Interchange – November 2023

Interchange November 2023

Vol. 51, Iss. 11

The Contracts and Estimates program

By Mark Horan and Jordan Young “That guardrail over there cost $84 a linear foot, and that bridge we just went over was built for $26 million,” Doug Jensen points out to his wife as they drive down the road.

He admits that sharing his random knowledge about project costs makes her a little crazy, but that’s what happens when you work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Contracts and Estimates program for more than 10 years.

As program manager, Jensen oversees a relatively small office that plays a significant role within the bigger WYDOT picture. He is joined by Assistant Program Manager Chris Pivik, Grants and Contracts Specialist LaDonna Hurd, Records and Data Management Specialist Chica Thomas, and Senior Staff Technicians Mark Janicek and Timothy Bennett.

As their name implies, the program is responsible for calculating project cost estimates at various stages throughout the design cycle and placing projects under contract after they’ve been awarded by the Transportation Commission. But the program’s main purpose is to schedule, advertise and hold bid lettings for all construction projects laid out in the State Transportation Improvement Plan.

During the project design stage, Jensen and his team will go through the plans with various departments and work through clearances in order to meet federal guidelines. That includes making sure that any issues with right-of-way, environmental services and utilities have been addressed. They also do a rough engineering estimate on the total value of the project so it can be earmarked for federal funding reimbursement and for

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Meet the team behind the bid lettings for STIP projects

Mark Janicek (hidden), Timothy Bennett (left) and Doug Jensen from the Contracts and Estimates Program review documents at an October bid letting in Casper.

STIP budgeting and planning.

C and E works with Project Development designers to determine the type and quantity of various bid items (i.e. construction materials) required for the project. Using a specialized software system, Jensen and his team is then able to estimate the cost of those bid items based on historical data from the last five years.

Estimates are based on current dollars,

with inflation factors added on each year until the project is ready to be let. The final estimate, used during the bid letting and provided to the Transportation Commission when they award, is calculated just a few days before the letting for maximum accuracy.

But the estimating process is not an exact science and can prove to be challenging work.

Contracts continued on page 3

Contents

Interchange November 2023

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.

Features 1 7 8 11

Volume 51, Issue 11

The Contracts and Estimates Program

Meet the team behind the bid lettings for STIP projects

WYDOT, United Way corn hole tournament WYDOT, WGFD celebrate ribbon cutting of Dry Piney wildlife crossing project Wyoming becomes second state to be named ‘Donate Life Community’

Staff WYDOT Director

Programs and Partner Agencies

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Employee Safety

13

Public Affairs Manager

Highway Safety

10

Procurement Services

14

Editor

Tourism

14

Training

12

U.S. Forest Service

15

Also in this issue District Briefs

4

By the Numbers

5

District News

16

Letters

19

Passings

19

WTDEA

21

Break Time

23

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

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Doug McGee Carlie Dakins

Contributors Carlie Dakins Matt Groth Mark Horan Jordan Young Andrea Staley Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Lt. Kyle McKay

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

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.

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contracts continued from cover

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

“Before 2021, when we estimated projects, I would look back at three to five years’ worth of data and make a determination on what a bid item price should be,” he said. “Today, I can’t look back very far, because a lot of our bid prices have more than doubled in the last year and a half. So, it’s really hard to try to pick out what the pricing trend is and have confidence in that value.”

According to Jensen, there was a 54 percent increase in the cost of a project in FY 2022, and this year they’re seeing a nearly 14 percent increase from 2023.

“Inflation has just been crazy and hard to understand these last few years, and it makes our job quite difficult,” he noted.

Once construction plans and design are finalized and ready to be let to a contract, the project comes to the C and E office where it is added to a 12 month letting schedule. The schedule allows contractors to plan ahead to decide which projects they want to bid on that construction season.

As required by law, Contracts and Estimates advertises upcoming bid lettings and their attached projects on WYDOT’s public website and through the newspaper. Most projects are advertised for three to four weeks.

