November 2019 Interchange

Interchange November 2019

Vol. 47, Issue 11

Wildlife mitigation work

WYDOT updates Transportation Commission

Letters

Interchange

Vol. 47, Issue 11

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

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by sending an email to carlie. vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

Staff WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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

Photo: WYDOT

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.

District 3 Equipment Manager Dave Chapman caught the craziest photo on Interstate 80 at Little America. Bull moose are not seen very often on I-80.

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A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

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Features 12 Wildlife mitigation work Working to keep motorists and wildlife safer on roads

14 Distracted driving Put down the distractions while driving to stay safe

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16 Employee Satisfaction Survey Results from the 2019 survey

17 WAT program streamlined Faster approval process implemented

17 Road closure information updated WYDOT expands and clarifies definitions

Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 By the Numbers.......................................................................9

WAT 17

WYDOT Authorized Travel

Noteworthy................................................................................9

www.wyoroad.info

Game & Fish news................................................................18

Training.....................................................................................19 HR news...................................................................................19

District news.......................................................................... 20 Awards..................................................................................... 23 Passings................................................................................... 24 Extra Mile Awards................................................................. 24 WTDEA..................................................................................... 25 Break Time.............................................................................. 27

On the cover:

One last stand of green and gold in northwest Wyoming before the snow started to fall at Janee Falls near Afton.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

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District Briefs Commission awards $31.7 million in contracts in October CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is installing more travel lanes along WYO 59 near Wright to help with traffic flow.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Riverside Contracting, of Missoula, Montana, a $14.6 million contract for the work on WYO 59 between Douglas and Gillette in Campbell County. The commission awarded that and seven other contracts during its recent meeting.

For the WYO 59 work, crews will widen six miles of road near Wright and create five lanes – two for northbound traffic, two for southbound traffic and a center turning lane. Currently there are two travel lanes, one going in each direction, and a center turning lane.

The additional lanes will help accommodate increased traffic flow from the oil fields and other areas. In addition, crews will install about eight miles of new fence and make electrical upgrades to light poles. The contract completion date is June 30, 2021.

Other contracts the commission awarded included pavement resurfacing, crack-sealing work and stockpiling of salt for winter maintenance.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, was awarded a $4.9 million resurfacing contract on 16 miles of Interstate 25 between Casper and Kaycee in Natrona County. Crews will also perform minor work on four bridges in the area.

The bridge work includes repairing slope paving and replacing compression joint material, which is used to keep harmful material out of expansion joints.

The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2020.

Simon Contractors, of Cheyenne, won a $4.1 million resurfacing project on about 10 miles of WYO 230 near Woods Landing in Albany County.

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Crews will put a plant-mix overlay on the road to improve the driving surface.

WYDOT has completed similar work on other sections of WYO 230. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2020.

The commission also awarded Simon Contractors a $4.6 million contract for a resurfacing project on Interstate 80 in Telephone Canyon between Laramie and Cheyenne in Albany County.

Crews will replace the existing highperformance wearing course with new material.

The work is needed because the existing material is losing some of its traction.

WYDOT installed the material about 10 years ago to provide a safer road surface on the steeper slopes in that area. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2020.

The commission also awarded contacts for: • $1.6 million to Kilroy, LLC, of Afton, for a salt and sand stockpiling contract for winter maintenance at various locations in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater and Uinta counties by Feb. 29, 2020; • $713,742 and $629,196 for two contracts to Z & Z Seal Coating Inc., of Billings, Montana, for crack sealing and surfacing at various locations in Lincoln, Sweetwater, Uinta, Albany, Carbon and Laramie counties by April 30, 2020; and • $334,060 to Highway Improvements Inc., of Harrisburg, South Dakota, for a crack-sealing project at various locations in Fremont and Hot Springs counties by April 30, 2020.

WYDOT’s 2020 STIP approved CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2020.

The STIP is available on the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s website.

Quarterly updates will be available on the website.

The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, capital improvement projects,

and statewide communication work that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during this fiscal year that began Oct. 1. The STIP is published annually and updates are issued quarterly.

Besides 2020 projects, the STIP includes a listing of planned transportation projects slated through 2025. It also includes a summary of pass-through federal funding for public transportation throughout the state.

Highway projects are listed by county and note the general character of work for the various transportation system projects. These projects include highway, transit, airports and others.

WYO 130 over Snowy Range, WYO 70 over Battle Pass closed for weather LARAMIE – Wyoming Highway 130 over the high country of the Snowy Range and WYO 70 over Battle Pass were under extended closures due to poor conditions with early season snowfall at the high elevations.

The highways closed Oct. 19 due to hazardous winter conditions and poor visibility, high winds, snowfall and four to five foot drifts on the road surface.

The Medicine Bow SNOTEL (snow telemetry) site in the Snowy Range at 10,500 feet was already recording a snow depth of 34 inches, and the Old Battle SNOTEL site at 10,000 feet near Battle Pass was reporting 24 inches.

WYO 70 reopened Oct. 25 after snow removal efforts throughout the week.

Alternate routes were recommended as another winter storm approached southeastern Wyoming at the end of October.

Drivers were warned to use extreme caution or avoid using some private or Forest Service roads off of WYO 70, as some of those roads could contain impassible snow drifts. WYDOT does not maintain routes in the area other than WYO 70.

Meanwhile, WYO 130 over the high country of the Snowy Range remained under an extended closure and was

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reevaluated on Oct. 28, to see if the road could be reopened this year. However, another weather system added snow in the area Oct. 26-29.

WYO 130 over the Snowy Range and WYO 70 over Battle Pass close annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical.

WYO 130 and WYO 70 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.

WYDOT partners with F.E. Warren AFB to improve traffic flow CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation continues to partner with F.E. Warren Air Force Base officials to improve safety and traffic flow near the Happy Jack Road base entrance.

WYDOT and F.E. Warren AFB officials have come up with short- and longterm solutions for Gate 2, off WYO 210 (Happy Jack Road), to help with increased traffic now that it is the main entrance for the base.

Gate 2 became the main entrance to the base after F.E. Warren AFB officials closed Gate 1, off Randall Avenue and Pershing Boulevard, in July. However, the visitor’s center will remain open at Gate 1. The change to Gate 2 has allowed for improved security and safety for Airmen and families.

WYO 210 to Gate 2 also provides space to safely handle surges in traffic during busy hours.

“Additionally, Gate 5 (Central Avenue) is open to traffic,” said 2nd Lt. Jonathan L. Carkhuff, an F.E. Warren base spokesman. “It was recently redesigned to handle large amounts of commercial traffic, such as delivery trucks. It provides the facilities and cover that Security Forces personnel need to evaluate and inspect inbound vehicles.”

The short-term solution had the military base control traffic flow until WYDOT installed temporary traffic signals. The long-term solution is for WYDOT to construct permanent signals, in cooperation with F.E. Warren AFB. “WYDOT and military officials have worked together to come up with a plan that ensures the safety of the traveling public,” said Tom DeHoff, district engineer. “Gate 2 has seen an increase in traffic flow, which has made it more difficult for people traveling through those intersections. Our solution will improve safety and traffic flow in that area.”

The temporary and permanent signals will be installed at two locations to the east and west of Interstate 25. Both the temporary and permanent signals will be at the end of the on and off ramps of I-25 northbound and southbound.

WYDOT anticipates it will take about three months to get the temporary signals and is concurrently proceeding with the construction and bidding process for the permanent signals. WYDOT anticipates the permanent signals will be installed and completed by late 2020.

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F.E. Warren Gate 2

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Temporary signals F.E. Warren Air Force Base officials will implement traffic-control measures until WYDOT installs temporary traffic signals at these intersections to help with traffic flow.

Permanent signals are planned for late 2020.

“It may take that long to get the temporary signals because we need to follow our procurement policies, which protect the people of Wyoming,” DeHoff said.

“We will obtain bids for the signals, make sure the equipment meets safety standards and then award the bid.”

