) was closed for up to two days. Residents and travelers were able to exit the interstate at exit 89, but were not be able to enter the interstate at that location for the duration of the maintenance. Motorists and commuters were able to enter the interstate at exit 91 on the east end of Green River.

the crossing.

Local traffic will have access to their destinations, but through traffic will not be allowed. Signing for road closure and alternate detour routes were provided.

Work underway on project south of Jackson

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 7

WYDOT maintenance crews preparing the tunnels for cleaning.

Wilson bridge inspection may cause delays JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation performed a bridge inspection on the Wilson bridge on WYO 22 on May 12-13.

To perform the work, crews brought in a snooper truck and a support truck onto the bridge deck. These trucks take up a single lane, reducing traffic to one lane over the bridge. Motorists were flagged across the bridge in alternating directions. Crews expected delays of up to 15 minutes, but delays varied with traffic congestion.

Bridges are inspected every two years, to make sure they are in working condition and to note any potential repairs. The data collected in the inspection is used in WYDOT’s bridge management system to help prioritize work across the state.

Railroad work closed WYO 412 in Carter EVANSTON – The Union Pacific Railroad closed WYO 412 in Carter, north of Interstate 80 in the Bridger Valley the week of May 4-7. Railroad officials said the closure would take place either May 5-6 or May 6-7, dependent on when railroad crews working the line arrive at

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from H-K Contractors Inc., began milling a 3-mile section of US 26/89/189/191, beginning at mile marker 148.70, just south of the town of Jackson.

Drivers saw reduced lanes and speeds.

During milling and paving operations, the section was reduced to a single lane in each direction.

Milling operations began May 4 with paving operations following on May 11.

Paving is estimated to last until the first week of June.

The scope of work on this project includes milling and paving, wearing course, as well some miscellaneous work.

The completion date for this project is Oct.31.

WYO 22 Teton Pass eastbound trailer traffic opened with new restrictions JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation opened WYO 22/Teton Pass to eastbound trailer traffic under a 60,000 gross vehicle weight restriction on May 1.

WYDOT lowered the maximum speed limit on the pass from 55 mph to 45 mph and closed the parking area on top of the pass to use it as a mandatory brake check area for vehicles. WYDOT is using dynamic message signs to notify drivers of the brake inspection station at the Teton Pass Summit pullout. Parking for backcountry users is still available at other pullouts, the closest being the “overflow lot”/snow plow turnaround just a quarter mile east of the summit.

WYDOT extended the seasonal trailer traffic closure of WYO 22/Teton Pass in the eastbound direction earlier this year, due to the closure of the arrestor system.

Crews have been working through the details to provide an interim system for

Summer paving underway in northeast Wyoming SHERIDAN – Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crews began paving operations on various roads throughout northeast Wyoming.

Operations began in and around the Sundance area on

D4

May 18.

This particular paving operation repaired existing roadways that had been damaged due to snow removal, winter frost heaving, excessive ruts and cracking. The average life span of the top few inches of a paved highway is 10-15 years and dependent on the type and volume of traffic.

“Summer paving operations are a critical component to fulfilling the mission of WYDOT to provide a safe and effective transportation system,” said Doug McLean, maintenance tech. “WYDOT District 4 maintenance dedicates about 18,000 hours each summer maintaining roadway surface conditions in our district.”

dashes are accurate and also helps direct the paint to where it needs to go.

District 4 has two striping crews – an urban crew and a rural crew. The urban crew can be found refreshing lines on many state and federal streets in and around local communities, whereas the rural crew is seen on the interstate and rural highways.

On average, District 4 striping crews paint more than 3,800 miles of roadway a year, using roughly 69,000 gallons of paint with 275 tons of reflective glass beads, which provide the reflective factor at night.

WYDOT reminds the public about signs in the right of way

Photo: WYDOT

errant vehicles to use until the permanent modifications to the vehicle arrestor system are finalized and installed. The existing catch-net vehicle arrestor system needed to be modified before reopening later this summer.

A temporary system called a “sand barrel array” was installed within the current catch-net arrestor and remains active until the permanent changes can be implemented on the arrestor. A sand barrel array uses a configuration of impact barrels filled with varying amounts of weight, or sand, to stop an errant vehicle.

The barrels disperse on impact and slow an errant vehicle, eventually stopping it.

This system is most efficient for lighter weight trucks at lower speeds.

Currently, there is only one escape ramp open on WYO 22/Teton Pass, located at milepost 8.2, which is approximately a mile above the current closed vehicle arrestor.

“We at WYDOT, as part of our mission, try to accommodate the movement of goods and services to the greatest extent feasible. In this current economic climate, we realize that this mission is as important as ever. So we have elected not to change the gross vehicle weight and implement some other changes such as a reduction in the posted speed limit for trucks and enforcing the need to check a vehicle’s brakes prior to descending the pass. The ultimate goal here is to ensure the safety of those using the pass by changing driver behavior,” District Engineer Keith Compton said.

In addition to these changes, the Wyoming Highway Patrol increased patrols in the area and the Weigh-in-Motion system on Teton Pass was updated to flag and notify authorities of vehicles exceeding the 60,000 gross vehicle weight restriction.

WYDOT maintenance crew paving a portion of I-90 west of Sheridan.

Be on the lookout for striping crews SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 striping crews increased their presence in the northeast corner of Wyoming as striping operations began statewide this spring.

Striping is a mobile operation including two or more vehicles with various warning devices. Typically, motorists encounter a convoy of striping vehicles. A pilot truck, the striping unit and another truck behind warning motorists of the operation ahead.

WYDOT advises all motorists to not pass in and out of the striping equipment convoy. When possible, pass all vehicles at once when it is safe and legal to do so. If passing is not available, be patient as the striping vehicles will pull over when it is safe and appropriate.

The procedure is a slow one. In order to properly lay down the paint, these trucks travel at a speed between 8 and 12 mph. This allows for precise application making sure the line remains straight,

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) wants to remind the public that state law prohibits placing signs on signal poles or in the right of way.

Signs mounted on utility poles, traffic signs or highway markers announcing a garage sale, lost pets or super sale as well as signs on the shoulder of the road or anywhere inside the highway right of way are illegal, can cause safety problems and can lead to fines and jail time.

“With the weather getting nicer we have seen an increase in the number of signs our crews are having to remove from traffic signal poles and the right of way fence or from the right of way itself advertising garage sales,” said to Laura Dalles, WYDOT public relations specialist in Sheridan. “Safety issues arise when using the traffic signal poles and the rights of way. These signs become a distraction.”

Wyoming statute (W.S. 6-6-301-307) prohibits the placing of signs or objects within highway rights of way. People who break the law can be subject to fines or jail time. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24 10 104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement.

These objects can cause safety concerns, said Dalles, adding that WYDOT’s number one goal is to provide a safe travel experience.

“In addition to the placement of these signs being illegal, the accumulation of paper, tape and staples becomes a littering Briefs continued on page 10 June 2020

n

Interchange

9

issue,” Dalles said. “WYDOT works diligently to keep our streets, highways and byways clean.”

Summer chip sealing season underway south of Worland WORLAND – WYDOT chip sealing crews kicked off their summer work season June 1 with chip sealing on 17.17 miles of US 20/WYO 789 between Thermopolis and Worland.

Drivers should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes, as pilot cars will control speeds through the chip-sealing zone.