Project information is accessible to interested parties through a software system known as ICX. Contractors can use that platform to purchase plans for a small fee and to prepare their bids.

Once bids are prepared, they must be printed and signed.

WYDOT does provide a computer and printer at the letting in case there are any last minute changes, and has staff available to notarize documents and bid signatures. C and E staff also make themselves available to contractors for any questions or issues with the software. It’s not unusual for Jensen’s team to get a call or email from a contractor in the late night hours before a letting, noting that his office serves as a “front face with the contractors” through the bidding process.

“Without the contractors, WYDOT doesn’t exist,” Jensen said.

Contracts and Estimates Program Manager Doug Jensen speaks with contractors at a past bid letting at Little America in Cheyenne.

“They’re very integral for us as a department to be able to do anything. They’re very, very valuable partners.”

Currently, all bids must be submitted in paper format, but Jensen anticipates that the capability to submit electronic bid submissions will be available in the next year.

“That will eliminate just about any error a contractor could make,” Jensen said. “We’re always trying to automate or streamline things, but meeting the federal guidelines has never wavered.”

Public bid lettings are held once a month and generally occur 10 times throughout the year. Each letting will contain multiple jobs.

“We don’t want to go to a letting with just one or two jobs,” Jensen said. “We want to go with enough jobs to make it worth the contractor’s time.”

Up to now, lettings have been held in various places around the state in conjunction with the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming’s monthly meetings. However, beginning next year the meeting location will be at the discretion of the Contracts and Estimates Program. Jensen said they’ll hold the lettings in Casper as much as possible because of its centralized location.

The morning of a letting, doors open at 7:30 a.m. for contractors to start bringing in their bids, which must be in a sealed envelope. Sealed envelopes are accepted until 9 a.m. sharp.

“If it’s 1 second after 9 a.m., according to our official clock, and the contractors try to give it to us, we can’t accept it,” Jensen said.

He admitted it can feel pretty harsh, but treating everyone the same maintains the integrity of the process.

At the start of the letting, bids are unsealed and immediately reviewed for any irregularities or unmet criteria. If, for example, a bid is not signed, it cannot be accepted as an official bid. Another example: While the bidding contractor may hire subcontractors, they must show they’re able to complete a minimum of 30 percent of the work themselves.

The bids are read publicly, and the bid amounts will be compared to what Jensen’s program has determined as the final estimate. Then, Jensen will announce the apparent low bidder on the project; in most cases, WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest apparent bidder.

“After the bid letting, we take all of the bids back and do a harder check on them to look for any irregularities or issues with the bid,” Jensen said. “Then we make a recommendation to the assistant chief engineer to take to the Commission for award.”

Once the Commission awards the bid, C and E will send contracts for signature and then to the appropriate resident engineer to start the physical construction portion of the project lifecycle.

While his program is a smaller cog in the construction project machine, Jensen understands the importance of what his program does for the state.

“We are the watchdog to make sure we’re meeting the measure of federal mandates so that we can be reimbursed with that money,” he said.

Jensen also praised his team and how well everyone works together, noting that most of his five-person program has been with C and E for more than 15 years – a statistic that seems to be increasingly rarer at WYDOT. “I have an outstanding crew,” he said. “There’s a lot of depth and wealth in that background knowledge.”

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District Briefs Headquarters

Commission awards more than $63.5 million in contracts in October CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded more than $63.5 million in contracts for 10 Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Oct. 19 regular business meeting.

