May 2025 Interchange by WYDOT

WYDOT’s Training Services

Developing leaders and empowering employees

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Training Services Program is more than just a series of courses—it’s a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to inspire and support employees across the agency.

The Training Services team, though small in numbers, has a large reach. Currently, the program consists of three staff members with plans to expand to five.

At the heart of the Training Program’s success is a commitment to employee growth and development, embodied by Training Services Manager Jim Boyd. He describes his program as a leadership academy where staff can “learn, be inspired, and build strong connections to the agency.”

Assisting him is Training Coordinator Kurt Borgaard, who manages the recommended and required development tracks, coordinates training needs with various programs, and serves as the primary instructor for WYDOT University courses.

Rounding out the team is Learning Management System Administrator & Instructional Designer Amy Bale, who manages the NEOGOV learning management system and designs training courses for both internal and external stakeholders.

Together, the team is responsible for agency training, employee development and leadership development for approximately 1,500-1,700 employees annually. They also collaborate with other state agencies to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees across the state.

The program offers a variety of opportunities, from structured leadership programs to individual development plans that allow employees to chart their professional growth at their own pace. By offering flexible and diverse learning options the program aims to meet varied employee development needs.

In Fiscal Year 24, 1,503 WYDOT employees completed 7,193 in-person and online courses offered through the Training Services program. Some of the courses also included participants from state agencies outside WYDOT.

“The courses are always open to WYDOT first, and then within a week to two weeks they get opened up to other state agencies so their employees can come take our classes for free,” Boyd said. “If we can enhance the skills or the knowledge of employees throughout the state, it benefits the state.”

In-person instruction is generally led by Borgaard or an

outside training consultant. WYDOT’s training facility on the Cheyenne campus consists of four classrooms, the biggest of which comfortably holds 30 participants including desks. Each room offers modern accoutrements such as smart boards, projectors and web conferencing. In the basement there is a computer lab equipped with 16 terminals allowing for hands on learning. When not in use, rooms at the Training Services building are available for other state agencies to use free of charge.

Online learning opportunities include Transportation Learning Network video conferences and webinars, on-demand eLearning through NEOGOV, LinkedIn Learning via the Wyoming State Library, and technical training solutions through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

“We want programs within this agency to understand that we can help either develop online content that they can send out to people,” Boyd said. “Or, we can help them fine-tune any of their instructor led content by making a few changes here or there, focusing in on the objectives and making it more learner focused.”

The program leverages NEOGOV, an online learning management system that allows employees to register for classes, access virtual training, and track their professional development. This

Among the 18 participants in the most recent Know WYdot New Employees class were (clockwise from left): Right of Way Appraiser AJ Trabing, ITS Developer Connor Desmond, Public Affairs Administrative Assistant Lexi Taylor and Project Development Engineer Jason Mitchum.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

A team building activity as part of WYDOT’s “Leveraging Generational Diversity” course.

Photo: Training Services/WYDOT

Brandt Lyman, chair Jerry Blann, chair

Mike Baker

Randy Harrop Paul Bertoglio Rick Kaysen

Pat Crank Bill DeVore

Brian Browne Cindi Shank

Susan Holmes Sigsbee Duck Matt Carr Josh Van Vlack

Mark Hughes Steve Maier

Marlowe Scherbel Dean McClain

Jim Willox

Bruce McCormack

Mike Choma Matt Waldock

Phillip Franklin John Wetzel

Karl Germain

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

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

Staff

WYDOT Director

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee

Editor

Carlie Dakins

Contributors

Carlie Dakins Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Jordan Young Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

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

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

technology enables more personalized and accessible learning opportunities.

WYDOT’s training program has evolved significantly. The program’s roots trace back to Dr. David Talley, who established WYDOT University as a leadership academy offering a buffet of development courses under a self-directed model.

Boyd has since expanded this vision, introducing structured programs like WY Lead, WY Supervise, and a comprehensive new employee workshop that goes beyond traditional onboarding.

WY Supervise targets new supervisors, providing critical tools for managing teams effectively. Boyd emphasizes that first-line supervisors are the most crucial employees in any organization, as they are responsible for day-to-day employee engagement and morale.

“Front line supervisors make or break the organization’s culture,” Boyd said.

WY Lead, a five-month leadership program, focuses on developing future agency leaders through mentorship, project work, and skill-building across three key areas: leading self, leading others, and leading the agency.

The Know WYdot New Employee Workshop is a multi-day program designed to welcome new employees to the WYDOT family and set them up for success. This program is for new employees at the Department of Transportation and all new employees are required to complete it. Over the course of four days, participants are introduced to a broad array of topics including Safety (OSHA and First Aid/CPR), Executive Orders on Anti-discrimination and Code of Ethics, and WYDOT’s Mission, Vision and Values. Participants are also afforded a tour of various buildings and programs on the WYDOT campus.

“We want to get people acclimated to the organization quicker,” Boyd explained. “It makes them feel like they belong. It’s a retention effort and a recruitment effort. The better experience that they have just getting acclimated into an organization, the more likely they’re going to say good things about it to other people that could come into the organization. Plus, we want to retain good employees.”

Public Affairs Administrative Assistant Lexi Taylor admitted that the idea of a week-long orientation seemed “way too long” at first, but it turned out to be a highly worthwhile experience.

“I met other employees all over the state, learned about growth mindsets, big machines, and tons more,” Taylor said. “By the time we got to the ‘Wrap-Up’ session at the end of the week, I really felt connected and involved, almost like I have worked for WYDOT for years, not just a few weeks.”

Taylor added that she appreciated all of the staff who took time to introduce themselves and share their background with WYDOT.

“After hearing [Deputy Director Taylor Rossetti’s] story, inspirations and goals, it inspired me and I knew in that moment I made the right choice joining the WYDOT team,” Taylor said.

A key focus within all these initiatives is building a strong leadership bench, with programs designed to inspire employees, improve retention, and create a workplace culture where people feel valued and motivated.

Boyd is particularly proud of offering Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course each year, which he considers “foundational” for employee development.

Despite offering one of the most robust training programs among state agencies, employee surveys consistently indicate a desire for more training. Boyd sees this as an opportunity, continually working to understand and address employees’ specific development needs.

“We’re here for the employees,” Boyd said. “If what we’re doing isn’t working, we want to know so we can get better.”

With a master’s degree in adult education and over a decade of experience, Boyd enjoys seeking innovative ways to support WYDOT’s most valuable asset: its people. He noted that the program is actively working to address workforce gaps, particularly in mid-level management, by creating more targeted development tracks and learning opportunities.