Beginning June 10, chip sealing is scheduled on 8.68 miles of US14A between Powell and Garland (June 10-11, June 15), according to WYDOT chip sealing foreman Kevin Maynard of South Pass.

When the US 14A chip sealing is complete, the chip sealing crew is scheduled to move WYO 132 between Lovell and Greybull for a day of chip sealing on 2.89 miles of roadway. The weather-dependent schedule calls for WYDOT to begin sealing 2 miles of WYO 33 (Lovell spur) on June 17, 1.08 miles of WYO 35 (spur road near Cowley) on June 18, and 9 miles of WYO 294 (Ralston to WYO 120) on June 22-23.

Beginning July 6, the chip sealing effort moves south of Wind River Canyon with 24.98 miles of chip sealing scheduled for July 6-20 on WYO 28 between Lander and South Pass. From July 21-28, chip sealing is scheduled on 5.61 miles of US 26/WYO 789 between Shoshoni and Riverton.

D5

WYO 120 pavement chip sealing underway on Meeteetse Rim CODY – Chip sealing of a $2.6 million pavement improvement project is underway between Meeteetse and Cody.

“The fog seal and chip seal began June 2,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of

10

Interchange

n

June 2020

Cody.

Prime contractor on the 5.4-mile Meeteetse Rim project is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland. The WYO 120 project begins north of Meeteetse just west of Greybull River Road (milepost 57.924) to north of Meeteetse Rim (milepost 63.065).

Contract completion date is June 30.

Bridge rehabilitation project moves to Lander LANDER – A $1.9 million bridge rehabilitation project, involving five bridges continued and work began May 18 on the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River bridge in Lander.

The contractor is required to provide two-way traffic, with one lane open in each direction, while working on the Lander bridge. The contractor’s schedule shows the Lander bridge work being completed by the end of June.

Work is continuing on the US 20/ WYO 789 Big Horn River bridge (milepost 128.32), south of Thermopolis.

“By contract, work on the Big Horn River bridge and Middle Fork of the Popo Agie bridge is required to be complete before work can begin on the other three bridges,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis.

Including the US 287 bridge over the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River in the city of Lander, repairs are also scheduled on the WYO 432 bridge over the Upper Hanover Canal on South Flat Road (milepost 8.4), the WYO 31 bridge over Medicine Lodge Creek in Hyattville (milepost 21.89) and the WYO 37 bridge over Sidon Canal (milepost 246.66).

Prime contractor is Coldwater Group Inc., of Pleasant View, Utah. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the Utah contractor the fivebridge rehabilitation project on April 19.

Contract completion is Oct. 31.

US 14A spring opening May 21 LOVELL – The annual spring opening of US 14A between Burgess Junction and Lovell occurred prior to Memorial Day weekend this year at noon May 21.

The annual winter closure of US 14A, west of Burgess Junction, is at milepost

76.04 on the Lovell side of the Bighorn Mountains. The seasonal road closure at Burgess Junction is just east of milepost 98.1. WYDOT annually closes this 22mile stretch of scenic mountain road in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming about Nov. 30 at the conclusion of the fall hunting season. It usually opens for the summer by Memorial Day weekend.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 9

Snow removal efforts this spring near Burgess Junction on US 14A. Crews from Lovell and Burgess Junction met on the mountain after negotiating deep snow earlier in May.

Guardrail replacement project underway in Fremont County RIVERTON – Five Fremont County highway sections received upgraded guardrail in a $1.4 million safety project which began on May 18.

S&L Industrial, of Cowley, is the prime contractor.

“The first location is east of Shoshoni,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Traffic signals were used to control traffic at night, while flaggers were used during daytime operations.”

Guardrail was placed on US 20/26 east of Shoshoni (mileposts 95.609 to 95.985), about 4 miles east of Shoshoni; WYO 135 (mileposts 22.32 to 22.84), about 22 miles southeast of Riverton; US 26/WYO 789 (mileposts 126.59 to 126.285), about 2 miles west of Shoshoni; US 26/287 (mileposts 60.23 to 60.62), about 5 miles southeast of Dubois; and US 287 (mileposts 30.34 to 31.196), about 15 miles northwest of Fort Washakie.

S&L Industrial was awarded the guardrail safety project bid in March by the Wyoming Transportation Commission.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

WYO 132 paving resumed May 4 LANDER – Asphalt paving operations resumed May 4 on the Blue Sky Highway improvement project north of Lander between US 287 and Ethete.

The paving subcontractor, McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, paved a small area on Plunkett

into place an 8-foot-diameter pipe sleeve through the existing pipe.

“The contractor operated on a twoweek timeline to complete all work,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation construction engineer Randy Merritt of Basin. “If needed, there could be a possible future roadway closure to help complete this project.”

WYDOT maintenance workers are flagging the repair project.

Wilson Brothers Construction was awarded a $797,940 contract this month by the Wyoming Transportation Commission to clean and repair corroded pipes along US 287 south of Lander. The Dorsey Creek emergency pipe repair was added to the Fremont County project contract.

Photo: WYDOT

CODY – A $5.5 million highway improvement project began in May south of Cody on WYO 120.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on the 6.8-mile project.

The Cody South project is located between the WYO 120/US 14/16/20 intersection adjacent to Yellowstone Regional Airport and milepost 74 near the snowplow turnaround south of the Park County Landfill.

“This project includes full reconstruction from the intersection of WYO 120 and US 14/16/20 (milepost 81.21) for 2,000 feet,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “There will be a 5-inch asphalt pavement mill and overlay to just south of the Park County Landfill. Pavement leveling and a pavement overlay will complete the project from just south of the landfill turnoff to milepost 74.”

Other work on the project includes installation of paved mailbox turnouts, pipe work, signage, electrical upgrades.

By contract, no work is allowed on the project between June 30 and July 5, 2020.

“Everything but reclamation is required to be complete by Aug. 31, with seeding and reclamation allowed until Oct. 31,” Frost said.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

During the project, the contractor will be hauling from the Four Mile Pit, north of Cody, to the project. The hauling operation will come into Cody from the north on WYO 120, to 16th Street, to Sheridan Avenue, up Greybull Hill, to WYO 120 and to the project.

“The contractor wants to be finished hauling material through town before Phase 2 of the $4.3 million Sheridan Avenue project kicks off (Aug. 25, 2020),” Frost said.

Road May 4, then moved its operations to the south end of Blue Sky Highway (WYO 132).

“The second two-inch layer of asphalt paving work begins Monday,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Brian Martin of Lander.

“Seeding and reclamation, delineator installation and a chip seal to the roadway will hopefully wrap up the project by the end of June.”

With the warmer spring weather, prime contractor High Country Construction Inc., of Lander, and several subcontractors mobilized to the project in early April to restart work on cattle guards, concrete irrigation structures, the pedestrian pathway between Ethete and Wyoming Indian Elementary School, highway accesses to private residences and fencing.

High Country Construction Inc., of Lander, is the prime contractor on the $14.63 million WYO 132 improvement project. Improvements have included grading, draining, milling asphalt pavement, placing gravel pit run and crushed gravel, asphalt paving, chip sealing, electrical work and other work on seven miles of WYO 132 north of Lander.

WYDOT’s Scott Thomas and crew working at the Dorsey Creek washout.

North Federal Boulevard project cleanup May 4 Photo: WYDOT

WYO 120 project underway south of Cody

Warm spring weather brings out the highway paving projects. This project is on WYO 132 near Lander.