In the meantime, WYDOT is asking motorists to be patient and use caution when traveling in that area.

Transmission line installed over I-80 RAWLINS – Interstate 80 near Fort Steele used temporary stops in early October as a utility company installed an electric line over the interstate.

The stops were at milepost 229, just east of the Fort Steele interchange. The stops occurred Oct. 7 through Oct. 10.

During the time each individual wire was brought over the interstate, traffic was briefly stopped by Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers. Once the wire was across, traffic was allowed to flow freely.

Crashes cause I-80 closure between Cheyenne, Laramie; WYO 210 remained open LARAMIE – Several crashes and poor visibility caused a closure of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie Sept. 28.

However, WYO 210/Happy Jack Road remained open to local traffic between Cheyenne and Laramie. That meant drivers whose destination was in Cheyenne or Laramie or in between were permitted on that road, including commuters or traffic to the UW football game. WYO 210 was closed to all other traffic, including commercial vehicles.

Intersection of Grand Avenue, 22nd Street temporarily closed LARAMIE – Twenty-second Street just north of Grand Avenue was closed at Grand Avenue on Oct. 1, as WYDOT crews repaired concrete at the intersection.

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Drivers were not able to access 22nd Street to the north of Grand Avenue. Traffic was detoured onto Willett Drive and around the project area.

22nd Street south of Grand Avenue was unaffected by the work.

Construction took about one day.

Drivers were encouraged to use alternate routes.

Two bridges replaced on WYO 215 between Pine Bluffs, Albin CHEYENNE – A project to replace two structures on WYO 215 between Pine Bluffs and Albin began Sept. 30 and will continue for several months.

The structures are at milepost 0.9 over Lodgepole Creek and at milepost 1.7 over Spring Creek.

Crews with Reiman Corp. will first build detour routes around both bridges that will be in place for the duration of the project. Both detours will be gravel and reduced speed limits will be in effect.

Once the detours are in place, work to replace the structures will begin.

Construction is scheduled to continue through early March, weather permitting.

The $1.7 million project will improve the structures for drivers for years into the future.

WHP trooper uninjured in two-vehicle collision CHEYENNE – On Sept. 25, at 7:15 a.m. a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was involved in a motor vehicle collision.

The collision occurred at East Fox Farm Road and South Avenue C Street in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

A WHP trooper headed west on Fox Farm Road was stopped at the intersection of Avenue C Street waiting to enter the intersection. A 2018 Chrysler headed the same direction failed to stop and collided with the back of the WHP vehicle.

The trooper was not injured in the collision.

The driver of the Chrysler has been identified as a 55-year-old Cheyenne, Wyoming resident who was not injured. The driver of the Chrysler was arrested and issued citations for driving while under the influence of alcohol and following too

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close.

The incident is still under investigation.

US 20 east of Lusk toward Nebraska LUSK – In 2018, work began on a stretch of US 20 east of Lusk to the Nebraska border that is not only providing a safer driving surface for travelers, it’s putting a fresh face on an old stretch of one of the nation’s oldest highways.

The four-year project is rehabilitating US 20 from the Nebraska state line to Lusk. The work goes beyond fresh asphalt; it includes widened travel lanes, shoulders, the addition of turn lanes where appropriate, ditch grading and new delineators.

“We hope to achieve a safer, smoother roadway that meets current standards,” said Jim Barnes, WYDOT resident engineer.

“The project will increase the overall width of the roadway by about 10 feet. The existing 1-foot shoulder will be widened to 6 feet. It will have flatter safety shoulders off the pavement. These will improve safety as the highway serves trucks, oversize loads and farm equipment, as well as the usual motorists.”

In the area of Duck Creek, west of Van Tassell, 6 feet of a hill was shaved at the crest to increase sight distance for both directions of travel. A school bus turnaround area was also constructed near McMaster Road.

“This provides a much safer pick-up and drop-off point,” Barnes said. “We also relocated the McMaster Road intersection to provide a perpendicular intersection with US 20. This will greatly improve safety for those who use this intersection.”

Another improvement, though not unique to this project, is the installation of flexible delineator posts which essentially bend to the ground if they are hit, minimizing damage to vehicles. These replace the old delineators which were mounted on steel posts.

Beyond all of the safety improvements the improved highway offers travelers a new view when crossing the state line.

“They’ll experience an improved highway that more closely resembles the

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highway east of the line in Nebraska,” Barnes said.

Work on the next phase, between Lusk and milepost 55 will begin this spring.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31, 2021.

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Briefs continued from page 5

New pavement on US 20 east of Lusk.

Grant Street between Center Street, A Street closed for work ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed access to Grant Street between North Center Street and A Street for a few hours on Oct. 17 to set the arms on the signal poles at the traffic light. Crews waited until after the morning commuting hours to do the work, to avoid affecting bus routes. Work lasted for 2-3 hours. During this time, drivers saw lane reductions on North Center Street, restrictions on turning movements with delays and congestion.

North Center Street was through traffic only and access to A Street and the Grant Street connector was restricted during that time.

The project was awarded to Casper Electric Inc. in January.

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Milling, patching south of Jackson cause delays JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation milled and paved portions of US 26/89/189/191 south of Jackson mid-October. Beginning Oct. 16, crews milled isolated areas on the Snake River South project section, the large bumps in the road near the Munger Mountain area, as well as a few more areas between Horse Creek and Hoback

Junction.

These areas will be reconstructed in the next couple of years on the subsequent Jackson South projects. WYDOT determined that these areas needed some temporary repair prior to winter for public safety and plowing.

Delays from Hoback Junction to High School road were as long as 20 minutes outside the commuter hours of 6-8 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Traffic was restricted to one-way, alternating traffic while crews worked in the closed lane. “Bump” signs will be placed in areas after milling and before paving.

WYDOT plans second public meeting for Snake River bridge, intersection

Photo: WYDOT

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a second public meeting on the Snake River bridge replacement and intersection project on Oct. 17 in Jackson.

The purpose of the meeting was to present the results of a transit review, initiated by WYDOT. The purpose of the review was to identify what transit improvements, if any, should be considered in this project.

Information and updates on the project were available in an open house-style format.

Information is available on the project design and public involvement process.

For more information on the project, or to take a look at the draft transit review, please visit www.dot.state.wy.us/ snakeriver.

Snake River bridge and intersection.

Slab replacement job affects traffic in Jackson JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation conducted some concrete slab replacement work in Jackson on Oct. 14. The work took place on

Broadway, just west of the Town Square and lasted roughly a week.

“We scheduled the work as late as possible, to avoid peak traffic season, while still getting acceptable curing temperatures,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Bob Hammond said.

Traffic control was set up and consisted of lane closures, restricted turning movements and parking closures. The four lanes of traffic on Broadway just west of Cache were reduced to one lane in each direction. Pedestrians were detoured around the intersection while crews replaced the slabs in the existing crosswalk.

Eastbound Broadway traffic was reduced to one lane at Cache Street. People accessing north Jackson and points further north were encouraged to use the truck route.

Westbound Broadway traffic from the Town Square was reduced to a single lane for through and right turns. Left turns in this area are already prohibited.

Southbound Cache traffic will remain unchanged. Northbound Cache traffic was also unchanged and were allowed through movements and right turn movements.

Parking on the south side of Broadway between Milward and Cache was temporarily closed. Parking on the north side of Broadway was closed from Cache to Glenwood. Parking on Cache up to the Cowboy Bar was temporarily closed.

This temporary traffic control caused some congestion for motorists and WYDOT recommended drivers consider using the truck route to avoid the construction area.

The local truck route is identified as Broadway Avenue east to Milward Street, then north along Milward Street to Mercill Avenue, then east along Mercill Avenue to Cache Street, and then north along Cache Street to the town limits.

“We understand that this work is inconvenient for drivers. We will be working as quickly as possible to complete the job. We thank the public for their patience,” Hammond said.