For the first time in history, there are now five generations in the workplace. In an effort to improve collaboration and provide better conflict management, Training Services offers resources to help staff recognize how different generations approach work, communication, and values.

On the classroom side, instructors will incorporate a variety of teaching methods to accommodate a diverse student population.

“Our classes have to be interactive, and we have to include some hands-on stuff; we want to do a variety of things to engage the different learning styles,” Boyd said.

Boyd sees exciting potential in emerging technologies like AI-driven coaching and personalized learning experiences.

Through it all, the Training Services program remains committed to one fundamental goal: developing skilled, inspired employees who can drive the agency’s mission forward.

“If I can help people enjoy their work, build strong teams, and develop good leaders, that’s what matters,” Boyd said. “We want people to be inspired to come to work.”

WYDOT’s Training Services Team (from left) Lead Instructor Kurt Borgaard, NEOGOV Administrator Amy Bale and Program Manager Jim Boyd.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

At the end of the five-month long WY Lead program, participants are given an opportunity to present their insights to Executive Staff.

Photo: Training Services/WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

almost $22.82 million in highway contracts in April

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $22.82 million in contracts for nine Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its April 17 regular business meeting.

The Commission awarded an almost $6.64 million bid to Montana-based Riverside Contracting Inc. for a paving project involving asphalt paving, fencing, chip seal, traffic control and stormwater drainage work on approximately 7.3 miles of Wyoming Highway 387 between Edgerton and Smokey Gap in Natrona County. The contract completion date is July 31, 2026.

Kilgore Companies LLC, dba Lewis & Lewis Inc. based out of Rock Springs, was awarded a $5.26 million bid for a pavement rehabilitation project involving concrete paving, asphalt paving, milling, crack sealing and traffic control on approximately 4.5 miles of Wyoming Highway 376 in Rock Springs in Sweetwater County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.

JTL Group Inc., dba Knife River based out of Cheyenne, was awarded a $3.51 million bid for a paving project involving asphalt paving, chip sealing, traffic control, grading and milling work on approximately 8.6 miles of US Highway 30/287 between Walcott Jct. and Hanna in Carbon County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

The Commission also awarded Afton-based Avail Valley Construction-WY LLC a $2.24 million bid for a paving project involving asphalt paving, chip seal, traffic control, milling and grading work on approximately 4.2 miles of Wyoming Highway 352 south of Cora in Sublette County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

Also based out of Afton, K’s Construction Inc. was awarded a $1.58 million bid for a guardrail upgrade project involving

guardrail work, grading, traffic control, seeding/erosion control and aggregate surfacing work within various locations in Fremont, Hot Springs and Park Counties, totaling to 1.9 miles of work. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Utah-based Whitaker Construction Co. Inc. was awarded a $1.50 million bid for a pipelining project involving stormwater drainage, traffic control and fencing work at various locations within Carbon County. The contract completion date is July 31, 2026.

The Commission also awarded a $1.12 million bid to Gillette-based S & S Builders LLC for a bridge rehabilitation project involving structure work, traffic control and asphalt paving work at various locations within Albany County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

S & S Builders was also awarded a $725,000 bid for a culvert extension project involving grading, structure work, traffic control, fencing and seeding/erosion control work on US Highway 87/ Wyoming Highway 196 south of Buffalo in Johnson County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Another structure repair project was awarded to S & S Builders this month with a bid of $232,222. The project scope includes structure work and traffic control on the Whitaker Road bridge over Interstate 25 in Laramie County. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.

All of the projects awarded this month are funded primarily with federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

District 1

Brief closure at US 287/ Third Street and Grand Avenue in Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Knife River closed the intersection at US Highway 287/Third Street and Grand Avenue on May 1.

Crews are upgrading the intersection to concrete, including colored concrete for the crosswalk, upgrading the ADA corners with curb extensions and audible pedestrian signals to make it more pedes-

trian friendly, installing new signals and other miscellaneous work.

During the closure, traffic is detoured to Fourth Street via Ivinson and Garfield. The closure is anticipated to last until early July.

Pedestrian access to businesses is open throughout the closure.

Delays likely during paving work on Warren Avenue

CHEYENNE – Crews with Knife River and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on Warren Avenue on April 28.

Work is focused between Pershing and 24th Street and includes milling, paving, concrete work, curb and gutter repairs, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and other miscellaneous work. Heavy equipment producing loud noise is required to complete the work.

Parking in front of businesses and residences will be affected by the work, but sidewalk access to businesses will remain open.

Project work will be completed by fall 2025.

Traffic was shifted on I-80 by Pine Bluffs

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors performed a shift in traffic on Interstate 80 near Pine Bluffs on April 23.

Eastbound traffic was shifted head-tohead between mile markers 382.15 and 393.4 using crossovers and slip ramps.

While head to head, the eastbound lanes will receive concrete slab repair, mill and overlay and the replacement of three structures. Other miscellaneous work will also be performed. A 14-foot width restriction is in place for the duration of the project.

The project is anticipated to be completed by this fall.

Sixth plow hit this season in southeast Wyoming

LARAMIE – A snowplow was struck on Interstate 80 near Laramie April 1.

The driver of a passenger vehicle rear-ended a WYDOT snowplow heading east on I-80. The plow operator was performing operations at the closure gate at mile marker 317 in the eastbound lane. The passenger vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed into the snowplow operator just as he had returned to his snowplow after dropping the closure gate.

Extensive damage was sustained to the back axle of the plow. The plow operator was uninjured. Injuries were reported to the passenger vehicle occupants. The crash investigation is ongoing.

The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. April 1.

This is the 14th plow hit this season in the state and the sixth in District 1.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-224 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles and move over to allow them to pass. This statute also applies to maintenance workers, such as highway construction and public utility workers. Road conditions at the time reported black ice with slick roads and clear visibility.

District 3

Traffic routed through Green River for barrier repair

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation routed eastbound Interstate 80 traffic through Green River on Flaming Gorge way April

17 to repair a damaged concrete barrier that was struck the previous night. The traffic detour was in place for about 4 hours while crews repaired the barrier. Once the work was completed, traffic was moved back to the head-to-head lanes in the eastbound tunnel.

The legal load restriction – which is 8 ft. 6 inch width – remains on I-80 traffic in the eastbound tunnel. Oversized vehicles should contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s oversize loads permit office for detours. Info at https://whp.wyo.gov/ commercial-carrier/ports-of-entry

Crews paved new bridge deck, drivers saw brief closure

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began paving the new bridge deck on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming Highway 22 April 15. In order for a loader and concrete truck to access the area, crews held traffic at 10 a.m. for roughly 5-10 minutes near the bridge.