Emergency repairs of Dorsey Creek pipe west of Basin on WYO 30 BASIN – A failing pipe was the focus of a $230,000 emergency repair project over two weeks between Basin and Otto on WYO 30.

Prime contractor Wilson Brothers Construction Inc., of Cowley, stabilized and realigned the existing 9-foot pipe, backfilled the downstream end of the pipe where the roadway was washed out midApril, rebuilt the washed out highway embankment and placed and grouted

RIVERTON – Cleanup, concrete sealing, asphalt patching, topsoil placement and installation of one manhole took place on May 4, on the $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project in Riverton.

“Initial work was cleanup, including rock picking and slope blending along the new sidewalks,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “71 Construction, of Riverton, started asphalt patching activities behind the sidewalks on May 11.

Prime contractor S&S Builders LLC, are scheduled, at a later date, to seal the centerline of North Federal between Washington Avenue and Webbwood Road, repair the asphalt pavement in front of Walmart and complete placement of one manhole near the Sunset Drive/North Federal intersection.”

Briefs continued on page 12 June 2020

n

Interchange

11

WYO 120 pavement improvement project restarts on Meeteetse Rim CODY – A $2.6 million pavement improvement project has restarted between Meeteetse and Cody.

“Project work is set to resume April 27 with seeding and other clean up.

Chip sealing is scheduled for June,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

Prime contractor on the 5.4-mile Meeteetse Rim project is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland.

The WYO 120 project is north of Meeteetse just west of Greybull River Road (milepost 57.924) to north of Meeteetse Rim (milepost 63.065).

Contract completion date is June 30, 2020.

Meeteetse Rim project work consists of shoulder flattening and adjustments of existing guardrail, 1-inch of asphalt pavement leveling, a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay and a chip-seal finish.

Patching project began April 28 on US 16 east of Worland WORLAND – US 16 paving began April 28 between Worland and Ten Sleep as part of a $3 million patching project in northwest Wyoming.

“The project is located in various locations throughout the Big Horn Basin,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin.

Work consists of milling, shoulder work and asphalt pavement leveling.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. is the prime contractor. Completion date is Oct. 31.

Striping crews painting highways; drivers asked to slow down LANDER – Wyoming Department of Transportation striping crews began striping highways in central and northwest Wyoming and crews asked for help

12

Interchange

n

June 2020

from drivers.

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

“We are focusing our early efforts on highways south of Wind River Canyon,” Hahn said.

WYDOT’s urban striping crew started its spring work and the crew is now working in Lovell and Cowley, according to WYDOT urban striping foreman Lew Fausett of Basin.

Hahn offers tips for drivers and citizens who encounter WYDOT striping crews: • Decrease speed (the law requires it);

include the US 287 bridge over the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River in the city of Lander, the WYO 432 bridge over the Upper Hanover Canal on South Flat Road (milepost 8.4), the WYO 31 bridge over Medicine Lodge Creek in Hyattville (milepost 21.89) and the WYO 37 bridge over Sidon Canal (milepost 246.66).

Prime contractor is Coldwater Group Inc., of Pleasant View, Utah. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the Utah contractor the fivebridge rehabilitation project on April 19.

Contract completion is Oct. 31, 2020.

The contractor is required to provide two-way traffic, with one lane in each direction, while working on the Lander bridge. The contractor’s schedule shows the Lander bridge work beginning about May 5, with completion scheduled in late June.

“By contract, work on the Big Horn River bridge and Middle Fork of the Popo Agie bridge is required to be complete before work can begin on the other three bridges,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. n

• Pay attention to digital message boards near the striping operation; • Do not pass in and out of striping equipment. If possible and if it’s safe and legal, pass all vehicles at once; • Don’t forget about Wyoming’s Move Over Law; drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit on two-lane highways (or move over at reduced speeds on multi-lane highways) when approaching WYDOT vehicles/workers with flashing yellow lights.

Why does WYDOT chip seal?

Chip sealing is important: • To seal the pavement surface and keep water from penetrating the road structure on paved surfaces; Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 11

A WYDOT urban striping crew working in the Wind River Canyon.

Five bridges involved in rehabilitation south of Thermopolis THERMOPOLIS – A $1.9 million bridge rehabilitation project, involving five bridges, has started on the Big Horn River bridge south of Thermopolis.

An 11-foot width restriction is in place as of April 20 for the Big Horn River bridge (milepost 128.32).

Other bridges scheduled for repairs

• To fill and seal cracks and raveled surfaces of old pavement; • To provide an anti-glare surface during wet weather and an increased reflective surface for night driving; • To provide a highly skid-resistant surface, particularly on wet pavements; and • Chip sealing pavements is the least expensive, most cost effective way of preserving asphalt pavements.

By Aimee Inama Drivers who need to take a non-commercial driver license road test were able to take their exam starting mid-May. The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s (WYDOT) Driver Services Office began conducting non-commercial road tests by appointment only the week of May 11 at certain offices for those who need to take the test. Those offices are Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Gillette, Jackson, Laramie, Rock Springs and Sheridan.

Per Gov. Mark Gordon’s executive order in March, officials suspended non-commercial driver license tests due to the coronavirus pandemic. WYDOT will start testing again but will have several health protocols in place to keep customers and employees safe.

“We’re pleased we can start offering non-commercial driver license tests to the people of Wyoming,” WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner said. “We worked on a plan with the Governor’s Office and the state Health Department that will help keep everyone safe. We are committed to providing the best possible service to the people of Wyoming and this plan enables us to do just that.”

The WYDOT offices that will offer testing already have the necessary equipment to conduct the tests. Not only will WYDOT employees ask a series of health questions to screen applicants for any COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, but they will also perform no-touch temperature checks on people. WYDOT will add additional locations as equipment arrives.

“These protocols have been put in place and approved by state officials to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy,” said Misty Dobson, WYDOT Driver Services program manager. “We want to ensure everyone feels comfortable coming in to take their test and we want to do our part to help prevent the spread of the virus.”

Additional safety measures will be taken in each office as well as in the vehicle to ensure continued safety of both the public and WYDOT employees.

Residents who need to take the non-commercial driver license road test can contact their local WYDOT Driver Services offices to schedule an appointment. A list of offices and phone numbers

Photo: WYDOT

Non-commercial driver license road tests resume

Non-commercial driver license road tests resumed the week of May 11 in select locations.

can be found at http://wydot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=f7834c5fa12c4090b07172d159dbfafd .

To make an appointment, motorists need to: • Contact their local Driver Services office.

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• Go into the office to check in and confirm their mobile phone number.

• Wait outside or in their vehicle until an examiner contacts them on their cell phone.

WYDOT also will continue with social distancing guidelines and only permit a certain number of people inside a Driver Services Office at one time. That means WYDOT employees will call or text those who are waiting outside, including the road test takers.

For a list of the maximum number of people allowed in each of the Driver Services offices at one time, people can visit http:// www.dot.state.wy.us/COVID-19. n

Take “cone zone” conditions with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app. www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go.

Visit wyoroad.info.

WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information.

June 2020

n

Interchange

13

A successful partnership making strides in Wyoming

By Cody Beers, District 5 It’s a relationship that’s the envy of state transportation departments and Native American tribal communities all across the country.

Howard Brown and the Wind River Inter-Tribal Department of Transportation (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes), in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, have worked tirelessly since 2009 to save lives on Wyoming highways, including roadways on the Wind River Reservation.