A nearly $19.13 million bid was awarded to Cheyenne-based Reiman and Aztec JV Limited Partnership for work involving realigning water lines, widening the project area, sidewalk work, storm water drainage, aggregate surfacing, grading, traffic control, structure work, electrical work, concrete and asphalt paving and curb and gutter work on approximately 2.6 miles of US Highway 30 between Pershing Boulevard and Christensen Road in the City of Cheyenne. The contracted completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

Lovell-based Mountain Construction Company was awarded a nearly $9.21 million bid for a project involving milling, overlay, chip seal, asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, traffic control, fencing and other work on approximately 14.7 miles of US Highway 14/16/20 and Wyoming Highway 120 between Cody and Greybull in Park County. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

S and S Builders LLC, based out of Gillette, was awarded a nearly $10.72 million bid for a combined project involving bridge rehabilitations, traffic control, asphalt paving and guardrail work at various locations within Campbell and Weston Counties. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

The commission awarded a $6.5 million bid to H-K Contractors Inc., based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho, for a combined project in Lincoln County. The work involves full depth reclamation, pavement overlay, upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and pathway work, including asphalt overlay, structure rehabilitation, grading and traffic control on approximately 8.1 miles

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of Wyoming Highway 233 and County Road 306 between Frontier and Hams Fork. The contracted completion date is June 30, 2025.

A $5.34 million bid was awarded to Worland-based McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. for a project involving milling, asphalt paving, traffic control and grading on approximately 6.7 miles of Wyoming Highway 59 north of Reno Junction in Campbell County. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.

Also expected to be complete by Oct. 31, 2024, a project involving asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, structure work, traffic control, grading, storm water drainage and milling on approximately 1.3 miles of US 30 between Pine Bluffs and Nebraska in Laramie County was awarded to Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors was with a $2.29 million bid.

The commission awarded a nearly $1.99 million bid to Reiman Corp. for work involving structure rehabilitation and traffic control at various locations within Converse and Laramie Counties.

This project also has a contracted completion date of Oct. 31, 2024.

Highway Improvement Inc., based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was awarded a $926,726 bid for work involving crack sealing, traffic control, asphalt paving and concrete paving at various locations within Converse, Goshen, Natrona, Niobrara and Platte Counties. The contracted completion date is April 30, 2024.

The projects above are all funded primarily with Federal dollars. Two projects awarded this month were funded primarily with state dollars: • Simon Contractors was awarded a nearly $3.6 million bid for work involving asphalt paving, structure work, traffic control, grading, milling, chip seal, surfacing and erosion control work on approximately 3.6 miles of Wyoming Highway 72 between Hanna and Elk Mountain in Carbon County. The contracted completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

• Afton-based Avail Valley Construction was awarded a nearly $3.79 million bid for a project involving stockpiling salt and sand at various locations within Lincoln, Sublette,

Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta Counties.

The contract completion date is March 31, 2024.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

District 1

Spill clean-up caused small detour in Laramie LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and EnviroServe detoured traffic on Oct. 4.

The detour was at the Interstate 80 westbound entrance ramp at 3rd Street in Laramie. Crews closed the northbound free-right lane entrance and redirected travelers to the hard-right entrance.

The detour began the morning of Oct. 4 and lasted one day as crews with EnviroServe addressed soil remediation.

The project was expected to be completed in one day.

Work on rail spur caused road closure on WYO 76 through Sinclair RAWLINS – Crews with Great Basin Industrial began work on the rail spur on Wyoming Highway 76/Lincoln Avenue adjacent to the Sinclair refinery Oct. 3.

The rail spur is located between mileposts 220.88-220.96 on WYO 76. No traffic was allowed through the closure.

Travelers wishing to access the east side of the closure could take exit 221 off of Interstate 80. Those wishing to access the west side of the closure area were able to take exit 219.

The closure was anticipated to last a couple weeks.

Utility work along routes in District 1 RAWLINS – Travelers on Wyoming Highway 789 and Interstate 80 experienced delays as crews with Rocky Mountain Power began utility work Sept. 28 on WYO 789 and Oct. 2 on I-80.

WYO 789 had brief roadway closures near milepost 5 while crews facilitate the repair of overhead power lines in the area.

District 2

Center Street at I-25 closed temporarily CASPER - Center Street under Interstate 25 closed Oct. 18 to allow for the demolition and removal of the northbound I-25 bridge over the street. The closure lasted four days, until Oct. 21.