WYO 22 Teton Pass eastbound closed to trailers JACKSON – An extended closure of the vehicle arrestor system on WYO 22 Teton Pass has resulted in the Wyoming

Department of Transportation enforcing an earlier seasonal trailer traffic closure one month early this year. The early closure will only affect eastbound traffic on Teton Pass. Westbound traffic will be allowed to travel the pass, barring any weather related closure.

“Our concerns lie mostly with the eastbound traffic on the east side of the pass, given the steep grade, topography and accident history,” WYDOT District Engineer Keith Compton said.

The closure of the arrestor, in combination with winter storms already moving into the Teton Valley, has prompted WYDOT to institute an early ban on eastbound trailer traffic over the pass beginning on Oct. 15, 2019. The annual full closure for both directions will begin on Nov. 15 and will continue through the season until April 1. Occasionally, adverse winter conditions have forced earlier closures.

The early closure is in response to the recent closure of the vehicle arrestor system, recent brake-related crashes and a lack of compliance to posted signs. The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be strictly enforcing the current trailer and weight restrictions and continue to make Teton Pass a priority for routine patrols.

A runaway truck ramp approximately one mile up from the current vehicle arrestor location remains open for use.

Any vehicles with a hitched trailer illegally accessing Teton Pass will be found in violation of running a road closure and subject to fines. WYDOT will also be installing a mobile variable message board with the closure messaging for added awareness. For alternative routes, contact any Department of Transportation Port of Entry or Permit Station.

Passing-lane project wraps up for season on WYO 789 RIVERTON – Paving is complete on both sides of the Rodgers and Gregg bridge between Riverton and Hudson, and traffic should be moving without delay

by Oct. 4 on the $6.8 million WYO 789 project.

Besides construc

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tion of 1.8 miles of passing lanes, the project’s scope of work included a 3-inch pavement overlay, chip seal finish, grading, draining, placing crushed gravel base, fencing, bridge repair and other work on about seven miles of WYO 789.

“Chip sealing of this project and final striping will be completed after June 1, 2020,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith of Lander. “Please adhere to posted speed limits on WYO 789, and buckle up.”

Prime contractor is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, and the dirt subcontractor is High Country Construction Inc., of Lander.

McGarvin-Moberly moved its paving operation to the Ethete South (Blue Sky Highway) improvement project. Paving on WYO 132 began Oct. 14.

Damaged concrete removed, re-poured on North Federal Boulevard RIVERTON – A 50-foot section of fresh concrete was damaged Oct. 14 when a vehicle drove on it on the North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project, and the 50-foot by 18-foot section concrete was removed the following week.

The section of damaged concrete was just south of Sunset Drive’s intersection with North Federal Boulevard between Walgreens and Pit Stop, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton.

“It’s about 25 cubic yards of concrete that’ll be re-poured as soon as possible – a very expensive repair,” Scheidemantel said. “The damage caused by the driver will delay reopening of the Sunset intersection. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

“Please remember the no left-turn policy during this project and the 20 mph speed limit. Both measures are being actively enforced by law enforcement within the work zone,” Scheidemantel said.

Construction workers asked the driver of the pickup that drove on the wet, fresh concrete to pull into Pit Stop so they could visit with him. Instead, the driver left the scene. Construction workers were able to record the driver’s license plate

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number and description of the pickup.

Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

In other news on the $13.96 million project:

Drive intersection is scheduled for Oct. 23, depending on favorable weather,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “All work and the contractor’s current schedule are dependent upon favorable weather conditions.”

Concrete sidewalk pours throughout the project and installation of new traffic signals at the Webbwood Road and Sunset Drive intersections are upcoming, too, along with pavement improvements north of Webbwood Road and cleanup/ reclamation, Scheidemantel said.

“Asphalt paving is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 21-22 on the west side of North Federal Boulevard north of Webbwood Road,” Scheidemantel said.

“Highway striping by WYDOT will follow paving activities.”

Prime contractor is S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette.

The $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard (US 26/WYO 789) project bid was awarded to S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette in September 2017.

Weekly project progress meetings are continuing at 10 a.m. every Thursday in Riverton City Hall. Each public meeting includes time for public comments and questions.

• Concrete paving of a skipped access area near Dollar Store was scheduled for Oct. 22; • Installation of the Webbwood Road and Sunset traffic signals was scheduled between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1; • Asphalt paving of North Federal Boulevard, north of Webbwood Road, is scheduled for Oct. 28-29, with highway striping scheduled on Oct. 30-31; • Work on sidewalks, fillets and double gutter was ongoing throughout the project; and • A project ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for 9 a.m. Nov. 6, in Reach Park near the intersection of Sunset and North Federal Boulevard.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 7

A pickup truck damaged the newly-poured concrete by driving on it Oct. 14.

North Federal project entered final phase in October RIVERTON – Completion is near on the $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project in Riverton, and concrete pours are continuing in Riverton.

Concrete work is continuing this week on the west side of North Federal Boulevard between Sunset Drive and Webbwood Road.

Concrete paving of the Sunset Drive/ North Federal Boulevard intersection occurred Oct. 10.

“Tentative reopening of the Sunset

Paving operations on WYO 132 highway improvement project LANDER – Paving operations were scheduled to begin Oct. 14 on WYO 132 highway improvement project near the intersection of WYO 132 and US 287 on the Blue Sky Highway improvement project near Ethete.

Prime contractor High Country Construction Inc., of Lander, is finetuning placement of crushed gravel base this week on the first two miles of WYO 132 between Ethete and US 287. “We are hopeful to have three miles of crushed gravel base ready for paving,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith of Lander.

Paving operations are dependent upon favorable weather.

Dirt grading and placement of gravel pit run rock base continued on the north end of the $14.63 million Blue Sky Highway improvement project, as the contractor prepared this section of roadway for

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placement of crushed gravel base.

Improvements on the Blue Sky highway improvement project include 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. n

Photo: WYDOT

Total number of employees: As of October 7, 2019

Crews dig in preparation for electric work Sept.

30 near the intersection of US 287 and WYO 132 (Blue Sky Highway) north of Lander.

1,926

One month ago

1,923

One year ago

Total number of highway fatalities: As of October 8, 2019

126

One year ago

91

1,898

Noteworthy

By Aimee Inama Motorists traveling near the Waltman rest area will need to stop, take a break and sample some of the water.

The Waltman rest area, which is operated by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, recently received the Quality on Tap award for great tasting water.

The Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems (WARWS) gave WYDOT the award because of the high score the rest area water system received for drinking water quality.

“We appreciate everything the Wyoming Department of Transportation does to ensure the delivery of quality drinking water,” said Mark Pepper, executive director of the WARWS. “This award recognizes the exceptional system at that rest area.”

Chase Hood, Shoshoni heavy equipment operator for District 5, and Chad Shaffer, Shoshoni foreman, said they are pleased about the designation and attributed the pure taste to the fact that the water isn’t chlorinated but rather treated with ultraviolet rays.

Besides the WYDOT Waltman rest area, other community systems such as Afton, Wilson, Teton County, Torrington and

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT rest area recognized for quality water

Accepting the “Quality on Tap” award from the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems (WARWS) were (from left) WARWS Executive Director Mark Pepper, Shoshoni Heavy Equipment Operator Chase Hood, Shoshoni Foreman Chad Shaffer and WYDOT Director Luke Reiner.

others in Wyoming have received recognition nationally for pure-tasting water.

“We’re a headwater state which is the reason for our great tasting water,” Pepper said. “Our water starts here so it’s pure. We also don’t have as many people using the water.” n

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Noteworthy

By Laura Dalles The Wyoming Department of Transportation commission and executive staff spent a spectacular fall day with District 4 staff members touring construction projects in the Sheridan area prior to their Oct. 17 meeting in Sheridan.