This collaboration has resulted in three tribal safety summits, numerous cross-jurisdictional law enforcement discussions, and many well-attended annual safety fairs on the Wind River Reservation. This work, led successfully by Brown and the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council Department of Transportation, has increased awareness of traffic safety, and a corresponding reduction in dangerous driving behaviors, within the two Tribal communities.

14

Interchange

n

June 2020

DUI arrests are down by more than 60 percent, because agencies are working cooperatively to enforce traffic laws, while striving to increase awareness of behavior change and its critical role in reducing roadway fatalities.

This multi-agency effort was launched by Brown and his predecessor, Big John Smith, a long-time advocate of saving lives on Wind River Reservation roadways. Wyoming has two tribes on the Wind River Reservation, sharing traditions, cultures and resources. Between 2015 and 2019, 45 of the 104 traffic fatalities in Fremont County (about 90 percent of the Wind River Reservation is located within Fremont County) were American Indian (AIAN) residents and 81 percent of these individuals killed were unrestrained. Wind River Reservation transportation leaders, Brown and Smith worked extensively with WYDOT to implement ways to reduce highway fatalities, serious injuries and property-damage crashes by emphasizing work on the three Es – Engineering, Education and Enforcement.

Roads and bridges have been rebuilt and brought up to today’s standards, pedestrian pathways have been enhanced, and many law enforcement jurisdiction issues have been addressed. Law enforcement agencies located on/around Wind River now work cooperatively to enforce traffic safety laws, including Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office, Riverton Police Department, Lander Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Shoshoni Police Department, and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Key accomplishments: – The Wind River Inter-Tribal Council has tightened the Wind River Reservation’s Tribal Law and Order Code to reflect its commitment to reducing traffic fatalities. While Wyoming’s DUI laws forbid a person from driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater, the Reservation BAC limit is .05 percent. And there’s a primary seat belt law on the Wind River Reservation. Off the reservation, Wyoming’s seat belt law is secondary.

– DUI Arrests between 2010 and 2019 have been reduced by 61 percent.

– Culturally sensitive messaging to positively promote seat belt use, and combat norms around drinking and driving, has been a visible and successful element of this 10-year approach.

In partnership with Denver-based advertising agency, Heinrich Marketing Inc., WYDOT and tribal leaders have developed effective messaging campaigns focused on tribal families, values, customs, roles and symbols/regalia.

Cultural challenges are real, and it requires insight and persistence to earn the respect, and attention, of the members of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho communities. Education is a challenge, too. Empowering tribal members to have a voice in message delivery is vital. Building trust-based relationships, through consistent leadership and proactive outreach, has helped the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council and WYDOT (through the work of WYDOT Tribal Liaison Cody Beers and many others, including WYDOT Law Enforcement Liaison

Pete Abrams of Casper and Noel Cooper of Injury Prevention Resources in Riverton) reduce fatalities and increase traffic safety awareness, resulting in lives saved.

Public funding for law enforcement (and marketing) has been used in this 10-year program. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has contributed approximately $80,000 per fiscal year for marketing, while also providing overtime funds for law enforcement officers to provide focused DUI enforcement during critical high visibility enforcement periods, such as New Year’s, Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend and other holidays.

Partnerships and trust-based relationships between the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council and WYDOT have been key in this work. Other partners, with shared traffic safety goals, include Injury Prevention Resources, schools serving the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition and Governor’s Council on Impaired Driving.

Bottom line, traffic safety is a priority today on the Wind River Reservation.

Brown has demonstrated integrity, courage, discipline, diligence, humility, optimism and conviction to accomplish what many thought was impossible – building trust-based Tribal relationships with local and county governments, the state of Wyoming and U.S. agencies, to save lives. Is there still work to be done?

Yes, but the groundwork is set, and passionate people are carrying the baton to the finish line. Saving lives is always a work in progress, especially in Indian Country.

Brown and the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council, Cody Beers (WYDOT) and Laura Sonderup (Heinrich Marketing), have been invited by numerous organizations to share best practices at regional and national conferences, including Utah Zero Fatalities, Lifesavers (three times), National Tribal Symposium to Advance Transportation, National Conference on American Indian Injury and Violence Prevention and others. Many tribal governments, and regional DOTs, have expressed interest in learning more about the relationships between Brown, the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council and WYDOT. n

Photo: WYDOT

It’s a relationship that’s the envy of state transportation departments and Native American tribal communities all across the country.

A billboard along the highway proudly displays the area’s state champion basketball teams with a buckle up safety message.

June 2020

n

Interchange

15

By Cody Beers, District 5 Deep inside Shelby Carlson’s bones are DNA tied to transportation excellence.

In the science world, DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. In the transportation world, the Wyoming Department of Transportation DNA is tied to knowledge, thoughts, empathy, preparation, opinions, integrity, courage, characteristics, conviction and humility.

WYDOT’s retiring Chief Engineer has selflessly shared this “hereditary material” with her department family throughout her 29-year career. These tidbits of knowledge and success have been passed on to the next generation of highway designers, Carlson engineers, snow-plow drivers, and leaders.

Carlson is retiring from WYDOT Friday, June 5.

By the way, Carlson is the highest-ranking woman in the history of WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Department.

“My time here never had anything to do with being a woman.

For me, it was always about being the most well-qualified candidate,” Carlson said. My philosophy has always been about making sure I’m well-prepared. I like to compete, and if I’m the best candidate, I’ll get the job. I’ve worked hard to be prepared to do every job I’ve had.”

The Riverton native and former Lady Wolverine swim team diver attended Central Wyoming College, then transferred to the University of Wyoming and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. But civil engineering wasn’t her first choice. Originally, she focused on chemical engineering, but later changed her college major because she wanted to live in Wyoming. Majoring in chemical engineering meant she would have to work for an oil and gas company and likely not in Wyoming. In the end, Carlson stayed in Wyoming and the state benefitted from her decision.

“I loved math and the sciences, which is why I became a civil engineer,” Carlson said.

WYDOT eventually became her home away from home, and she has sacrificed plenty of family time while dabbling in the complex details of leading an organization of nearly 2,000 highly-skilled and very different people.

Carlson has worked on many different and high-profile projects

16

Interchange

n

June 2020

at WYDOT, and she started her WYDOT career as a field engineer after 2 years working for a private consulting firm.

She oversaw the design of the Snake River Canyon (US 26/89) reconstruction project. She led the rewrite of the 2003 Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction -- “I was the lead with a lot of help from (now-retired) Keith (Compton),” she remembered. She developed and supervised the Winter Research Services Program for a year.

“I worked with Dr. Ron Tabler while I was on the Winter Research Team. I had the opportunity to chase snowflakes with Dr. Tabler. That was my first exposure to the maintenance side of WYDOT,” Carlson said.

An opportunity came, and Carlson became the District Engineer in northwest Wyoming in 2004. Notable accomplishments included leading the rebuilding of Togwotee Pass (US 26/287); and developing today’s strong relationships with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes and Tribal Transportation, and rebuilding 17-Mile Road and other roadways on the Wind River Reservation.

“Bottom line, I love WYDOT. Leaving is going to be difficult for me. I’ve received some really, really nice compliments from people throughout WYDOT and many from District 5 people. It makes me proud of my time in District 5,” Carlson said.

Carlson brought structure and focus to District 5 during a time when it was needed. “We are public servants. Citizens and our employees expect big things from us. I’m most proud of how our employees delivered our mission to District 5 for the 12 years, I had the privilege to serve as the District Engineer” she said.