Detours were in place. For access to businesses and residences north of I-25 in the Center Street area, use of F Street was recommended. The F Street/Center Street intersection remained open. For locations on the south side of I-25, the East E Street/Center Street intersection remained open. The closure did not affect McKinley Street.

The closure and bridge removal is part of a two year project to replace four interstate bridges in Casper along with a bridge over the North Platte River on F Street. The project began in June.

Once the northbound structure was removed, Center Street reopened under I-25, though traffic was reduced to one lane each direction through the construction area.

District 3

Swinging bridge closure JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Reiman Corp., closed access to Teton County Road 2210, Swinging Bridge Road, on Oct. 23, to replace the bridge over the Snake River.

The closure will be in place for more than a year and a half, and the new bridge should open in the early part of summer,

2025.

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

The work includes the demolition and removal of the old structure and the construction of a new structure in the same location. The scope of work includes additional grading, traffic control, road surfacing and other miscellaneous work.

The contract was awarded in September of this year and the completion date for the work is June 30, 2025.

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

Once a new bridge has been constructed

by WYDOT, the local agency maintains responsibility for all maintenance on the structure.

Total number of employees: As of Sept. 27, 2023

1,763

One month ago

1,760

One year ago

1,729

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Traffic was stopped briefly while power lines were moved overhead. Five brief stoppages were anticipated to facilitate helicopter operations.

I-80 had interior lane closures in both east and westbound lanes near milepost 234 to facilitate the repair of overhead power lines in the area.

Wyoming Highway Patrol escorted traffic through the area at a reduced speed while overhead helicopter operations took place. Eastbound on-ramp at Fort Steele and westbound on-ramp at Walcott Junction had intermittent closures throughout the day to accommodate the helicopter operations.

Swinging Bridge off of US 26/89/189/191 in Teton County.

Crews working in the Snake River, work on new wetlands JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, temporarily changed the Snake River channel at the Snake River Bridge. The minor channel change is the safest method for river users and the most hydraulically gentle way to maintain the flow of the river.

Over the summer, WYDOT consulted with Teton County, Protect Our Water Briefs continued on page 6

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of October 24, 2023

116

One year ago

111

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Photo: Google Earth

District 5

A proposed wetland area near Rendezvous Park to offset the removal of the wetlands along the roadway due to construction.

Patching work on Teton Pass impacted traffic JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from H-K Contractors, Inc. and Coldwater Group, patched damaged road sections of Wyoming Highway 22, around milepost 11.6 and 12.7, on Teton Pass on Oct. 6.

Work took place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Crews anticipated the job would be completed in two days.

During the work, a single lane of traffic was controlled by flagging operations.

Drivers were warned to expect delays and plan their travels accordingly.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 5 Jackson Hole, Snake River Fund, Rendezvous Park, adjacent landowners, and others to ascertain the best way to proceed.

Because the volume of water released from Jackson Dam has been reduced to its winter flow, it was decided that this time of year is best to minimize impact on the river.

Construction has progressed on the two piers on the west side of the Snake River where there is no flow. After changing the channel, Ames will begin work on piers 3 and 4 on the east side, which are currently in the existing channels of the Snake River. A cofferdam will be built around the work zone to create a dry workspace for the contractor, and the channel will be temporarily changed to flow between piers 2 and 3.

WYDOT and Ames will restore flows to the original channel in the spring before high water season. This change will need to be made again next fall for the second stage of the bridge construction and will be removed again in the spring of 2025.

Additionally, as part of the agreement with Rendezvous Park, WYDOT is working with the contractor to create wetlands in the park to offset the wetlands that will be removed along the roadway due to the construction. This work began Oct. 4 and will continue through the late fall, when local park use is low and will occur in two locations near the project.