The day began in the Bighorns on US 14 driving the newly completed 10-mile stretch of highway south of Burgess Junction. Stops were made along the way at Sand Turn to discuss the possible future addition of a truck arrester near there, and at the White Cross slide location where contractors were completing paving operations.

Guests were able to check out the nearly completed North Sheridan Interchange and North Main Street reconstruction project, a four year, $56 million dollar project - the largest to date for WYDOT. WYDOT and the City of Sheridan are partnering on a few projects within the city limits which are on the WYDOT

system; those include the reconfiguration of Main Street, a new traffic signal at 5th and Sheridan, and the reconstruction of Coffeen Avenue from Sheridan College to the Big Horn Y. The day ended with dinner at the Brinton Museum. n

Photo: Aimee Inama

WYDOT Commission tours District Four

Wyoming Transportation Commissioners, WYDOT Executive Staff members and District 4 staffers stop for a roadside photo during the District 4 Commission tour.

Courtesy of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources in remembering what happened at Quebec 01.

Quebec 01, the only remaining Peacekeeper Missile Alert Quebec 01 State Historic Site is located west off of I-25 at Exit Facility in the world, was dedicated as a State Historic Site, Oct. 5.

39. n Located 30 miles north of Cheyenne, the public can now tour the site which features on-site living quarters and an elevator down into the below ground launch facilities. The process to get Quebec 01 to the point where it is today, took years of collaboration between state representatives, Wyoming State Parks, the State Historic Preservation Office and F.E. Warren Air Force Base personnel.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for us to educate folks who don’t have the military background about what went on in southeast Wyoming and how unique the Peacekeeper system is,” Quebec 01 Superintendent Christina Bird said.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base was the only place in the world where the MX, or Peacekeeper missile was deployed. The 50 missiles activated, maintained and kept on alert by F. E. Warren Air Force Base personnel were the most advanced and most destructive intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world.

State Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, said the historic site designation is important A view of the Quebec 01 Interior launch control capsule.

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Photo: Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources

Quebec 01 facility opens to the public

Troy Babbitt named WYDOT’s new CTO

By Aimee Inama Troy Babbitt was appointed WYDOT’s Chief Technology Officer in 2019 and oversees the department’s Emergency Communications/Telecommunications, GIS/ITS/TMC and Information Technology/Data Storage/Web Applications programs.

In addition, Babbitt was designated by Gov. Mark Gordon as the 911 coordinator for the state of Wyoming.

“As the new CTO, I will be working with the different programs I oversee to learn more about their needs and the projects they are working on so we can continue to make advancements on the technology side. There continues be a tremendous amount of data collected on WYDOT’s highways and networks, that will be utilized to make for safer travels. It’s an exciting time to be associated with technology and WYDOT,” Babbitt said.

Babbitt brings extensive experience to the position, having worked in several technology positions throughout his 30-plusyear government career.

Most recently, Babbitt served as WYDOT’s Emergency Communications Program Manager, a position he held since Dec. 1, 2016. Emergency Communications, previously known as Telecommunications, oversees WYDOT’s phone, cell, modem systems, WyoLink radio network and infrastructure, microwave network, radio roadside network and statewide field technicians.

As program manager, Babbitt also served as the statewide interoperability coordinator (SWIC) and Wyoming’s FirstNet state point of contact (SPOC) as designated by Gov. Matt Mead.

Before WYDOT, Babbitt served as the broadband enterprise architect in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) with the Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) agency for the state of Wyoming. In that position, Babbitt assisted with the expansion of broadband connectivity across the state with internet

service providers.

Some of his accomplishments include broadband expansion for the Wyoming Unified Network (WUN), assisting WYDOT and service providers in getting new fiber access routes in the interstate right-of-way corridors, assisting with Mead’s annual broadband Babbitt summits and participating in speaking engagements educating statewide leaders and the public of broadband importance, status and future opportunities.

Prior to serving as a broadband enterprise architect, Babbitt worked for the state Department of Administration and Information as a communications system senior specialist, a position he held for 12 years.

In his spare time, Babbitt works as a professional sports photographer, shooting for USA Today and the University of Wyoming. During his career as a photographer, Babbitt has shot photos of the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos and Colorado Rapids. His work has been published in Sports Illustrated multiple times.

After a year of college, Babbitt joined the U.S. Navy and was designated as an aviation electrician’s mate, on the Lockheed P-3 Orion with Patrol Squadron 26 in Brunswick, Maine .

Babbitt has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Wyoming. He is a fourth-generation Wyoming native and was born and raised in Laramie. His wife, Heather, is also a dedicated State employee at the Dept. of Health and they are empty nesters with two daughters and a son-in-law. n

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

Take road conditions with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app. www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go.

Visit wyoroad.info.

    

Know traffic hazards & road conditions before you go View highway webcams "Where am I?" function Hands-free, eyes-free function Easy to use

Available for free download at the Apple App Store.

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Available for free download at the Google Play Store.

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By Aimee Inama Although wildlife crossings in several parts of Wyoming have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions, more work is needed to keep motorists and wildlife safer.

Shelby Carlson, Wyoming Department of Transportation chief engineer, recently gave an overview of the Wildlife & Roadways presentation to the Wyoming Transportation Commission to explain the work the state has completed so far and what’s still needed.

WYDOT has Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson walks through been working with a slideshow presentation about WYDOT’s efthe Wyoming Game forts in wildlife mitigation. and Fish Department (WGFD) and other stakeholders to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions throughout the state. Stakeholders have identified several areas that are in need of crossings and other work.

“Many highways go through habitats and cross wildlife corridors,” Carlson said. “We have a history of mitigating wildlife crashes. WYDOT has and continues to work on wildlife-related issues. We partner with the Game and Fish on fencing, moving wildlife across roadways, carcass disposal, vegetation management, crossing projects, fisheries as ways to help reduce wildlifevehicle collisions and retain wildlife and fisheries habitat.”

From 2013 to 2017, there were 540 fatalities, of which six were wildlife caused, information from WYDOT’s Highway Safety program indicated. Five of the six fatalities were people riding motorcycles.

Additionally, out of 13,387 injury crashes, 282 were wildlife caused, and out of 54,882 property damage only crashes, 12,275

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

WYDOT updates transportation commission on Wildlife mitigation work or 22.4 percent were wildlife caused.

Deer are the species most frequently involved in crashes.

From 2013 to 2017, an average of 2,162 deer were involved in crashes annually compared to an average of 162 antelope, four buffalo, 111 elk, 42 moose and 33 other, which includes bighorn, sheep, bears, wolves and coyotes.

Since 1999, WYDOT’s trackable wildlife expenses per year is about $1.6 million, of which $1.4 million goes toward highway improvements and $212,679 goes toward airport improvements.

Construction investments through 2017 have come to $32 million, of which $28 million were in highway improvements and $4 million were airport improvements. Additionally, WYDOT is planning about $8 million in highway improvements and $4.8 million in airport improvements for wildlife-related projects from 2019 through 2024.

The funding WYDOT has dedicated to wildlife crossings has helped mitigate crashes. WYDOT has installed overpasses and underpasses at Trappers Point, Nugget Canyon, Togwotee Pass, and constructed wildlife fencing at several airports and across the state along highways.

WYDOT also has installed signs alerting motorists they may encounter wildlife on the roads and reduced nighttime speed limits as a way to provide motorists extra time to stop if they encounter animals on the road.

To further help reduce collisions, WYDOT, WGFD, local governments, elected officials and other stakeholders met during a 2017 Wyoming’s Wildlife & Roadway Summit to discuss traveler safety, wildlife mortality, barriers to habitat, migration and funding.

Officials developed several objectives, which included prioritizing issues, developing public support, improving and maintaining communication, seeking funding sources, and enhancing public outreach and education.

One new funding source that came after the group met was the wildlife conservation speciality plate, which the state Legislature approved during its 2018 session. The plate costs an initial

fee of $180, of which $150 goes toward the state Wildlife Conservation Fund and $30 toward the specialty plate fee.