Delays were expected around the morning hours. The brief closure lasted 5 to 10 minutes.

Crews continue to work hard to hit the last major milestone in the project –pouring the other half of the new bridge deck by the end of June. Crews will also be adding an epoxy overlay to the bridge, which will likely push the work past the completion date.

For more information about the current work going on at the WYO 22/ Wyoming Highway 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit: https://wy22wilsonsrb.com

Spring projects off to strong start

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is gearing up for another season of construction in Sweetwater County, which will include substantial work on Interstate 80. Travelers can expect work on I-80 in the following areas:

• I-80 Patrick Draw to Wamsutter

Work is already underway on the crossovers and slip ramps for pavement operations at mile marker 141 to 155 in the westbound lanes. The work will include milling, paving, bridge work and

rest area resurfacing. Travelers will see head-to-head traffic, reduced speeds of 65 mph, and the closure of the westbound rest area this summer. The completion date is set for Oct. 31, 2026. The contractor is Kilgore Companies LLC, doing business as Lewis & Lewis Inc.

• I-80 Point of Rocks

Work will be continuing this summer just a few miles away at mile marker 130 to 138 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes. Travelers will see head-to-head traffic, and should expect reduced speeds of 65 mph. The work will include bridge work, grading, milling and paving. Intermittent lane closures for guardrail work began mid-April. By the first part of May, travelers should expect head-to-head traffic in the eastbound lanes. The completion date for this work is June 30, 2026. The contractor is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co.

• I-80 Granger Junction West

Work will also be continuing this summer west of Granger Junction on I-80 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes, from mile marker 57 to 65. Travelers will see head-to-head traffic, and should expect reduced speeds of 65 mph with work zone speeds of 45 mph. The work will include bridge repairs and paving a wearing course on the road. Intermittent lane closures for eastbound lane work began mid-April, and by the first part of May, travelers will see head-to-head traffic in the eastbound lanes. The completion date for this work is Oct. 31, 2025, but work is scheduled to be mostly completed prior to August. The contractor is Lewis & Lewis, Inc.

• I-80 Green River West

Work will begin this summer on concrete pavement rehabilitation between mile marker 83 and 86 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes. Travelers will see single lane closures in each direction and should expect reduced speeds of 45 mph at intermittent locations throughout the project limits. Work will also occur on the ramps and crossroad at the Covered Wagon Interchange, with intermittent closures of ramps and the crossroad. Residential access and emergency access to the north side of I-80 will be maintained throughout the duration of closures. The work will include concrete slab replacement, smoothness grinding and resealing concrete joints. The com-

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A passenger vehicle after striking the back end of a WYDOT snow plow.

Photo: WHP

pletion date for this work is Oct. 31, 2025. The contractor is Acme Concrete Paving Inc. out of Spokane, Washington.

• I-80 Road Closure Systems

Crews will also be wrapping up work on a project involving electrical and signing work for WYDOT’s road closure systems at mile marker 122.27 and mile marker 130.80. Traffic will see minimal impacts and the completion date for the contract by Advanced Electrical Contracting Inc. is June 30, 2025.

• High Mast Lighting Upgrades

Work will be continuing this summer across I-80 with removal and installation of new tower lights. The work should have minimal impacts to traffic. The work is being conducted by Advanced Electrical Contractors Inc. and is scheduled to be mostly complete by July.

District 4

Study identifies roundabout as solution for Big Horn Y intersection

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has announced that a roundabout is the preferred alternative to improve safety and operations at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 332, Wyoming Highway 335, and US Highway 87, commonly known as the Big Horn Y intersection. The decision follows an extensive traffic study and significant public input.

WYDOT contracted with HDR to complete the Big Horn Y Intersection Study to address the public’s growing concerns regarding safety and efficiency at the busy junction. Data collection and feedback from the public revealed issues including near-miss crashes, drivers failing to yield, speeding, traffic congestion during peak hours, long wait times, and difficulties for pedestrians and cyclists. HDR thoroughly evaluated several potential solutions, including a roundabout, lowering the existing speed limit, installing a traffic signal, and implementing an all-way stop. A comprehensive traffic signal warrant analysis and a speed study were conducted as part of this process. The results of these studies indicated that neither a traffic signal nor a reduction in the speed limit was warranted as

a standalone solution. The speed study conducted as part of the overall analysis concluded that the existing speed limits at the Big Horn Y intersection are appropriate for the current roadway conditions. Research indicates that setting realistic speed limits, which most drivers are likely to obey, is crucial for traffic flow and effective law enforcement.

Based on detailed analysis and public feedback gathered through two online and one in-person meeting, the results determined that a roundabout and an all-way stop were the best alternatives to carry forward for in-depth analysis. Ultimately, the roundabout emerged as the preferred alternative due to its significant safety benefits and public support.

“Safety is WYDOT’s top priority, and the data clearly shows that roundabouts dramatically reduce the potential for serious injury and fatal crashes by as much as 90 percent,” stated District 4 Traffic Engineer Michelle Edwards. “The circular design and slower entry speeds associated with roundabouts will address many of the concerns raised by the public, including yielding issues and speeding. Furthermore, the design will improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.”

While a roundabout is the preferred solution for the long term, it is not currently funded in the six-year State Transportation Improvement Program. WYDOT is considering a short-term solution of either reducing the posted speed limit at the intersection or eliminating the free right of US 87, as per the recommendations in the study.

solutions, and the final report can be reviewed online at https://www.us87intersectionstudy.com/.

District 5

Chief Joseph highway improvements underway

CODY – A $9.8 million highway improvement project beginning in May will improve highway pavements on Wyoming Highway 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway) and includes rehabilitation of the Crandall Creek and Dead Indian Creek bridges, and removal and replacement of a 60-inch pipe near Crandall Creek.

The project begins at milepost 0.0 (the intersection of US Highway 212 and WYO 296) and extends 8.5 miles southeast toward Cody (0.86 miles southeast of Crandall Creek).

Prime contractor on the Chief Joseph project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.

Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes are expected during the road and bridge improvements, with a 12-foot width restriction in place.

Traffic control is scheduled to be set next week.

“Work begins on the construction of a highway detour and the 60-inch pipe removal and replacement at milepost 8.11 southeast of Crandall Creek,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

Motorists should expect a paved driving surface during all work, except for the gravel detour while the 60-inch pipe is being removed and replaced.