The work is part of the Snake River Bridge and Intersection project, which was awarded in November 2022. The work includes the replacement of the Snake River Bridge on WYO 22, the reconstruction of the intersection of WYO 22 and WYO 390, wildlife crossings and other work on approximately 1.80 miles of WYO 22/WYO 390 in Teton County.

More information about the project history is available at www.dot.state.wy.us/ snakeriver. The completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

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

For more information on construction projects across Wyoming, visit our web site at www.wyoroad.info.

Damaged asphalt along WYO 22 outside Jackson.

Fremont County DUI Team debuts impaired driving enforcement in Riverton RIVERTON – A new multi-jurisdictional DUI Team debuted in Fremont County on Oct. 27.

The Fremont County DUI Team is staffed by officers, deputies and troopers of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office and the police departments of Riverton, Shoshoni and Lander. The team is funded by a WYDOT Highway Safety Behavioral Grant and is intended to focus high visibility enforcement on areas in Fremont County that are impacted by impaired drivers and impaired driving crashes.

The Fremont County DUI Team compliments efforts of the Fremont County DUI Task Force and is staffed by law enforcement well trained in impaired driving detection and apprehension. The team will use data to direct enforcement efforts to reduce the incidence of impaired driving in Fremont County.

The team is operating under a historic memorandum of understanding between agencies that allows for county wide enforcement.

“We take impaired driving seriously in Fremont County and with the formation of this new team we will be able to direct focused resources on areas where we know we have problems with impaired driving. Because of the MOU, you can expect to see officers from other cities in Fremont County, working county wide with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office,” said Chief Scott Peters of the Lander Police Department who leads the team.

The Fremont County DUI Team plans to have two to three impaired driving enforcement events a month throughout Fremont County.

Culvert work along US 20 near Worland.

Illegal dumping continuing to ‘trash’ rural areas in Fremont County RIVERTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is looking for help from Fremont County citizens concerning illegal dumping of trash, furniture and appliances in the state rights-of-way.

Wyoming Highway 136 east of Riverton at milepost 1.2 continues to be one of the more popular illegal dumping locations in Fremont County.

“We’d appreciate any help we can get

from citizens of Fremont County,” said WYDOT Maintenance Foreman Clay Johnson of Riverton. “Please haul your trash to the local landfill in Riverton or Lander. When WYDOT is forced to haul trash to the landfill, it’s an additional cost to the Wyoming taxpayers.”

Johnson said law enforcement welcomes tips regarding illegal dumping, and citizens are asked to provide license-plate numbers and a physical description of the vehicle being used for illegal dumping in the state rights-of-way. Tips can be shared with the Wyoming Highway Patrol at 1-800-442-9090.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

WORLAND – Replacement of two culverts started the week of Oct. 16 on US Highway 20 between Thermopolis and Worland.

The culvert replacement project involves a single-lane closure of US 20, with short traffic delays.

“We anticipate replacement of the pipes to be complete by early November,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Andy Freeman of Basin.

The US 20 construction locations are at milepost 153.37, about 12 miles south of Worland, and milepost 154.88, about 11 miles south of Worland.

Prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction, Inc., of Cowley.

Replacement of the two culverts is part of an $833,424 project in northwest Wyoming that includes drainage work, traffic control, surfacing, fencing, asphalt pavement surfacing, seeding, erosion control and other work at various locations.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Culvert replacement work on US Highway 20 south of Worland

Dumped trash found roadside in Fremont County off of WYO 136 east of Riverton.

By Mark Horan It was a perfect fall day for the 14 teams who came out Saturday, Oct. 14 to play some corn hole for charity.

A total of $445 was raised, which included $165 from a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds were divided between WTDEA and the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s annual campaign for United Way of Laramie County.

The tournament was held at Westby’s Edge Brewing Co. in Cheyenne. Organizers of the event would like to thank that establishment for use of their facility and prize donations.

It was a fairly even split between WYDOT and non-WYDOT participants. Several teams from the community signed up at the last minute after seeing the event advertised on social media.