Another accomplishment was the formation of the Wyoming Wildlife Roadway Initiative Implementation Team (WWRIIT), which is comprised of various state agencies such as WYDOT and other stakeholders.

“The WWRIIT provided more than 240 total hot spot sites across the state,” Carlson said. “The field teams refined the list to the top 43 sites considered appropriate for statewide effort. Out of those, the WWRIIT ranked the top 10. The 43 sites have been incorporated into WYDOT’s planning database so they are easily identified when a project is planned in the area.”

The top 10 projects are: • US 20-26 near Dubois • Interstate 80 near Halleck Ridge • WYO 120 north of Meeteetse • US 14A near Cody • US 189 near Kemmerer • Interstate 90 near Powder River • WYO 28 in Sweetwater County • Interstate 25 from Kaycee to Buffalo, and • WYO 487 near Bates Hole To help with the Dry Piney project, the Wyoming Transporta-

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo: Rick Carpenter

• US 189 near Dry Piney

tion Commission and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission recently both committed $1.25 for a total of $2.5 million. That funding will only cover a portion of the work.

Although WYDOT has seen some accomplishments regarding wildlife collision mitigation, department officials will continue to work with WGFD, WWRIIT, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders on funding opportunities to expand the mitigation efforts.

WYDOT will also program projects into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) when funding is available.

The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, capital improvement projects, and statewide communication work that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during this fiscal year that began Oct. 1. n

At the Togwotee Pass grand opening in June 2014 visitors were able to see a wildlife underpass first-hand. The underpass can accommodate an entire herd.

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Stay safe and put down the distractions when driving

By Aimee Inama Employees can do their part to help keep themselves and the traveling public safe by putting down distractions and always buckling up when they drive.

Concerns about the high number of fatalities this year, combined with some calls from the public about observed behavior by some WYDOT drivers, has resulted in this safety reminder.

Employees have a unique opportunity to set a good example for the traveling public by not texting and driving unless the vehicle is equipped with and they are using hands-free or voice-activated technology. Employees can also put down all distractions and ensure they’re always buckled up in their vehicles as other ways to serve as role models.

It’s in WYDOT’s operating policy that employees cannot text and drive or use their cell phones while driving unless the vehicle is equipped with and they are using hands-free or voice-activated technology, and they always must wear their seat belts. WYDOT put those items in its operating policy to ensure everyone goes home safely.

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It’s the right thing to do, the safe thing to do and the best thing to do to so employees can protect themselves, their families and the traveling public. But, if employees need another reason, it’s an official WYDOT policy.

Operating Policy 36-3 outlines vehicle use and what is permitted and not permitted. Under the policy, employees are not permitted to use a cell phone or other electronic device of any purposes while operating a department vehicle. The policy also addresses seat belt use, indicating “employees and all passengers are required, without exception, to wear seat belts when riding in Department vehicles.”

The statistics WYDOT tracks each year show an alarming number of fatalities resulted from distracted driving and lack of seat belts.

As of Oct. 2, Wyoming has had 123 fatalities. In previous years, the yearly totals were 111 in 2018, 123 in 2017 and 112 in 2016.

Once again, employees are reminded to follow policy by putting down the distractions and always buckling up. Keeping employees and the traveling public safe is a top priority at WYDOT. n

WYDOT Retiree Christmas Party is cancelled this year due to changes at the venue.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the past. We are looking into other options for next year, suggestions are welcome. Have a blessed and joyful Christmas season.

Rick Eccli 631-4339; John Lane 638-6348; Pat Collins 635-2344; Pam Hendricks 632-9151; and Ron Kisicki 632-8413

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2019 Employee Survey Results Fellow WYDOT members, As you may recall, we asked you to complete an employee survey several months ago. Your responses were sent directly to the University of Wyoming, which we contracted with to conduct the survey and compile the results.

Let me thank those of you who took the time to complete the survey. It is statistically relevant because of the large number of you that did.

My theory is that the reason we take surveys is to get a sense of what is going on in the organization in terms of pulse, morale, issues, etc. The survey provides an accurate snap shot in time of what our employees think about the organization.

(Please also note that we have added a summary of the responses from the previous four surveys. They provide relative data points.)

While the survey identifies many areas that are going well, there are several responses that indicate potential weaknesses. My opinion is that areas of potential weakness or concern should be directly addressed and that we should work as an entire agency to improve those areas.

With both strengths and weaknesses in mind, some specific comments from my perspective follow: 1) Responses indicated that work expectations are understood and that the agency supports a healthy work-life balance. That’s great.

2) There is concern indicated about our focus on security. I concur and have asked the executive staff to start thinking through what security improvements we should make and when. One of the questions we are asking is “who should own security for the agency.”

Expect to see more in this arena in the near future.

3) There is a group of responses such as “feeling valued at work” and “creating a positive work culture” that I would like to explore further. I will take the opportunity to pick your brains as I travel around the state and will also specifically spend time with the Employee Advisory Teams we are forming and the WTDEA talking through those issues.

4) In the area of Sexual Harassment

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and Discrimination, 77 percent of you reported that WYDOT fosters an environment free of sexual harassment or discrimination. Of the 16 percent of you that experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or discrimination at WYDOT, 21 percent of you felt it was handled appropriately. That number jumped out at me and causes me some concern. To that end, I have asked Mr. Rossetti to work with the appropriate professionals and prepare the material for a course on what appropriate response looks like. I would expect to see more on this topic in the near future.

5) Only 40 percent of you are happy with the material being distributed from my office. I’ll talk to the Employee Advisory Teams and WTDEA and explore what specifically we can improve. You know that transparency and clear, concise communications are very important to me.

6) In terms of written responses, the topic of inadequate compensation and other benefits comes through very clearly. I think we have already started the process of addressing these topics in a deliberate and thoughtful manner .... through cataloging the issues, ongoing dialogue with WYDOT and State HR and the formation of Advisory Teams to make sure we get this right. You will see more on this topic as we move ahead.

If you have specific suggestions or comments relative to the above material, please send me, Julie Newlin or Sandra Sanderson a note.

As I have told many of you, I have found this organization to be made up of men and women who are dedicated and focused on mission and who care deeply about the organization, each other and what they do. I am proud to be a member of WYDOT, greatly enjoy my job and look forward to working with you to make a good organization even better.

Sincerely, Director Luke Reiner

WYDOT streamlines authorized travel program

By Aimee Inama Wyoming motorists who need permission to travel on closed sections of highways when conditions are safe may be eligible for faster approval into the state’s authorized travel program.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is streamlining its WYDOT Authorized Travel (WAT) program to allow faster approval for new and renewing Wyoming applicants under certain conditions. Once approved, WAT users would then receive travel permission alerts the same way.

WYDOT decided to implement a faster-approval system to help when the state has rolling closures on roads like Interstate 80. Those closures typically occur during winter storms when a city reaches its capacity and services are no longer available for additional vehicles.

“To receive faster approval, a person must have a Wyoming address, vehicle registration and driver license,” said Ali Ragan, project manager for WYDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program. “They also can’t have more than six segments of road they are applying for.”

Under the WAT program, WYDOT gives motorists permission to travel if their destinations are between the closure gates and impassable portions of the road. The program is designed primarily for local commuters who travel between home and

work, school, medical appointments and agricultural property.

WAT doesn’t give blanket permission WYDOT for motorists to travel Authorized Travel during every road closure. The only time WYDOT will notify a www.wyoroad.info person is if the section they requested is safe to travel and not impacted by any events that closed the road initially.

Under the new streamlined system, everyone who previously applied to the WAT program will need to reapply as well as those who are new to the program.

Out-of-state applicants and Wyoming residents who request travel on more than six segments will apply online as well but their applications could take longer for approval.