“Motorists should expect a one-lane detour gravel road controlled by temporary traffic signals during the pipe removal and replacement at milepost 8.11.

Rehabilitation of the Crandall Creek bridge is scheduled to begin in June.

Asphalt pavement milling and roadway shoulder flattening is tentatively scheduled to begin in July.

“Paving is tentatively scheduled to start in early August,” Frost said. “Chip sealing will occur in 2026.”

WYDOT appreciates the valuable input received from the public throughout this study and is committed to moving forward with the roundabout project to create a safer and more efficient intersection for all users. Further information regarding the project timeline, interim

WYO 296 pavement work includes one inch of pavement milling, placement of a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay, chip sealing, and minor slope flattening.

“During highway milling, paving, shoulder flattening and chip sealing,

WYDOT looks at an upgrade for the Big Horn Y intersection.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Total number of employees:

As of March 31, 2025

1,858

One month ago 1,866

One year ago 1,847

Total number of highway fatalities:

As of April 1, 2025

109 One year ago 61

motorists should expect traffic to be controlled with a pilot vehicle and flaggers,” Frost said.

Crandall Creek bridge work includes bridge deck repair, removal and replacement of expansion joints and concrete approach slabs, and an epoxy deck overlay. Dead Indian Creek bridge work includes bridge deck repair, an epoxy deck overlay, and rock riprap repair under the bridge.

Motorists should expect a single-lane road controlled by temporary traffic signals at the Crandall Creek and Dead Indian Creek bridges while work is underway.

All work, except reclamation and chip sealing, is required to be complete by Oct. 31, 2025. Concrete completion date is June 30, 2026.

Pavement, fencing improvements begin this month north of Riverton

RIVERTON – A $3.67 million pavement improvement project is scheduled to begin this month on US Highway 26/ Wyoming Highway 789 north of Riverton.

The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, traffic control, right-of-way fencing and other work on 14.56 miles of WYO 789 between milepost 106.28 (intersection of Webbwood Road and WYO 789) in Riverton and milepost 126.84 at the Town of Shoshoni’s west city limit boundary.

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

Asphalt pavement milling and paving will take place between milepost 106.53 (Burger King) and milepost 109.60 (a half-mile northeast of Burma Road), and chip sealing will occur between milepost 106.28 (Webbwood/WYO 789 intersection) and milepost 109.60.

Right-of-way fencing will be removed and replaced between mileposts 106.92 (north of Haskell Furniture and Flooring) and 109.60, and between mileposts 115.43 (three-quarters of a mile southwest of South Hidden Valley Road) and milepost 126.84 (Shoshoni town limits).

“Asphalt milling began on April 29, with paving to follow,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Baylor Beers of Riverton. “Chip sealing is scheduled to begin June 9. Fencing is scheduled to begin in early May and

will continue through the summer and fall.”

Beers said motorists should expect highway lane closures, speed reductions and minor delays during asphalt milling, paving and chip sealing operations.

“Traffic will be reduced to two lanes – one lane will remain open in each direction – for the duration of the road work,” Beers said. “Some highway accesses will be controlled by flaggers while the work zone is active. Commuters should expect extended commute times. Contractor work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.”

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. on Feb. 20, 2025. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2025.

Pavement improvement project to start this month west of Riverton

RIVERTON – A $4.85 million pavement improvement project is underway on US Highway 26 west of Riverton.

The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on 5.71 miles of US 26 between milepost 125.0 (just east of Eight Mile Road) and milepost 130.7 (east of Mountain View Cemetery at the LeClair Canal bridge).

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.

“The contractors began asphalt milling April 28,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “More than 28,000 tons of asphalt paving will begin in early May, with highway chip sealing scheduled for early June.”

Motorists will encounter traffic delays of up to 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A focus of this project is aimed at reducing reflective and thermal cracking of the US 26 highway surface between Riverton and Eight Mile Road.

“Millions of high-tensile strength aramid fibers will be dispersed into each ton of asphalt mix during the hot plant production process on this project,” said Scheidemantel. “Using aramid fiber is the simplest, most cost-effective way of rein-

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View the WHP Fatality Crash Summary webpage

forcing asphalt pavement, with benefits including greater resistance to reflective and thermal cracking, rutting and crack propagation.

“Fiber-reinforced asphalt mixes build stronger, more durable pavements, and significantly reduce life-cycle costs of roadways,” Scheidemantel said.

As part of the project, a half-mile of the project will have glass fiber mat placed underneath the final layer of asphalt pavement overlay as a way of testing other products for reducing existing crack reflection.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co. in September 2024. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

1A/2A impaired driving enforcement yields arrests, citations

RIVERTON – A Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation during the 1A/2A Regional Basketball Tournament weekend in Lander and Riverton resulted in 235 traffic stops, five arrests of impaired drivers, and 53 speeding citations.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, but law enforcement issued 19 citations for other offenses and made eight arrests for possessing controlled substances during the three-day operation in February and March.

The task force issued 156 warnings and five seat belt citations. No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force arrested 33 impaired drivers and made 1,978 traffic stops during eight enforcement operations in 2024.

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

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

Adopt-A-Highway volunteers head outdoors

RIVERTON – The view from Wyoming’s highways will improve this spring as hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers head outside to clean their 2-mile highway sections.

In its 36th year, Wyoming’s Adopt-A-Highway program has hundreds of participating volunteer groups statewide, and volunteers are encouraged to get out to make the first of their two required cleanups for the year.

Signs identifying the groups are posted at each end of their adopted section, and WYDOT supplies safety brochures, orange vests and trash bags to the volunteers for each cleanup.

“Please return the orange vests and information sheets about your group so others can get out there and clean up along our highways,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance foreman Shawn Franzen of Worland.

The volunteers providing this public service range from retired people to elementary school children. Groups represent fraternal, civic and social clubs, youth groups, employee and professional organizations, schools, churches, government agencies and families.

“We really appreciate the volunteers who work to clean up highways in northwest Wyoming,” said Roni Stott, AdoptA-Highway coordinator for WYDOT in Cody. “These volunteers provide an invaluable service in helping to keep Wyoming beautiful. We really appreciate this volunteer service.”

Anyone in Park, Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie and Big Horn counties interested in adopting a highway section can contact WYDOT District 5 Adopt-AHighway Coordinator Steven Otto at (307) 568-3400.