The tournament winners were “The Chiropractor Boys,” a team consisting of Drs. Chris Neely and Max Mettler from Livin’

Well Family Chiropractic in Cheyenne.

They were gracious enough to donate their first place gift card back to WTDEA WYDOT Budget Manager Rodney Freifor a future event. er launches a corn hole bag while his “We just like opponent from Wyoming Game and playing corn hole and Fish looks on. Frier’s team “Cornstars” supporting communi- went on to take third place. ty events,” Neely said.

Organizers are tentatively looking forward to a tournament next summer.

WYDOT’s annual United Way campaign underway United Way of Laramie County partners with 20 community organizations and serves more than 9,000 people in the areas of health, education and economic mobility. United Way is uniquely positioned to bring government, non-profit and private organizations together to identify and challenges within Laramie County, with the goal of creating long-term solutions. All money stays in the community, and it’s the best way to help the most people.

If you’re interested in making a one-time or monthly contribution, or if you’d like to learn more about the campaign, please contact Mark Horan in the WYDOT Public Affairs Office.

Donations of $180 or more are automatically entered into a drawing for a $15,000 car voucher courtesy of Halladay Auto Group.

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Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Corn Hole Tournament raises money for WYDOT, United Way

Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT

A crane lifts a portion of the arch wildlife underpass during construction of the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project this summer.

The project contractor, Boise-based McMillen Inc., was awarded the $15 million project in 2021 and expected to meet their contracted completion date of October 31, 2023.

WYDOT, WGFD celebrate ribbon cutting of Dry Piney wildlife crossing project Landmark project a testament to privatepublic partnerships

preventing wildlife collisions and facilitating safer movement for animals and drivers. In 2012, WYDOT constructed the Trapper’s Point project, which consisted of a series of underpasses and

The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with their partners from the Wyoming Game and Fish and a multitude of wildlife conservation groups, recently celebrated a landmark project on Oct. 12 near the small town of La Barge with a ribbon cutting event.

The Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing project consists of 33.4 miles of 8-foot tall deer fence, nine underpass structures and a few miles of roadway reconstruction on US Highway 189. The project was let to McMillen Inc. out of Boise, Idaho in 2021 for a total construction cost of roughly $15 million with a contract completion date of October 31, 2023.

The project is on schedule for its completion date, a credit to the contractor.

“Our contractor, McMillen out of Idaho, really worked hard,” WYDOT Director Darin Westby said at the event. “It was a really impressive partnership.”

This isn’t WYDOT’s first effort to integrate wildlife connectivity into transportation projects. Just in southwest Wyoming alone, WYDOT has completed several projects devoted to

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Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT

By Stephanie Harsha

Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Bob Budd gave a speech as part of the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project ribbon cutting event in mid-October. The project was unique because it featured funding sources from private and nonprofit entities, including the WWNRT, which isn’t common on WYDOT projects.

Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT

Representatives from WYDOT, Game and Fish, the WWNRT and other stakeholders celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project on a chilly day in October. There’s hope that pronghorn will use the arched underpass, despite the mammal’s hesitancy to use most culvert underpasses. overpasses to help Wyoming’s pronghorn populations navigate US Highway 191 near Pinedale. A similar project was completed in 2009 in Nugget Canyon near Kemmerer to facilitate animal movements through US Highway 30.

WYDOT continues to add wildlife connectivity components to road reconstruction projects, like the crossing structures and fencing in Teton County on US Highway 89. More wildlife connectivity components are being evaluated and added on projects all over the state.

Finding the funding to support isolated connectivity projects like the Trappers Point and Dry Piney projects has been difficult for WYDOT in the past.

“We always want to limit wildlife collisions for the safety of the traveling public, but finding the funding to build projects to do that can be difficult,” District 3 Engineer John Eddins said.

However, this is where the Dry Piney project stands out. The area was identified more than 20 years ago as a hot spot for vehicle-deer collisions. The highway bisects mule deer winter range and migration routes and had one of the highest deer-vehicle crash rates in the state.