Carlson left WYDOT for a brief time – 2 years – in 2016 to work for former WYDOT Chief Engineer Delbert McOmie in State Construction, but she returned to WYDOT for good as chief engineer in November 2018.

She remembers the time, when as a rookie WYDOT employee, she told her mom she wanted to be WYDOT’s Chief Engineer. While becoming chief engineer was a career aspiration, she excelled in doing her job and Shelby Carlson and former WYDOT was happy with the route of her Director Sleeter Dover.

Photo: WYDOT

Carlson retires after a rewarding career

Photo: WYDOT Photo: WYDOT

As former District Engineers Mark Gillett, District 4, and Shelby Carlson, District 5 attend a meeting.

Newly appointed Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson with her predecessor, former Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick.

career path. “Even if I would never have become Chief Engineer, I would have been grateful for the experiences. Looking back, I was preparing while building a diversified career path – working design, creating ‘specs, or serving as District Engineer.”

“I worked hard to become well rounded,” Carlson said.

While her career took her and her family to different parts of the state where she has been involved in numerous projects, “I still drive over roads where I served as the original Project Engineer. It’s rewarding to go out on jobs that were built 25 years ago and say that I was lead engineer on that,” Carlson said.

“I work with the best of the best here,” she said. “WYDOT has experts and many talented individuals in every division and program within the agency and I have been successful working here because I was able to work with and learn from each of them.

There’s also a lot of great leadership at WYDOT. I’ve learned from and worked with many talented leaders.”

Carlson is looking forward to retire-

ment, though she admits it will likely be difficult early on when she realizes she can focus 100 percent of her time on family, including husband Mike, daughters Ceirra and Julianne, and her mom, Gail Gossett of Riverton.

“I’m looking forward to exploring the Red Desert with my Mom this summer,” Carlson said.

But don’t be surprised if she rejoins the workforce after her first summer off in nearly 3 decades. She’s undoubtedly well-prepared to leap into any future endeavor yearning for her skills and leadership abilities.

But first, there’s the bittersweet leaving of WYDOT as Chief Engineer. There will likely be tears of joy, and maybe, a bit of sorrow.

“I love this place and I have mixed emotions about retiring. The people are like family to me. It has been a great career and I have enjoyed my time working here,” Carlson said. “There’s also a lot of great leadership at WYDOT. I’ve learned from and worked with a lot of great leaders.” n

It’s ‘farewell, not goodbye’

By Cody Beers, District 5 Bidding coworkers farewell is a bit disjointed these days.

Simply, it’s awkward. Some might be attributing the distancing goodbyes to the current COVID-19 environment. In the case of many, it may be the obligatory email, phone call or note. No group gatherings for parties. No laughing, no hugging ... nope.

Say, “Thank you.” Well, here’s my best attempt at saying so long to our hard-working Chief Engineer, Shelby Carlson: Shelby, You hired me in 2004. I appreciate it every day, even 16-plus years later. You still call me “Beers,” and I appreciate it.

I learned several things within the first few months. You always try to maximize your productivity – hence, the Friday afternoon District Staff Meetings. There were Fridays when I’d arrive home from Basin at about 7-9 p.m. Those were the days.

Nobody, and I emphasize ‘nobody,’ will ever be more prepared than you. Your to-do lists and accomplishments on the details are legendary.

You could have been a darned good newspaper editor.

Maybe you did sharpen your editing skills through rewriting the ‘Spec’ book. Whatever it was, you’re good at it.

You have a high level of empathy for others. You helped lead our district through a very difficult time when Worland engineer John Boltz and Mark Stiver were working south of Worland on US 16 when a contractor’s scraper hit and killed Boltz and injured Stiver. It was Aug. 30, 2004, just months after you came to District 5.

You have literally led the effort to reconstruct highways and bridges through mountain valleys and over mountain passes.

You get things done, and you’ve done it by embracing the 8 Traits of Principle-Based Leadership – Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Loyalty, Diligence, Humility, Optimism and Conviction – and you shared this style with us through the efforts of former Director John Cox. You’ve always tried to find a way to say ‘yes,” and Sleeter Dover is proud of you. You’ve also found ways to say ‘no,’ in ways that most people somehow accepted your decision and went on their way.

You care deeply about WYDOT, its people and its mission, sometimes to the detriment of your own family. WYDOT people are your extended family. They are people who have challenged you in tough times, shined in many ways, and grown from your leadership. You look people in the eye and listen to understand. It’s one of your strengths.

You’ve taken relationship-building to new levels with Tribal, City and County governments. The Tribal relationship has been a key, as lives are literally being saved every day from the engineering, education and enforcement decisions you’ve endorsed in places like 17 Mile Road, Ethete, Crowheart, Arapaho and Fort Washakie.

You are Wyoming. You love the two-lane roads, dirt and paved, that link our state to the outside world. You love the Red Desert. You love the mountains. Heck, you live in the mountains. You enjoy hunting, and you share this love with your husband Mike, your daughters, your mom, and others.

Shelby, you mean so much to so many of us. We are sad to see you go, but we understand. Our paths may cross again – maybe camping, fishing, hunting/rock hunting.

Thank you. (s) Beers June 2020

n

Interchange

17

By Aimee Inama Mark Gillett will take the reins as the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s new chief engineer effective June 5.

Gillett, who currently serves as assistant chief engineer for Operations, replaces Shelby Carlson, who is retiring on June 5. Carlson served as chief engineer from November 2018 to the present. After 29 years of service with WYDOT, Carlson is retiring.

“Mark brings extensive experience to the position and we are proud to have such a dedicated individual serve as the next chief engineer,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “Mark is a longtime WYDOT employee who has served as a district engineer and worked his way up through the ranks of WYDOT. His experience means we can continue WYDOT’s mission of providing a safe and effective transportation system both in these unprecedented times and as we move into the future.”

WYDOT officials appointed Gillett as the assistant chief engineer for Operations in October 2016. As assistant chief engineer for Operations, Gillett oversaw all five districts in the field, along with the State Construction, State Maintenance, Highway Safety, Traffic Design/Operations, Equipment and Facility programs in Cheyenne.

Prior to that, Gillett served as WYDOT’s district engineer for District 4 from 2000 to 2016. District 4 is based out of Sheridan and provides services for the northeast part of the state.

Gillett started working for WYDOT in May 1980 as an engineer I in Gillette. After that, he served as resident engineer in Lovell, resident engineer in Cody, maintenance staff engineer in Cheyenne and district maintenance engineer for District 4 in Sheridan.

Training Conflict Management theme

By Jim Boyd, Training Services Managing Conflict will be WYDOT University’s second to last theme for fiscal year 2020, starting in June and lasting through July. Offering a management theme every two months has been a new way to deliver professional development content and we hope it’s been beneficial. As of this article, we’ve had 135 people (about 30% of our supervisors and managers) complete at least one assignment in our themes and have had more than 1,100 assignments completed. We hope the content has given employees insight into these leadership and management topics and that some supervisors have tried to incorporate an idea or two into their practices.

Also, all of the content remains accessible through the WELL regardless of whether you’ve looked at it or not. If you’re a supervisor you can access the content on any of our themes by logging into the WELL, accessing your My Learning section and review-

18

Interchange

n

June 2020

Photo: WYDOT

Mark Gillett named WYDOT’s new chief engineer

He was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota and received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the new chief engineer for WYDOT,” Gillett said. “I will continue WYDOT’s mission and work to ensure the state’s transportation system remains one of the best in the country. Wyoming has several interstates that not only connect our communities but also helps ensure vital goods get to their destinations nationwide.” n

ing your My Learning Plans. There, you can find content on all of our themes including; Coaching, Team Building, Evaluating Performance and Innovation. You can also still sign up for any of the above learning plans by searching for the theme in the WELL and enrolling yourself.