Road 2AB/US 14A

intersection briefly closed north of Cody

CODY – Construction of a right turn lane at Park County Road 2AB’s intersection with US Highway 14A is continuing north of Cody, and the intersection was closed April 2.

The 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. closure “allowed removal of an existing pipe and replacement of a new irrigation pipe across Park County Road 2AB,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “It also allowed relocation of an existing Lumen fiberoptic cable that is in conflict with the project on Road 2AB without disrupting service. This fiber optic line facilitates many important services, including emergency services.”

Public access remained available at the west end of Road 2AB via Wyoming Highway 120 during the one-day closure.

Traffic was controlled by flaggers at the US 14A /Road 2AB intersection on April 1 for the removal of the existing asphalt pavement, facilitating the work during the April 2 closure.

When complete, the $821,000 safety project will benefit south-bound traffic on US 14A.

All work is tentatively scheduled, weather permitting, to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, and contract completion date is June 30, 2025.

Adopt-A-Highway volunteers proudly show off their pickings from the highway’s right-of-way.

Photo: WYDOT

WONDERING IF YOU HAVE A REAL ID?

Wyoming IDs and Driver Licenses have been Real ID compliant since 2011

Wyoming driver licenses, ID cards are Real ID compliant

The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to remind Wyoming residents and motorists that all driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by Driver Services are Real ID compliant.

The Real ID Act is a 2005 Federal Act that established stricter security standards and identification requirements for driver’s licenses and identification cards. The deadline for states to comply is May 7, 2025. However, the Wyoming Legislature directed WYDOT to meet Real ID requirements with all issued credentials starting in 2011, making Wyoming among the first states to reach Real ID

Some ID cards issued before Jan. 1, 2010, may still be in circulation today, and individuals who have those ID cards are encouraged to renew them at a local Driver Services office to ensure Real ID

Real ID credentials have a star in the right-hand corner. In 2019, a black star replaced the gold star on Wyoming credentials, but they still meet Real ID

A Real ID compliant credential or another acceptable form of identification, like a US Passport, will be required to gain access to certain federal facilities or board domestic commercial flights starting May 7. For information on alternative forms of identification that are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, please visit TSA’s website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

For more information about Real ID, including frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Homeland Security https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/

Director hosts spring Town Halls

By Jordan Young

In April, Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby hosted the latest round of Town Hall meetings with employees across the state.

The seven meetings – one in all five districts and two in Cheyenne – were an opportunity for Westby and Executive Staff to meet with WYDOT employees in person and give an update on the current state of WYDOT, recently passed legislation and other high-level news, goals and strategies for the agency.

Westby talked about the intentions he and Executive Staff set together going into the legislative session, including maintaining brand management, securing additional funding and ensuring

the legislature understood that WYDOT’s struggles are real.

“Our unfunded needs are not some fictitious number out there that we came up with,” Westby said during the afternoon session in Cheyenne. “We worked hard to ensure that our integrity is at a point when we say that we’re short $400 million, it’s believable, and we can prove where every one of those dollars needs to go, and substantiate that with fact and figures.”

Westby also talked about the recent Commission Retreat, where Exec Staff and the Transportation Commission spent part of their time strategizing on how to move away from pavement-preservation-only mode. While Westby agrees the decision made perfect sense 15 years ago, he thinks it’s time to ask the how the agency can position itself to be more successful into the future.

“What are we as an agency going to do to set ourselves into motion and into a strategic position to be more successful if the opportunity arises?” he asked during the afternoon session in Cheyenne. “We have nothing really on the shelf on an expansion project basis to be able to sell to the legislature to get us some one time funding.”

Other topics covered include the recent Customer Satisfaction Survey, last year’s workplace injury data from WYDOT Employee Safety, and progress on the Strategic plan and WY Lead projects.

Additionally, Employees had the chance during each meeting to ask questions or give comments. Thanks to a more casual feel in this spring’s Town Halls, every session had at least a few employee questions, covering many topics like pay, retirement and policy.

Only two meetings were streamed virtu-

Strong attendance was reported at all seven Town Halls this spring, including the District 3 Town Hall in Rock Springs, pictured here.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Director Westby speaks to a packed morning session at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. A recording of the morning Town Hall is available to watch any time on the intranet.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

ally this year, and the limited need for additional technology really streamlined the meetings at the district level. Westby noted that his goal with the more casual approach to the Town Halls was to eventually get to where he could host more than one set a year.

“I really enjoy face time with you all,” he said in the afternoon Cheyenne meeting. “I enjoy the opportunity to prove that I am not just a robot in Cheyenne. … If there’s something that we need to really disseminate, I can get that out a lot easier if we do it in this type of setting.”

For those who weren’t able to attend, a full recording of the afternoon Town Hall with Headquarters in Cheyenne is available on the intranet: https://employees.dot.state.wy.us/home/executive_staff/town-hall-meetings.html

Director Westby answered questions from the audience at every Town Hall, he’s pictured here in Casper.

The Employee Assistance Program and WTDEA Employee Relief Fund

Westby also took a moment to discuss two beneficial programs for WYDOT employees during his Town Hall meetings.

EAP – Need someone to listen and offer support? The EAP is a free mental health resource that offers a wide range of benefits to help improve mental health, reduce stress and make life easier. Employees and their dependents can use this resource to access free counseling and mental health services, including resources for major life decisions like adoption, elder care and financial or legal issues. Learn more here:

WTDEA Employee Relief Fund – Need help with an unexpected bill or financial hardship? The WTDEA Relief Fund provides up to $1,500 in crisis assistance funds to WYDOT employees. All relief funds are raised via employees’ voluntary donations and programs like raffles, and there’s even a way to schedule the donations to come right out of your paycheck through WYDOT Payroll. The WTDEA administers the relief fund program as outlined in Personnel Policy 4-23. While you don’t have to be a WTDEA member to qualify, membership is strongly encouraged. It costs just $15 per year to join, reach out to your nearest representative for more information or visit the WTDEA employee webpage.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/ WYDOT

Aeronautics Young Wyoming artist takes flight in national competition

By Mark Horan

Lottie Schmutz, a 12-year-old from Mountain View, Wyoming, has been making waves in the art world. This talented young artist recently soared to third place in the 2025 U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest.

The announcement was made from officials within the National Association of State Aviation Officials and the National Aeronautic Association.