To apply for the WAT program, motorists can visit the Wyoming Travel Information Service website and click on the WAT icon. Motorists will need to submit justification for travel, road sections they need to travel, and driver contact and vehicle information. n

WAT

WYDOT updates road closure definitions

By Aimee Inama Motorists traveling through Wyoming will now have a better understanding of the types of closures the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) may have to implement during the winter months.

WYDOT officials expanded and clarified the closures to give the traveling public even more information. The definitions are posted on WYDOT’s 511 website.

“We wanted to clarify some of our closures to avoid any confusion and to give the public more information when we have a certain closure,” said Stephanie Harsha, public relations specialist for District 3 out of Rock Springs. “These definitions will be available on our 511 website so motorists can not only learn a road is closed due to certain conditions but also learn why the road is closed.”

WYDOT already has definitions on its 511 website that explain closures and weather events. The new closures expand on previous definitions and may replace others.

One of the new definitions is “rolling closures.” The small towns along Interstate 80 have limited resources in terms of parking, fuel, hotel rooms and other amenities. When a town is at capacity, which can happen during a long-duration closure, the closure will be rolled back to the next town to avoid stranding travelers in a location without adequate services. The road may be open in the direction leading away from the affected area.

WYDOT attempts to make accommodations for travelers who do not put a demand on an affected community’s resources by issuing local traffic only restrictions and through the WYDOT Authorized Travel program.

The other new definitions on WYDOT’s 511 website are “partial closure” and “local traffic only.”

For a partial closure, a road is closed to some vehicles but not all.

“This type of closure can include no trailer traffic, closure to light, high-profile vehicles, and may only permit local traffic,” Harsha said.

A partial closure can also impact one lane of travel but not the other. For example, a section of road on Interstate 80 could be closed to eastbound traffic but open to westbound traffic because the incident isn’t impacting the westbound lane of travel.

For the local traffic only closure, a section of road is only open to commuters and local residents but closed to through traffic.

Motorists can learn more about the new definitions, sign up for WYDOT’s Authorized Travel program and get the latest road and travel conditions, by visiting WYDOT’s 511 website. n November 2019

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Game & Fish Courtesy Wyoming Game & Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department needs help from hunters this fall to collect lymph node samples from elk for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing in targeted areas near Pinedale. Hunters are a very important component in helping Game and Fish understand the disease and achieve CWD monitoring goals.

The Pinedale Regional Game and Fish Office is asking hunters who harvest elk in hunt areas 97 and 98 to submit samples for testing. These areas are targeted for more intensive sampling this year with the aim of determining CWD prevalence and providing insight for future management decisions. Hunters outside of this year’s focused surveillance areas can still submit a sample for testing.

Hunters can have animals sampled at any game check station this season or by stopping by the Pinedale Regional Office. If you visit the Regional Office outside of normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), or if personnel are unavailable, there will be a drop box for you to leave the elk head for sampling. When leaving a head in a drop box, hunters are asked to document their license number, date of harvest and hunt area where the animal was taken. Hunters can also learn how to take a sample by watching a how-to video on the Game and Fish website.

Results from CWD testing are available online within three weeks. Hunters can expedite results within 10 working days for a $30 fee; contact the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab in Laramie at (307) 766-9925 for more information.

Hunters also need to be aware of Wyoming carcass transport rules to prevent the spread of CWD within Wyoming and other states. Wyoming’s regulations require deer, elk and moose hunters transport only the following items within Wyoming: • Deer, elk and moose can be transported to a camp, private residence for processing, a taxidermist, a processor or a CWD sample collection site in Wyoming provided the head and all portions of the spinal column remain at the site of kill or such

Conservationist nominations accepted until Dec. 2 Courtesy Wyoming Game & Fish Cheyenne - Nominate conservationists — past and present — until Dec. 2 for the 2020 Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame. Potential inductees are those who made a significant, lasting, lifetime contribution to conservation and Wyoming’s outdoor heritage.

“The Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame is a prestigious award that honors and recognizes conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts whose life works ensure Wyoming’s outdoor heritage will remain for future generations,” said Brian Nesvik, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “I invite you to submit a nomination this year to honor a person who has made a legacyimpact on Wyoming’s outdoors.”

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parts are disposed in any approved landfill or approved incinerator in Wyoming. A listing of landfills that will accept waste from processed game animals and whole carcasses is available on the Game and Fish website.

• Cut and wrapped meat • Edible portions with no portion of the spinal column or head attached • Cleaned hide without the head attached • Skull, skull plate or antlers that have been cleaned of all meat and brain tissue • Teeth • Finished taxidermy mounts Whole deer, elk and moose carcasses cannot be transported out of Wyoming. The only parts approved to leave the state are edible portions with no part of the spinal column or head; cleaned hide without the head; skull, skull plate or antlers that have been cleaned of all meat and brain tissue; teeth; or finished taxidermy mounts. All hunters need to check with their home states for the rules about importing deer, elk or moose from Wyoming. n

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Hunters can help collect samples for CWD research

Since 2004, the Outdoor Hall of Fame has recognized 63 individuals who have worked consistently over many years to conserve Wyoming’s natural resources through volunteer service, environmental restoration, educational activities, audio/visual and written media, the arts and political and individual leadership. Last year’s inductees included Mark Haroldson, John W. Scott (posthumously), Glen F. Cole (posthumously), and Orrin and Lorraine Bonney (posthumously).

The induction ceremony will take place in Cody at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in March; tickets will be available for the public to attend. Hall of Fame nomination forms can be downloaded from: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/Outdoor-Hallof-Fame n

Training Six ways to improve

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services Do you want to do better at what you do at WYDOT? Do you want more job satisfaction? Do you want to get better results? If your answer is yes, yes or yes, we’ve got six super solutions for you: The Six Big Themes for 2020.

The “Themes” are learning resources designed to empower the betterment of the work that you do. The first of these kicked off in October with the Coaching Learning Plan. Each week of the Learning Plan, new content is added and participants receive an email highlighting the latest content.

Here are some comments that we have received from participants in relation to various learning activities in the Coaching Learning Plan: • “I know I have plenty to improve on and look forward to improving skills through this learning plan.”

• “My coaching skills are adequate but I need to further develop and hone my coaching skills to improve my motivation techniques, and build on my interpersonal skills.”

• “By using questions, it gets the employee to think about their problem and start to find solutions. This is the only way an employee can grow.”

In December-January, the focus will be building and maintaining effective work teams. The Team Building Learning Plan will be made available to supervisors, however, all WYDOT employees are encouraged to sign up for the December-January Learning Plan as it becomes available.

You can learn more about all of the themed learning plans on the WYDOT Training Services website. n

Six Big Themes for 2020 Coaching

Team Building

Evaluating Performance

Oct./Nov.

Dec./Jan.

Feb./Mar.

Innovation

Conflict Management

Motivating Others

Apr./May

June/July

Aug./Sept.

Expand your knowledge with books, videos, articles, classes...

Sign up for a themed learning plan anytime!

Steps: 1. Log in to the WELL 2. Search for the Learning Plan 3. Click the “+” sign next to the title to enroll 4. Access the content: a. Click on MY LEARNING b. Click on MY LEARNING PLANS c. Select the Learning Plan d. Complete Learning Activities

HR representative put to the WYPAT

By Jo Anderson and Courtney Herceg Jo Anderson, with WYDOT HR in Cheyenne, put her abilities to the test to complete the Wyoming Highway Patrol Physical Abilities Test (WYPAT) on Oct. 2. According to the WHP website, “the WYPAT is a hybrid physical ability/job sample physical abilities assessment process designed to evaluate Law Enforcement officer candidates on the essential physical capacities required to satisfactorily perform their job duties.”

Although these physical requirements are rarely used in her position in HR,

Anderson took this opportunity to put the ‘human’ in human resources to good use and build a solid relationship between HR and the members of the WHP. “Not only did I take away a more thorough and genuine understanding of the physical demands put on Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers, I also took away the WYPAT cough, which, apparently, is a thing,” said Anderson.