Our next theme, Conflict Management, is always a good topic to learn more about. We believe we’ve curated some excellent content and organized them in an easily digestible manner as follows: Week 1: What conflict is and why it matters Week 2 and 3: Where does conflict come from Week 4: How to deal with conflict (conflict styles and default strategies) Week 5: The Win-Win approach Week 6: Management theories and conflict Week 7 and 8: Helping others manage conflict Please contact us at dot-training@wyo.gov if you have any questions and watch for weekly updates to your learning plan coming to your email inbox. n

Noteworthy WYDOT’s audit deemed ‘clean’ by auditors

By Aimee Inama The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) received a clean audit by an independent audit of the fiscal year 2019 financial statements.

Independent auditor McGee, Hearne & Paiz, of Cheyenne, recently reviewed WYDOT’s financial statements and determined that they represent the department’s finances fairly and show the agency is using federal funds appropriately.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission accepted the fiscal year 2019 audit in May 2020. The commission accepts the audit as the final step in the single audit process.

A single audit consists of two main parts – an audit of the financial statements and a compliance audit of the entity’s major federal award programs. WYDOT’s Financial Services program oversees the financial statement audit, manages the entire audit process and prepares the Annual Financial and Compliance Report, while WYDOT’s Internal Review program oversees the compliance audit.

“WYDOT’s audits always come back showing that we follow generally accepted accounting principles,” said Rhonda Holt, WYDOT’s Financial Services controller. “We work hard throughout the fiscal year to ensure compliance.”

The single audit starts at the end of the fiscal year. WYDOT employees work on getting the information prepared for the auditors in October, November and December. The auditors arrive at WYDOT around Thanksgiving to begin their work. Then in January and February, employees prepare the actual audit report for the commission, which then accepts it in March.

WYDOT is required to conduct an annual single audit based on requirements that indicate any non-federal entity that expends more than $750,000 in federal awards annually is required to obtain a single audit.

“Audits are important to commissions and boards to indicate our financial records are accurate,” said WYDOT’s Chief Finan-

cial Officer Dennis Byrne. “The intent of our audit is to show we’re doing what we are supposed to be doing with the funds we receive.”

If the audit shows any issues, it could have an impact on the federal funds WYDOT receives, which is why it is important to ensure the department has a ‘clean’ audit.

The audit process doesn’t just start with the single audit. WYDOT employees work year round to ensure compliance.

Financial Services evaluates and conducts processes and procedures that will ensure that transactions are recorded in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) put into effect by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

This includes ensuring the proper approvals are applied to documents according to policy, the correct accounts are used and the appropriate documentation is obtained and archived, among many other activities.

Financial Services also compiles information necessary to complete the Annual Financial and Compliance Report from October through March each year. This requires a significant amount of time for the Financial Services team, in addition to its normal day-to-day responsibilities.

The audit by McGee, Hearne & Paiz provides internal and external users of the financial statements with an independent CPA’s opinion about whether the financial statements fairly represent WYDOT’s financial position as of the end of the fiscal year, as well as the changes in financial position for the fiscal year, in accordance with GAAP. For auditors to express their opinion, they must perform certain procedures in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS). Among other requirements, GAAS requires auditors to plan and perform their audit to obtain reasonable assurance (which is a high, but not absolute, level of assurance) that the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether caused by error or fraud.

The compliance part of the audit is performed to provide the federal government with assurance that WYDOT properly manages and uses federal funds. n

Rides!

Show us yours.

Deadline: 8/15/20 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov June 2020

n

Interchange

19

Noteworthy

By Aimee Inama Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) officials recently signed a grant agreement that will enable the department to move forward with installing several safety features along a section of Interstate 80.

Officials completed the paperwork for the $20 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the I-80 Winter Freight Improvement Project. Representatives from WYDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration held a signing ceremony at WYDOT in Cheyenne at the end of May to make the agreement final.

The project will add truck climbing lanes and truck parking areas along I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins.

“This project is vital for our state because it will help make I-80 safer for travelers,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “I-80 in Wyoming is a major corridor that both in-state and out-of-state travelers use daily. This project will help us meet our purpose of supporting the state’s economy while safely connecting communities and improving the quality of life of our residents.”

The FHWA notified WYDOT in 2018 of the grant for the winter freight project.

Since then, WYDOT officials have been working on construction plans. WYDOT will be able to put the project out for bid later this summer.

“We’re always looking for ways to make safety improvements along I-80,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson. “This project will help us make necessary improvements that will modernize that section of I-80 to improve traffic flow while also enhancing safety for our travelers.”

The grant money will be used to install truck climbing lanes on 2 miles eastbound over Halleck Ridge and 3.53 miles westbound between Cooper Cove and

20

Interchange

n

June 2020

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT moves forward with $20 million federal grant for I-80 winter safety improvements

Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson and FHWA Division Administrator Bryan Cawley signing the BUILD grant for the I-80 Winter Freight Improvement Project.

Quealy Dome Road.

The project also includes installing Ft. Steele and Quealy Dome truck parking areas, which will each accommodate about 100 trucks.

If the interstate closes, the additional truck parking will enable truck drivers to park safely while they wait for winter conditions to improve. If the interstate

is open but conditions are poor, truck drivers can use the truck parking to wait out the storm.

The additional climbing lanes will help with traffic flow and will also help prevent secondary crashes when the interstate reopens following a road closure. n

Been outside?

Congratulations to our April recipients!

Get those photos in!

WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients.

The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

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

Deadline:

06/15/20 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Wellness Emotional health and well-being during trying times

Wyoming Healthy Life Team Taking time to care for yourself is more important than ever.

Decreasing stress can help bolster your immune system and keeps you and others around you healthy. Below are a list of resources available through the Cigna health plan that can support your efforts to staying emotionally and physically healthy. See Governor Gordon’s video message to you about taking care of your health.

• Use medical virtual care (telehealth) for minor medical conditions. Find virtual care (telehealth) using your phone, tablet, or computer. Log into myCigna and select ‘Find Costs and Care’ along the top of the page and scroll down to find ‘Talk to a doctor or nurse 24/7’. Or call a nurse at 1-855-6733063. For an instructional video explaining how to find Cigna virtual care or other emotional well-being resources go to wow.wyo.gov.

• Consider using the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Your agency may offer EAP. If not, you and those on the Cigna health plan have three EAP sessions available at no cost. To access Cigna EAP, go to myCigna.com, ‘Review My Coverage’, ‘Employee Assistance Program’. You can also call 1-877-2311492 for assistance.

• Virtual behavioral care is available. Use your smartphone, tablet or computer for online video conferencing. Your first three visits are at no cost to you when you use your EAP code and then the out-of-pocket cost is the same as a behavioral health outpatient office visit. Go to myCigna.com to search and find a behavioral health provider or go to wow.wyo.gov for a video explaining how to find virtual behavioral care and how to get the EAP code.

• Coaching programs and activities. Join on-demand coaching through iPrevail offered through Cigna, or participate in science-based activities and games to help overcome stress using Happify offered through Cigna. Go to myCigna.com or https://my.cigna.com/web/public/iprevail and https://cigna. happify.com.