According to a NASAO press release, more than 140 pieces of artwork were received this year from nearly half of the country’s states and territories. The annual contest is part of an international contest conducted by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The FAI’s purpose is to inspire youth to create art that shares the importance of aviation. Contest submissions are grouped into three separate age categories for judging, allowing students ranging from 6 to 17 years old to compete. The 2025 theme “Women with Wings” encouraged students to create artwork inspired by the daring women who have defied society’s expectations, taking to the air and proving that the sky is a place for everyone.

“It’s exciting for those of us in the aviation industry to see the talent and effort these young people put into their entries,” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO, in the release. “We hope their passion for art and aeronautics inspires them to always be aware of the role aviation plays in our lives. It may or may not lead them to careers in aviation, but this art will certainly capture the imagination of others who may decide to follow that path.”

To qualify for the national contest, all artwork was first submitted to state-level competitions with the winning entries advancing for national consideration. The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission selected Schmutz’s drawing to represent Wyoming in the national competition.

The national winners have been submitted for the 2025 International Aviation Art Contest, which will be judged by the FAI in June.

Schmutz’s passion for art started early.

“I have been drawing pretty much since I was 2,” she said.

Her preferred styles include pencils, sketching, and alcohol markers, and she also enjoys creating crafts. She is no stranger

to artistic success, having won several local coloring contests. Last year she won a contest sponsored by the Rural Electric Cody Hotline School, and her work was featured in the Wyoming Rural Electric News publication.

The inspiration for her aviation drawing was quite unique. She said she was brainstorming with her mom and “decided to do the newspaper idea.”

“I wanted to capture how news has spread for years,” she explained. “Newspapers seemed right.”

The creative process wasn’t without its challenges. In total, she dedicated more than 12 hours to her masterpiece.

“The hardest part was getting everything to fit and look good,” Schmutz noted. “Some of the details were just time consuming.”

For Schmutz, securing third place in a national competition is a significant achievement.

“Taking third place is special because it’s the biggest competition I have won,” she said.

Schmutz offered valuable advice to aspiring artists: “Practice because you don’t just become good overnight.”

Artistic talent runs in the family, as Schmutz shared that her siblings are also artistically inclined. And her inspiration isn’t limited to just art.

“I think aviation is cool,” she said.

With her dedication and passion, there’s no doubt this young artist has a bright future ahead.

This drawing by Wyoming artist Lottie Schmutz took third place at the U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest. The theme for the competition was, “Women with Wings.”

Artwork: Lottie Schmutz / Photo: NASAO

Training

PMI and Employee Development

By Jim Boyd, Training Services

By now, you’ve likely finished the evaluation phase of the 2024-2025 PMI. If you are a supervisor, you’ve completed your ratings, met with and provided some meaningful feedback to your employees, plus pushed the buttons to get the forms through the system. As an employee, you likely also had the opportunity to listen to and provide meaningful feedback to your supervisor as to your impressions of your accomplishments from the past year.

Reflecting on what went well and what areas could be improved is an important part of the now live planning phase. Training Services provides multiple learning opportunities for WYDOT employees to take advantage of, so if on further reflection, there are areas where you need some new knowledge, or maybe the newest research on a topic you’re already familiar with, or even just a way to get reinvigorated and inspired, the following options might be just for you. In NEOGOV, you can register for:

• Upcoming live classes in personal and organizational leadership, such as “Leading a Successful Change Initiative” or “Franklin Covey’s the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

• Online courses like “Motivating Your Team” or “A Blueprint for Effective Workplace Leadership.”

TRAINING

• Structured learning programs like the “WYdot Supervise, New Supervisor Program.”

• AASHTO Technical Training Services online courses in construction, maintenance, traffic and safety, pavement preservation, and materials.

• Additionally, the Transportation Learning Network has recorded webinars via https://tln.learnflex.net with topics ranging from “Asphalt and Paving 101” to “Work-Life Balance.”

Review our annual training schedule and the NEOGOV online catalog to identify learning needs for yourself or your team or program. Then, consider including a relevant learning goal in your upcoming PMI planning discussion. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to dot-training@wyo.gov or any member of the Training Services team if you have any specific training needs or would like more information on any of the above.

You can log on to NEOGOV to register for upcoming classes, but don’t forget you can also sign up for classes via the Transportation Learning Network.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

In May:

5/13/2025 Leading Others Management Development Series – 3 of 4 8:30am-4:30pm Cheyenne Building High Functioning Teams

5/27/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Addressing Poor Performance 1:00pm-5:00pm Virtual 5/19/2025 Know WYdot: New Employees New Employee Orientation Workshop TBD Cheyenne (Learning Plan Assigned to New Employees)

5/29/2025 Leading Others Management Development Series – 4 of 4 8:30am-4:30pm Cheyenne Leading a Successful Change Initiative Coming in June:

Date Development Stage Class Description Class Hours Location 6/3/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Resolving Workplace Conflict* 8:00am-12:00pm Virtual

*All new employees are assigned the Know WY Learning Plan and should register for one of these Know WY classes

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

Highway Safety Work Zone Safety Awareness

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety

National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual spring safety campaign that takes place in April of each year, unofficially marking the beginning of construction season and encouraging safe driving practices while navigating through roadway work zones. NWZAW highlights the dangers of driver inattention and impatience in roadway work areas. The key message is for drivers to be patient and use extra caution in work zones. The 2025 theme for National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed April 21 to 25, was “Respect the zone so we all get home.”

The week concluded with a moment of silence on April 25 to remember the men and women whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (2019-2023), 1,378 traffic crashes were work zone related. These crashes included 58 critical crashes, 207 serious crashes, and 1,113 damage crashes, resulting in 15 fatal injuries, 50 suspected serious injuries, 176 suspected minor injuries, and 119 possible injuries.

It may be surprising for many to learn that the vast majority of people killed in work zone crashes are motorists. In Wyoming (2019-2023), drivers, passengers, and prior motorists turned pedestrian after a previous crash accounted for around 93 percent of fatal injuries in work zone related crashes. This makes it even more critical for drivers to slow down, stay focused, and be patient while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone to protect themselves, their passengers, other motorists, and roadway workers.

Work zone related crashes may take place anywhere within

the work zone or prior to the work zone if the crash is thought to be a result of activity or congestion caused by the work zone. Lane closure was the most common type of work zone related to a traffic crash (60 percent). Most work zone related crashes occurred in the activity area (53 percent) followed by the transition area (29 percent). Workers were present in approximately 34 percent of work zone related crashes.

Single vehicle crashes accounted for around 37 percent of all work zone related crashes. The next most common manner of collision was rear end collision crashes, which were 31.5 percent of all work zone related crashes. The most common primary improper driver actions reported in work zone related crashes include following too close (24 percent), failing to yield the right of way (16 percent), and failing to keep their proper lane (11 percent).