Maj. Joshua Walther, Lt. Kyle McKay and Sgt. Momen Elazizi were present to support Anderson during the test, which she completed in 6:47.

Video of the WYPAT can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AmAYEycwfL4 n

Photo: Courtney Herceg

HR news

HR Associate Jo Anderson (center) stands with Lt. Kyle McKay (left) and Maj. Joshua Walther after she finished WYPAT physical abilities test.

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District News

Barbara Thomasee, Office ServicesFiles – 30 years; Lance Atkinson, Highway Development-Project Development – 20 years; Scott Henderson, Right of Way-Administration – 20 years; Kyle McKay, Patrol-Safety and Training – 20 years; Vincent Gierisch, Patrol-Support Services Operation – 15 years; Travis Saner, Highway DevelopmentEngineering Services – 15 years; Wesley Bybee, Construction Staff – 10 years; Leanna Humble, Planning-Local Government Coordination – 10 years; John Poelma, Maintenance Staff – 10 years; Kristi Pomeroy, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title – 10 years; Carol Denny, Fuel Tax-Administration – 5 years; Leo Ferguson, Patrol-Safety and Training – 5 years; and Calla Power, Patrol-Safety and Training – 5 years.

Headquarters

Welcome Rosalie Claypool, Financial ServicesGeneral Ledger; Colten Holcomb, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25; Shea Johnson, Office Services-Files; Bryant Knowlton, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Geraldine Lebsack, Office Services-Mailroom; Kyle Thomas, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80.

Management-Security; Ryan Kolb, Right of Way-Property Management; Janelle Ladbury, Bridge-Engineering Design; Millissia Ludtke, Right of Way-Property Management; and Darin Lundberg, Driver Services-CDL.

Martinez

Lebsack

Promotions and Transfers Scott Carey, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection; Jonathan Clark, Right of Way-Property Management; Duard Dilday III, Maintenance Staff; David Johnson, Facilities

Whalen-Steege

Bixler

James Fibranz retired Sept. 4 from the Traffic Program as a Design Specialist with 23 years of service to the state. n

Service Awards Martin Deleeuw, Procurement Services-Buying – 35 years; Patrick Martinez, Materials-Bituminous – 35 years; Craig Walker, Geology – 35 years; Laura Whalen Steege, Driver Services-Cheyenne – 35 years; Kenneth Bixler, Driver Services-Region 4 – 30 years; Richard Carpenter, Public Affairs – 30 years;

Carey

Ludtke

Fibranz

Photo: WYDOT

Ladbury

Retirements

Recent retiree Jeff Sauter (center, holding sign) and the District electrical technicians at his final tech training in Lander this September. Sauter retired from the Traffic Program on Oct. 4 with 39 years of service to WYDOT.

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Photo: WYDOT

Johnson

Walker

Assistant Chief Engineer-Engineering and Planning Keith Fulton poses by the venerated NHL’s Stanley Cup while at the recent AASHTO annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.

District 2

District 1

Welcome

Retirements

Ronald Hardy, Medicine Bow Maintenance; James Hoflund, Laramie Maintenance; Jimmy Russell, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Brandon Strannigan, Saratoga Maintenance.

John Page VI retired Sept. 28 from the Wyoming Highway Patrol with 19 years of service to the state. He was stationed in Elk Mountain. n

Promotions and Transfers Bridger Helm, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Chad Sanderson, Rawlins Maintenance.

Welcome Darin Brott, Torrington Mechanics; Merritt Hageman, Traffic-Striping; and Don Nielson, Chugwater Maintenance.

Service Awards Jay Stuck, Torrington Maintenance – 10 years.

Page

Congrats Mark Nelson has been selected as the resident engineer for District 2 in Douglas effective Oct. 1. n

Service Awards William Knighton, Cheyenne Maintenance – 5 years.

Nelson

District 3

Retirements

Justin Andrew, Kemmerer Maintenance; Austin Pauli, Traffic-Signing; Jeremiah Traughber, LaBarge Maintenance.

Donald Tucker retired Sept. 6 from Rock Springs Mechanics as the senior heavy mechanic with 11 years of service to the state.

Whitman Harold Whitman retired Sept. 6 from LaBarge Maintenance with eight years of service to WYDOT.

Promotions and Transfers Steven King, LaBarge Maintenance.

Service Awards

King

le Afte yc

r

ading!

Re

ease Re c Pl

Clay Seals, Jackson Maintenance – 15 years; and Gloria Baker, Port of Entry-Evanston – 5 years.

K-9 Hunter retires after nine years of service Wyoming Highway Patrol’s K-9 Hunter retired from service September 2019. K-9 Hunter was purchased in 2010 for narcotics detection work and paired initially with Sgt. Jeremy Beck, who is now assigned to the Safety and Training Section at Headquarters in Cheyenne as the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Public Information Officer.

At the time of K-9 Hunter’s retirement, he was the longest-serving K-9 on the Highway Patrol’s K-9 Team. Most recently, K-9 Hunter and his handler, Trooper Scott Neilson, was assigned to Division ‘D’ in Lyman. K-9 Hunter served the State of Wyoming for a total of nine years, and during that time, was deployed 418 times resulting in several cases where illegal narcotics were seized.

K-9 Hunter was directly involved in the seizure of more than 1,069 pounds of marijuana, 136.1 grams of cocaine, 4.7 pounds of methamphetamine, 35.1 grams of heroin and 1.3 pounds of other illegal narcotics. K-9 Hunter was also instrumental in the seizure of illicit funds generated from the trafficking of narcotics of more than $382,667.

K-9 Hunter has had an exceptional career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and most definitely earned his retirement. The agency and K-9 team will miss Hunter, but he is currently enjoying his time off with Trooper Neilson and his family. We wish K-9 Hunter a long and enjoyable retirement. n

Photo: WYDOT

Welcome

K-9 Hunter with his handler Trooper Scott Neilson.

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District 4

District 5

Welcome

Promotions and Transfers

Service Awards

Troy Overberg, Sheridan Construction.

Cassandra Kaul, Gillette Construction.

David Harrenga, Lander Maintenance – 25 years; and John Hoffman, Worland Patrol – 10 years. n

Service Awards

Overberg

Kaul

Scott Hamilton, Traffic-Signing – 25 years; Paul Miller, Traffic Striping-Sheridan – 10 years; John Hollowman, Sundance Maintenance – 5 years; and Russell Stewart, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail – 5 years. n

Hamilton

Miller

Hollowman

Harrenga

Hoffman

Photo: WYDOT

Stewart

Riverton Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel (left) and District 5 Construction Engineer Randy Merritt presented Ronald Hoffman with his 30-year service award.

Out in the Community

Classic? Hot rod?

Late model?

Two wheeler?

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Get those photos in the next issue of Rides!

A handful of WYDOT employees, retirees, spouses and friends helped out at the Great Pumpkin Run, hosted by Cheyenne Rods and Customs, at Cheyenne Alta Vista Elementary School. The group gathered on Oct. 25 to show off their custom rides and carve pumpkin with the school’s students with special needs. The participants were (from left) current WYDOT employee Bryan Wenger, Equipment; Rick Eccli, Photogrammetry and Survey; Hank Ramirez, Photogrammetry and Survey; Lyle Brownell; Fred Williams, Construction; Dan Moench, Utilities, and his wife, Belinda; Jim Haefele, Contracts and Estimates, and his wife, Estelle; Bill Beardsley; and John Arceaga.

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Rides deadline:

11/15/19

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Awards

By Aimee Inama Wyoming is once again one of the top states for the highest number of people registering to become organ donors.

Wyoming ranks sixth in the nation and third in the region for donor designation rates on driver licenses. The donor designation rate is the rate individuals join a state’s organ and tissue donor registry, information from Donor Alliance, a nonprofit organization that serves Colorado and Wyoming, indicated.