• Use this time to work on health goals. Get help to reach your goals around losing weight, quitting tobacco or lowering your stress level. Call 1-855-246-1873 to access a coach. The Omada Lifestyle Change Program is also available for those at risk for prediabetes. To see if you are eligible for the Omada Lifestyle Program, go to https://go.omadahealth.com/stateofwy and take the one-minute quiz. Eligible and registered participants are mailed a welcome kit that includes a digital smart scale and a health coach will guide participants through the program. All information is kept confidential and is offered at no cost to employees and adults on the Cigna health plan.

These resources are here to support you. Call the customer service on the back of your ID card or email wyominghealthylife@cigna.com with questions about these resources. n

Game & Fish Wyoming Game & Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encouraged recreationalists to exercise caution and respect the Memorial Day weekend while enjoying the outdoors. Social distancing, good hygiene and limiting stops for supplies are cornerstones of the protocols boaters, anglers and those simply enjoying natural spaces should follow.

All Wyoming Game and Fish public access areas and wildlife habitat management areas were open for the holiday. Platte County’s Grayrocks and Wheatland No. 1 public access areas reopened for camping on May 22. Rick King, chief game warden, urges visitors to any Wyoming community to be considerate of the local residents, fellow campers and sportspersons and their health due to COVID-19.

“Game and Fish recognizes that recreation opportunities can draw more people to small communities as the weather warms,” King said. “Visitors should know and follow all state and local health directives while visiting communities for fishing or boating.”

Photo: WYDOT

Social distancing remains important for outdoor recreation; Follow state and local health orders

King said that over the holiday weekend, Game and Fish law enforcement personnel took note of usage at public access areas, especially camping in Platte County.

With public use data collected during the Memorial Day holiday, Game and Fish worked with county health and law enforcement officials to evaluate keeping camping open at Platte County public access area. n

June 2020

n

Interchange

21

District News Headquarters

Welcome Christina Castillo, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Rochel Kirkbride, Financial Services-Disbursements; Kaley Konrad, Patrol-Support Services Operations; Joshua Kovach, Financial Services-Disbursements; Jana Molland, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title; Jennifer Nordwick, Highway Development-Project Development; Alex Oakes, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Rosalba Vasquez, Facilities Management-Custodial; and Jordan Walla, Right of Way-Negotiations.

Promotions and Transfers Melinda Harmon, Highway Safety; Lawrence Pavone Jr., Maintenance Staff; Rachael Pivik, Planning-Programming; and Andrew Woodman, Traffic.

Pavone, Jr.

Gillett

Woodman

Janicek

Service Awards Mark Gillett, Operations-Division Administrator – 40 years; Mark Janicek, Contracts and Estimates – 40 years; Paul Cortez, Bridge-Operations Administration – 30 years; Gregory Hampshire, Construction Staff – 30 years; James Stout, Highway Safety – 25 years; Karson James, Highway Safety – 15 years;

22

Interchange

n

June 2020

Cortez

Hampshire

James

Schaich

Daniel Schaich, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80 – 15 years; Carol Dewitt, GIS/ITS – 10 years; Brandt Pickett, Highway Development-Project Development – 10 years; Scott Swallow, GIS/ITS – 10 years; and Jamie Janicek, Patrol-Professional Standards Manager – 5 years.

Retirements Forrest Bright retired on April 3 from the Wyoming Highway Patrol Capitol Services Protection unit with seven years of service.

Bright is a Wyoming native and graduated from Evanston High School.

He attended Weber State College in Ogden, Utah as a police Bright science major.

Bright began his law enforcement career in 1976 with the Evanston Police Department where he served 15 years. He served six years as the Director of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation before moving to the Wyoming Highway Patrol in October 2012. He was assigned to the Executive Protection Detail.

Aarron Curry retired on April 21 from Maintenance Staff with 41 years of service to the state.

Curry, a Cheyenne East High graduate, began his career with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in April 1979 as a highway maintenance worker. He had also worked with the Gillette highway Curry maintenance crew for 14 years. After Gillette, Curry moved to back to Cheyenne where he joined Maintenance Staff at Headquarters in 1993.

Martin “Mike” Deleeuw retired on April 1 with 35.5 years of service from the state. He retires from the Procurement Program as the assistant program manager.

Deleeuw began his career in October 1984 in the Procurement Services warehouse and worked his way Deleeuw up in the program, holding many positions including manager and buyer.

Loretta “Kathie” Winger retired April 3 with more than nine years service to WYDOT. Winger retires from Driver Services-Policy and Records. Her original position was as a Driver Services examiner in Cheyenne.

Congratulations Cori Schrinar has been selected as the Purchasing Officer for Procurement Services effective April 2.

Federal Railroad Administration’s Schrinar (FRA) Region 8 Crossing and Trespass Manager, Cheri Bonebrake, stopped in Cheyenne to deliver an appreciation plaque to Systems and Statistics Supervisor Dan Kline for WYDOT’s Planning Program. The plaque noted establishment of grade crossing, supplemental safety, and railroad quiet zone projects undertaken by WYDOT, as well as the agency’s long standing involvement in Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI). OLI is a non-profit leader of rail safety education, committed to preventing collisions, injuries and fa-

talities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings.

FRA regional managers and inspectors frequently inspect grade crossing improvements and quiet zone projects in cooperation with Planning’s Railroads Section for compliance and effectiveness.

District 2

Welcome Max Dahlke, Shirley Rim Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Chad Aagard, District 2 Traffic Staff; Danl Goetz, Casper Maintenance; and Zachery Miller, Douglas Maintenance.

n

Photo: WYDOT

“We couldn’t quite pull off the six feet of social distancing,” said Planning’s Dan Kline. “So we (he and Cheri Bonebrake) put our trust in gusting winds and fresh air for a photo op.”

District 1

Welcome Maria Guzman, Driver Services-Rawlins/Baggs.

Service Awards Thomas DeHoff, District 1 Administration – 30 years;

DeHoff

Kevin Diethrich, Cheyenne Construction – 25 years; Karen Schilz, Port of Entry-Laramie – 15 years; Wayne Shenefelt, Cheyenne Construction – 15 years; Mark Papke, Cheyenne Maintenance – 10 years; and Nathaniel Sainz, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad – 5 years. n

Aagard

Miller

Service Awards René Brindle, Wheatland Construction – 25 years.

Cradle Call Trooper Jeremiah Pittsley, from Division M, and his wife, Brindle Morghan, stopped in the Casper District office to introduce their new daughter, Meriah Autumn, born on April 15. n

Diethrich

Schilz

Shenefelt

Sainz

District 3 Stetson Balls, Pinedale Maintenance; Candice Hearn, Wamsutter Maintenance; Kenneth Lennon, Rock Springs Maintenance; and Shantelle Wood, Labarge Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Alan Kellogg, Patrick Draw Mainte-

nance; Nicholas Shidner, Construction Jackson; Aaron Vogt, Port of Entry-Kemmerer; and Brenda Williams, Port Of Entry-Alpine Junction.

Service Awards Barry Flom, Rock Springs Construction – 40 years; Clinton Davis, Kemmerer Maintenance – 20 years; and Brad McCullough, Rock Springs Construction – 20 years.