For more information on the importance of National Work Zone Awareness Week for all roadway users and roadway workers, including a schedule of events, visit NWZAW.org. For recent statistics on work zone crashes (both national and state specific), as well as related topics of interest, visit WorkZoneSafety.org.

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2019-2023 report that:

• 58 critical crashes were related to a work zone, resulting in 15 fatal injuries and 50 suspected serious injuries.

• Motorists and prior motorists account for the majority of fatal injuries in work zone related crashes (93 percent).

• Lane closure was the most common type of work zone related to a traffic crash (60 percent).

• Most work zone related crashes occurred in the activity area (53 percent) followed by the transition area (29 percent).

• Single vehicle crashes accounted for nearly 37 percent of all work zone related crashes, followed closely by rear end collision crashes (31.5 percent).

CRASH CATEGORIES:

Critical Crashes – fatal and suspected serious injury crashes.

Serious Crashes – suspected minor injury and possible injury crashes.

Damage Crashes – no apparent injury and injury unknown crashes.

BY THE NUMBERS

Wyoming crash data

February 1, 2025 vs. (February 1, 2024):

Fatalities: 18 (16)

Serious Injuries: 74 (83)

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 5 (2)

Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0)

CMV-Involved Fatalities: 9 (4)

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1)

Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (2)

Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 0 (1)

Speed-Related Fatalities: 5 (7)

Data current as of 04/10/2025

STOP THE TEXTS STOP THE WRECKS

Wellness Mental health in the workplace

Understanding the importance of mental health in the workplace

By AllOne Health

Creating a workplace that supports mental health is essential for employee well-being and productivity. The following provides actionable steps for organizational leaders to promote mental health, communicate effectively and foster a supportive work environment.

A recent poll by the National Alliance on Mental Illness revealed that employees who are uncomfortable discussing mental health at work are more likely to experience burnout.

Mental health challenges can manifest as changes in performance, attendance, mood and overall attitude.

As an organization, it’s crucial to acknowledge these challenges and foster a culture of open communication about mental health to improve well-being and productivity.

How leaders can support mental health in the workplace

Communicate openly about mental health

Introduce mental health topics through resources like:

• Stress reduction training

• Articles and videos on mental health and well-being

Workshops or webinars led by Assistance Program staff on topics like:

• Mental health in the workplace

• Substance use disorder

• Busting myths about mental illness

By openly discussing mental health, you create an environment where employees feel more comfortable seeking help.

Educate employees on available resources

• Ensure employees are aware of the mental health benefits offered, including counseling and treatment services.

• When employees know what resources are available, they are more likely to seek help early, which can prevent long-term performance or attendance issues.

Promote your assistance program

Highlight your Assistance Program benefits regularly. Em ployees are more likely to use services if they are:

• Confidential and independent from their employer

• Free to access

• According to NAMI, 51 percent of employees would use men tal health services if they were free, confidential and outside of employer oversight.

• Assistance Program benefits include work-life resources and referrals in addition to counseling.

Addressing mental health concerns with employees

Recognize the signs of mental health issues

Be alert to changes in an employee’s:

• Performance (e.g., decreased productivity)

• Attendance (e.g., frequent absences)

• Mood or attitude

• Presentation (e.g., change in appearance)

• These could indicate mental health struggles.

Addressing these signs early can help prevent more severe issues.

Have one-on-one conversations

• When you notice concerning changes in an employee, consider having a one-on-one conversation. Express your genuine concern for their well-being.

• Focus on their overall health, not just work performance.

• Encourage them to utilize available resources, such as your Assistance Program.

• If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Assistance Program for guidance and support. Tuesday, May 13 9:30 am - 1:30 pm in the Training/WYDOT-U Building

MENTAL HEALTH SIGNS

AND SYMPTOMS

According to the World Health Organization:

1 in 8 People worldwide are living with a diagnosable mental illness.

1 in 5 Adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.

1 in 6 Youth aged 6-17 are affected annually.

EVERY DIAGNOSIS HAS ITS OWN SYMPTOMS, BUT HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR:

CHANGES IN Mood

• Feeling sad or down for extended periods

• Excessive fears or worries

• Extreme mood changes, including highs and lows

• Irritability and frequent arguing

PHYSICAL Symptoms

Changes in appetite or weight

• Multiple physical ailments without clear causes (headaches, stomachaches).

CHANGES IN Thinking

• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate

• Difficulty understanding or relating to others

Repeated thoughts that are unrelenting and illogical

Delusions (having a belief that is not based in reality) or hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there)

SLEEP Disturbances

Sleeping too little or too much

• Frequent or early waking

Feeling fatigued despite getting enough sleep

• Nightmares

CHANGES IN Behavior

• Avoiding social activities and friends

• Changes in performance at work or school

Substance abuse (overuse of alcohol or drugs)

SEVERE

Symptoms

Thinking about suicide or other self-harm

Thinking about harming others

• Inability to carry out daily activities or handle stress

Source: Cleveland Clinic

TechTalk

ADA compliance: ensuring digital accessibility for all

By Enterprise Technology Services

Wyoming state and local government entities with populations of 50,000 or more have approximately one year to comply with the new federal Americans with Disabilities Act website and mobile app accessibility standards. According to a final rule under Title II ADA, these entities must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA guidelines by April 24, 2026, which is two years from the rule’s publication. This clear timeline underscores the immediate importance of understanding and implementing ADA website compliance across a significant portion of our state’s public sector.

In today’s digital landscape, a website serves as a vital connection point for information and services. Ensuring that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can easily navigate and interact with an online presence isn’t just about inclusivity – it’s a legal imperative.

The ADA extends to the digital realm, requiring that websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This means designing and developing a site in accordance with recognized standards, such as the WCAG.

These guidelines provide a framework for making web content more accessible to a wide range of users with disabilities, ensuring they can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with your site effectively.

Understanding WCAG: The Foundation of ADA Compliance

The WCAG are built around four core principles that ensure accessibility for everyone. These principles are Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust. You can remember these key areas with the helpful acronym POUR:

• Perceivable: Ensuring everyone can access the information. For example, providing text descriptions for images (so screen readers can read them), captions for videos (for those who can’t hear), allowing text to be resized (for better readability), and using good color contrast (for people with low vision).

• Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with the website. For instance, allowing navigation using the keyboard (for those who can’t use a mouse), giving enough time to read and use interactive elements (not making things disappear too quickly), avoiding flashing content that could trigger seizures, and having clear menus and search functions to find information easily.

• Understandable: Make sure the website is easy to comprehend and use. For example, using clear and simple language, making sure buttons and links do what you expect when you click them, and providing guidance or error messages if you fill out a form incorrectly.

• Robust: Making sure the website works well with different technologies people use, including assistive tools like screen readers. This is often achieved by building the website using standard web coding practices.

Understanding the principles of perceivable, operable, un-

derstandable and robust provide a clear roadmap for achieving ADA website compliance, particularly the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards mandated for many Wyoming entities by April 2026. By designing and developing a website with these guidelines in mind, an agency can significantly reduce the risk of facing legal challenges, protect its reputation by demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, and ensure that vital information and services are accessible to the widest possible audience.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ADA web accessibility standards, often referencing the internationally recognized WCAG, can expose an agency to legal action. Demand letters and lawsuits are becoming increasingly common, leading to potentially significant financial burdens through settlements, legal fees and mandatory website remediation. Beyond the legal risk, an inaccessible website can create a negative perception of an agency, signaling that the agency doesn’t prioritize inclusivity and potentially eroding public trust. Furthermore, a website that isn’t accessible excludes a substantial portion of the population – individuals with disabilities, as well as potentially older adults and others with temporary impairments. This means an agency’s information and services aren’t reaching everyone who needs them. Addressing accessibility issues after a complaint or lawsuit can also be far more expensive and time-consuming than building an accessible website from the start.

Looking Ahead

ETS recognizes the importance of digital accessibility and is actively developing a comprehensive plan to collaborate with all state agencies in their journey toward full ADA website compliance. We are committed to providing the guidance and support necessary to ensure that online resources are accessible to everyone, fostering inclusivity and minimizing the risks associated with non-compliance.

Stay tuned for more information on how ETS will be partnering with your agency to navigate these crucial accessibility standards. Should you have any questions before then, please feel free to reach out to your contact at ETS.

Photo: ETS stock image

U.S. Forest Service

Prescribed burning planned in Upton/Osage area

Approximately 1,300 acres are planned for treatment with prescribed fire in

Weston County

By Aaron Voos, U.S. Forest Service

Building on previous prescribed fire in the area, USDA Forest Service fire/fuels staff are planning to implement spring burning in the Upton/Osage area of the Thunder Basin National Grassland. Throughout April and into May, weather forecasts predict suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions to provide a window of opportunity for the vegetation treatment on approximately 1,300 acres.

The proposed Clay Spur burn unit is located on National Forest System lands managed by the Douglas Ranger District in Weston County, Wyo. The prescribed fire area is bordered by natural fuels breaks, roads, livestock trails, and creek bottoms.

The area is 16 miles northwest of Newcastle, Wyo., 5 miles north of Osage, Wyo., and immediately west of Kellog Reservoir. The hills and draws of the burn unit are composed of ponderosa pine, intermixed with juniper, cottonwoods, with grass and sage-

brush flats. Elevation is 4,600 feet.

Approximately 500 acres were successfully burned in the area during spring 2021, as well as 300 acres in spring 2023 and 1,200 acres in spring 2024.

Much of the vegetation within the project area has not experienced fire in the past 50-100 years. The Clay Spur treatment will mimic historically natural fire disturbances by burning in a mosaic pattern. The burn will benefit a variety of vegetative species and their age class diversity, as well as wildlife habitat and domestic stock pasture. Fire danger will also be reduced by removing potentially hazardous fuels.

Necessary smoke permits have been obtained from the State of Wyoming. Smoke will likely be visible in surrounding communities and along Highway 16.

Each prescribed burn planned by the Forests has gone through an environmental analysis and has a detailed burn plan developed in advance.

For more project information, contact North Zone Fire Management Officer Nick Collard at (970) 688-0079.

Fire/fuels information may also be found on this website: https://fs.usda.gov/mbr

Pole Mountain prescribed burning in upcoming months

Smoke visible to the public when operations underway

By Aaron Voos, U.S. Forest Service

Approximately 1,500 acres on the Pole Mountain unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest are scheduled to be treated with prescribed fire this spring and summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Burning began as early as April 21, 2025.

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

If conditions were favorable, burning occurred at multiple locations. Smoke was visible to the public from Wyoming Highway 210 (Happy Jack Highway), Interstate 80, and nearby Forest roads. The public was requested to not report the prescribed fires, as first responders and dispatch were aware of the operations.

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

Signs were placed on adjacent highways and Forest roads notifying the public of the burns. Fire staff from the Forest Service continued to monitor the burned areas following the operations. Staff primarily used ground ignitions to carry out the burning, and there was the possibility that unmanned aircraft systems could be used. Public flying of UAS is prohibited in the burn unit airspace.

Necessary smoke permits have been obtained from the State of Wyoming. Each prescribed burn planned by the Forest has gone through an environmental analysis and has a detailed burn plan developed in advance.

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

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

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Kambree Cone, Patrol-Support Services; John Hollmann, Highway Development-Project Development; Trevor Ingle, Highway Project Management Oversight; Kent Neumann, Patrol-Support Services; Manaswini Paripalli, ITDevelopment; Emilio Rampolla, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25; Katilyn Sullivan, Patrol-Support Services; and Alexis Taylor, Public Affairs.

Promotions and Transfers

Troy Grandpre, Highway Development-Project Development; and Craig O’Dell, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection.

Service Awards

Christopher Irwin, MaterialsSurfacing – 25 years; Chad Legerski, Highway Development-Project Development – 25 years;

Brandi Miller, Budget – 10 years; Misty Zimmerman, Driver ServicesAdministration – 10 years; Jennifer Nordwick, Highway Development-Project Development – 5 years;

Rosalba Vasquez, Facilities Management-Custodial – 5 years; and Jordan Walla, Right of Way-Appraisals – 5 years.

Retirements

Jeff Sherman, a senior policy and planning analyst with Project Development at Headquarters, retired in March with 38 years of service. In his long career with WYDOT, Sherman worked as a lab technician, a CADD operator, a road design technician, a consultant coordinator and electrical design technician. Sherman graduated with an associate’s degree from Laramie County Community College. In his spare time, Sherman enjoys cars, music, movies, and sports.

Congratulations

Christina Spindler has been selected as WYDOT’s State Traffic Engineer effective May 1, 2025. She replaces Joel Meena, who retired in January with 40

Taylor

Legerski

Miller Sherman