Misty Dobson, Wyoming Department of Transportation Driver Services manager, and Renee Krawiec, WYDOT Driver Services deputy program manager, recently accepted the bronze award for Wyoming for being the third highest state in the region.

Donate Life America, in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Associations (AAMVA), presented the award to Wyoming.

Photo: WYDOT

Donor designation puts Wyoming in top 10

Driver Services Program Manager Misty Dobson (center) and Driver Services Deputy Program Manager Renee Krawiec (second from right) accepted the AAMVA bronze award for Wyoming, the third highest state donor designation rates in the nation’s Mountain region.

The following are the top 10 in the nation for state donor designation rates.

1. Colorado: 69.1 percent (highest in the nation and in the Mountain region)

6. Wyoming: 60.6 percent (third highest in the Mountain region) 7. South Dakota: 60.5 percent 8. Louisiana: 57.7 percent

2. Michigan: 64.4 percent

9. Maine: 55.8 percent

3. Arkansas: 61.9 percent

10. Vermont: 54.2 percent

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4. Montana: 61.4 percent (second highest in the Mountain region) 5. Virginia: 60.8 percent

Beach vacation?

Hunting season?

Photo: WYDOT

Get your photos in the January issue!

Outdoors deadline:

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) officials attended an event recently where Gov. Mark Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing first responders. The event featured speeches from Gov. Gordon, Laramie County Sheriff Danny Glick and FirstNet Authority Chief Technology and Operations Officer Jeff Bratcher. WYDOT officials in attendance included Troy Babbitt, WYDOT chief technology officer; Nathan Smolinski, WYDOT WyoLink support manager; and Col. Kebin Haller, Wyoming Highway Patrol.

12/15/19

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov November 2019

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Passings Renae R. Livermore Renae Rachelle Livermore, 64, died Sept. 21 in Sun City West, Arizona.

Livermore was born April 21, 1955, in Elgin, North Dakota.

She attended high school in Lemmon, South Dakota, followed by Huron State College in Huron, South Dakota, which Wacker she attended for one year.

Livermore began her career with WYDOT as a Driver’s License specialist in Rawlins in September 1993. She remained in Rawlins as the Driver Services regional supervisor until her retirement in May 2017 with more than 23 years of service.

Mainard Wacker Mainard Wacker, 86, of Cheyenne, died Sept. 23 at Davis Hospice Center.

He was born May 9, 1933, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Arthur and JoElla Wacker. He later married Sarah Hawes on Aug. 11, 1956 in Cheyenne.

Wacker was a veteran Wacker of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy.

Wacker had a long career as a civil engineer with the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. He retired in December 1993 as hydraulic engineer, with more than 37 years of service.

He was a member of First Congregational Church, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Academy of Science, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Military Officers Association of America, National Model Railroaders Association, Train Collectors Association and City Band. He was a Sunday school teacher for adults and children, moderator of First Congregational Church and was active in the Colorado Brass Band.

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Services were held Sept. 30 at First Congregational Church with military honors and a reception. Private interment was at Lakeview Cemetery.

Those who wish, may contribute to Davis Hospice Center, First Congregational Church or Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra.

John M. Williams John M. Williams, 85, of Cheyenne passed away Feb. 20 at Lifecare Center.

He was born Jan. 21, 1934, in Casey, Iowa, to Wayne and Dorothea Williams.

He married Marilyn Williams Atkinson on May 14, 1960, in Cheyenne.

Williams worked for the Traffic Program in Cheyenne until his retirement in July 1994, having served 14 years at WYDOT. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Williams was raised in a farm family in Iowa and enjoyed watching football, going to the health club and taking care of his beautiful lawn. He was a very social person and would talk to anybody, anywhere and could visit for hours. His family was the most important thing in his life. n

Congratulations to our October recipient!

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.

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

Over the Limit?

Under Arrest.

Buckle up, turkey.

Every turkey trip.

Every turkey time.

Always use a designated driver.

WTDEA

WTDEA and WyHy host Trunk or Treat In its second year, WTDEA & WyHy Trunk or Treat was again a smashing success. The totals for donations and volunteerism are even better than last year.

Eighth annual WTDEA Headquarters Relief Fund chili cook-off

1500

The eighth annual chili cook-off was once again a success for the WTDEA’s Relief Fund. The event fed 76 chili-hungry patrons in the Headquarters campus car barn. Participants were given taster cups of the different chilis and got a full bowl of the chili they voted for.

After votes were tallied, congratulations went out to Geology employee Holly Daniels who was chosen the victor and repeated her win from last year.

A 50/50 raffle was also held and it raised $202 and the winner, Misty Wood from Sheridan, donated her winnings back to the Relief Fund. WTDEA was able to raise just more than $600 for the Relief Fund during the event, which included a generous anonymous donation.

The cook off wouldn’t have been possible without volunteer cooks Tony Avila, Carol Denny, Holly Daniels, Justin Mordahl, Jenny Parsons, Alyssa Meyers, Jessica Fehlberg, Misty Wood, Chrystal Fauver and Mark Falk.

WYHY provided wonderful cornbread muffins from the Bread Basket and many thanks to the Facilities Maintenance crew for all the help they provide with setup and tear-down of the car barn. n

Attendance Decorated Trunks

1200

Donated Candy Non-Perishable Food Donations Personal Care Item Donations

900

0

2018 2019 Aside from the amazing donations and attendance, the trunks this year were next level. Each trunk was in competition for overall best trunk and it was evident at the polls that it was a tough decision. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and Lisa Fresquez from Civil Rights and her husband, Chewy, took home the honor once again. Fresquez is the reigning champ from last year and she keeps the traveling gargoyle trophy, gets another Starbucks gift card and has an additional 365 days of bragging rights. A “King Candy” title was also given to Contracts and Estimates employee Matt Simpson for being the individual who donated the most candy.

The WTDEA Trunk or Treat was organized once again by Budget Grants Analyst Chelsey Lindsay and Maintenance Staff Tech Laura Schei who truly made the event “spooktacular.”

“It was great to see all of the different programs out to help the community,” said Schei. “From the candy donations, to the decorated trunks – it all came together and was a huge success.”

WTDEA thanks all programs especially the Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, and Buildings and Grounds groups, Wyoming Highway Patrol, WyHy, Wyoming State Parks, Cheyenne Fire, Cheyenne Police, Laramie County Sheriff Department, Wyoming Air National Guard and the Clocktower Cosplay Group. These groups made the event the success it was. n

Contracts and Estimates employee Matt Simpson with the illustrious “King Candy” award.

Photo: Chelsey Lindsay

Photo: Chelsey Lindsay

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Laura Schei (left) and Chelsey Lindsay with the donated candy for the event.

1,390 18 99 914 132

300

885 15 60 409 143

600

Photo: WYDOT

Chili cook-off participants (from left) Geology Program Manager Mark Falk, Geology employee James Dahill, Sheridan Construction employee Misty Wood and Geology employee Holly Daniels.

WTDEA & WyHy Trunk or Treat

Civil Rights manager Lisa Fresquez and husband, Chewy, with the winning trunk “Day of the Dead.”

November 2019

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LOVE YOUR VEHICLE BUT NOT YOUR

LOAN PAYMENT?

We’re with you.

Bring your new or used auto loan from another bank or credit union and refinance your ride with WyHy today!

UP TO 1% RATE REDUCTION RATES AS LOW AS 2.75 %

APR*

CHEYENNE 1715 Stillwater Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82009

CASPER 1521 Centennial Court Casper, WY 82609

WyHy.org/RefiYourRide | (800) 442-2392 *Member must provide proof of current rate. All loans are subject to credit approval. Some restrictions apply. Offer excludes other loan products not limited to motorsport vehicles, trailers, boats, recreational vehicles, personal loans/lines, credit cards and real estate.

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Break Time Find the five differences in the two photos for this month’s break time puzzle.

Answer to the October 2019 Break Time maze:

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

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

Add me to the mailing list

Retiree Employee

Change my address

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

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

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

November 2019

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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