Photo: WYDOT

Welcome

Flom

Congratulations Kellogg

Shidner

Randy Merritt has been selected as the Interim District Engineer in District 3 effective May 1. n

Merritt

June 2020

n

Interchange

23

District 4

Welcome Kristin Dillehay, Port of Entry-Sundance; Keith Eisenbraun, Reno Junction Maintenance; Jody Gribble, Traffic Striping-Sheridan; Kola Kuehn, Port of Entry-Gillette; Travis Livingston, Port of Entry-Sundance; Dillehay

Andrew Reimers, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail; and Myriah Stinson, Port of Entry-Gillette.

Burgess Junction Maintenance – 25 years; Joshua Jundt, Gillette Construction – 25 years;

Reimers

Speidel

Stinson

Service Awards

Eisenbraun

Gribble

Michael Taylor, Sundance Construction – 30 years; Tom Anderson,

Pierson

Rusty Speidel, Sundance Maintenance – 20 years; Barbara Pierson, Port of Entry-North Region Manager – 15 years; and Michelle Edwards, District 4 Traffic Staff – 5 years.

Taylor

Retirements Vicky Gearhart retired on April 4 from Buffalo Construction with 31 years of service to the state. n

Kuehn

Livingston

District 5

Welcome Justy Honomichl, Worland Maintenance; Brannon Reeves, Lander Mechanics; and Michael Sparks, Riverton Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Kent Smith, District 5 Construction Staff.

Service Awards

Smith

Carla Hirschfield, Driver Services-Region 1 – 5 years. n

24

Interchange

n

June 2020

Anderson

Jundt

Gearhart

Passings Russell H. Schnormeier Russell Howard Schnormeier, 88, died April 10, 2019 in Chandler, Arizona.

Schnormeier was born Sept. 17, 1931 in Lamberton, Minnesota.

He spent his childhood in Minnesota with his two younger sisters, attending Lamberton public schools. Schnormeier He met and married Dorothy Flint on Sept. 18, 1953. The young family moved to Albuquerque in 1956 so Schnormeier could complete his degree at the University of New Mexico in engineering. He was the first member of his family to graduate college.

His job as a civil engineer took him and his family to several states. Moving to Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska before calling Arizona home. The family spent many a weekend on family trips, visiting

national parks and camping.

He had a long career as an engineer.

Schnormeier was hired by the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in January 1962 as an engineer trainee in Construction.

Later that year, he moved to the Materials program. Within the Materials program he moved from engineer, chief materials engineer, principal materials engineer and then lastly to Materials Staff engineer all in a matter of six years. One of his greatest achievements was helping to develop rubberized asphalt, which many of our modern roads now use. In November 1968, Schnormeier left WHD. After his retirement from his engineering career, he continued his engineering through consulting work.

Schnormeier’s enjoyed demolition derbies, scuba diving, traveling the world, and loved ultra light gliding. Later in life, he enjoyed making stained glass, golfing and collecting John Deere model tractors.

He had also had a passion for geology. n

WTDEA

WTDEA State Board is Looking for Crafty Donations to Host an Online Auction Fundraiser for the WYDOT Relief Fund.

Photos of received donations with the Maker’s Name will be added to an online site to be bid on.

Donations will be accepted by your State Board Reps

by June 1st, 2020.

All Proceeds will Benefit the WYDOT Employee Relief Fund.

Smaller items may be grouped.

No Alcohol. No Baked Goods. Canned Goods OK.

Audrey Hobbs Tiffanie Young

Headquarters Patrol

Cheyenne Cheyenne

307-777-4456 307-777-4778

William McGary Chris Fisher

District 1 District 1-RE Office

Baggs Cheyenne

702-202-5486 307-777-4404

Ryan Sorenson Debbie Herbold

District 2 District 2

Casper Casper

307-473-3267 307-473-3258

Kevin Lennon Paul Schurman

District 3 District 3

Granger Rock Springs

307-871-5288 307-922-3287

Misty Wood Dave Johnson

District 4 District 4

Sheridan Sheridan

307-461-7399 307-674-2371

John Farr Christa Hauser

District 5 District 5

Lander Riverton

307-714-8942 307-856-1341

Maker’s Auction The crafty auction will be coming soon. The WTDEA State Board has gathered crafty donations for an online auction fundraiser for the WYDOT Relief Fund.

Contact your State Board representative for more information: Audrey Hobbs, Headquarters; Tiffanie Young, Patrol; William McGary, Baggs; Chris Fisher, Cheyenne; Ryan Sorenson, Casper; Debbie Herbold, Casper; Kevin Lennon, Granger; Paul Schurman, Rock Springs; Misty Wood, Sheridan; Dave Johnson, Sheridan; John Farr, Lander; and Christa Hauser, Riverton. n

Donations will be accepted by your State Board Reps

by June 1st, 2020.

Audrey Hobbs Tiffanie Young

Headquarters Patrol

Cheyenne Cheyenne

307-777-4456 307-777-4778

William McGary Chris Fisher

District 1 District 1-RE Office

Baggs Cheyenne

702-202-5486 307-777-4404

Ryan Sorenson Debbie Herbold

District 2 District 2

Casper Casper

307-473-3267 307-473-3258

Get up and get moving! Start adding activity into your day.

Shortly after exercising you can experience immediate effects such as…

Kevin Lennon Paul Schurman

District 3 District 3

Granger Rock Springs

307-871-5288 307-922-3287

Misty Wood Dave Johnson

District 4 District 4

Sheridan Sheridan

307-461-7399 307-674-2371

John Farr Christa Hauser

Burn those calories!

District 5 Lander 307-714-8942 Approximate calories for307-856-1341 District 5 Riverton 30 minutes of activity for a 154-pound man.

• Lower blood pressure

• Bowling: 112

• Blood sugar regulation

• Walking the dog in an urban setting: 150

• Increased mental clarity and memory

Regular physical (most days of the week of both aerobic and strength training) activity can lower your risk for…

• High blood pressure • High blood cholesterol

• Swimming: 223

• Stroke

• Boost in mood

• Hiking: 223

• Type 2 diabetes

• Increase in metabolism

• Basketball: 298

• Heart disease

• Improvement in joint pain

• Bicycling: 298

• Cancer

• Running (12 min/mile): 298 • Weight lifting (vigorous): 223 June 2020

n

Interchange

25

THE MORTGAGE THAT’S A ROADMAP FOR YOUR FUTURE

2.82

APR

*

Fixed Rate Mortgages

OWN YOUR HOME IN 10 YEARS

We believe strength can come from unexpected places. Our Streamline Mortgage is more than a way to refinance; it’s the best way to free up funds for when you need them most. With fixed rates as low as 2.82% APR* and flexible monthly payment options, you can own your home in as little as 10 years. Plus, there are no surprise closing costs—just pay a one-time fee of $499.

REFINANCING IS EASY: Visit WyHy.org/Mortgage or call (800) 442-2392 *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates “as low as” dependent on creditworthiness and subject to WyHy approval. Rate is accurate as of 05/18/20. Call for updates. Terms and Conditions may apply. Rates and Terms are subject to eligibility and may change without notice. Contact the Credit Union for full details regarding any WyHy loan products.

26

Interchange

n

June 2020

Break Time

Challenging Mazes by KrazyDad, Book 20

Maze #18

Answer to the Apr/May 2020 Break Time word search:

KRAZYDAD.COM/PUZZLES

Need the answer? http://krazydad.com/mazes/answers

Š 2010 KrazyDad.com

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

Add me to the mailing list

Retiree Employee

Change my address

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

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

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

June 2020

n

Interchange

27

Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

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