After the success of Trapper’s Point, the department began applying for special federal funding whenever possible to build more connectivity projects. With the support and help of the Wyoming Game and Fish, as well as other wildlife nonprofit groups, WYDOT was awarded the competitive federal BUILD grant, which funded most of the project.

With the help of the Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, and donations from many local conservation groups, WYDOT was able to fund the complete project—even adding a ninth underpass.

“We had quite a few private donations for this project, which isn’t normal for most of what WYDOT does, so that’s been pretty special,” Kemmerer resident engineer Jennifer Hoffman said.

The project is already seeing some success. In the last year, while the project was still under construction, game cameras

placed by WYDOT on two of the underpasses showed animals are already using the structures.

“A couple of the cameras on one of the structures had been triggered over 600 times in three months, and the other camera had been triggered over 1000 times,” WYDOT wildlife specialist Tom Hart said.

Due to the support of multiple state and federal agencies and local wildlife preservation organizations, drivers on Wyoming’s US 189 will see a reduction in wildlife collisions and the wildlife will move easier through the local habitat.

“It’s inspiring,” Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Bob Budd said. “And I will tell you, it’s inspiring to other people who call and say ‘how do you do this?’ and I just tell them we do it because that is the Wyoming way.”

Total project funding breakdown Build Grant $14,544,000 Game and Fish Commission $1,250,000 Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust $1,100,000 Other Fed Funds $2,256,191 State Funds $2,900,543 Sublette County in kind donation of materials

Conservation groups contributing under the WWNRT Greater Yellowstone Coalition Muley Fanatics Volgenau Foundation Knoblach Family Foundation Wyldlife Fund National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Mule Deer Foundation

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Highway Safety Young Driver Safety

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety Critical crashes tend to occur more frequently among young drivers (25 years or younger). In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic crashes are ranked as the leading cause of death for people 15-24 years old. Young drivers are inexperienced and can show poor judgment in the face of driving challenges such as increased traffic, inclement weather, higher speeds, distractions, impaired driving, and peer pressure. This can increase the chance of dangerous situations for the young driver, their vehicle occupants, and other roadway users around them.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20182022), 22,121 traffic crashes involved a young driver, which accounted for around 32 percent of all traffic crashes. These young driver involved crashes included 658 critical crashes (29 percent of all critical crashes), 3,947 serious crashes (38 percent of all serious crashes), and 17,516 damage crashes (31 percent of all damage crashes) resulting in 167 fatal injuries, 681 suspected serious injuries, 2,894 suspected minor injuries, and 2,615 possible injuries.

When looking specifically at critical crashes over the last five years, 25 percent of fatal crashes (140) and 31 percent of suspected serious injury crashes (518) were young driver involved crashes. These crashes resulted in 115 fatal injuries and 497 suspected serious injuries for people aged 25 years or less.

Young drivers 16-17 years old had the highest number of drivers involved in a traffic crash (22.7 percent), followed closely by 18-19 (21.8 percent), then 20-21 (18.4 percent), 22-23 (17.7 percent), and 24-25 (16.9 percent). This seems to support the idea that driving competence increases over time with more driving experience. The younger the driver, the more underdeveloped their driving abilities tend to be. This includes poorer situation perception, slower reaction time, and underdeveloped vehicle maneuvering skills.

Young driver safety risks include: 1. Inclement Weather: Young drivers often lack the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to more challenging weather and roadway conditions.

2. Speed: Speeding is a critical issue for ALL drivers, but it is especially deadly for young drivers who lack the experience to react to changing circumstances.

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November 2023

3. Distracted Driving: Distracted driving includes any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of safe driving, which includes cell phone use, eating or drinking, other passengers, and interior vehicle controls.

4. Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of any impairing substance (alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication) can have deadly consequences.

5. Seat Belt Use: The easiest way to try to stay safe in case of a motor vehicle crash is to wear a seat belt. Drivers and passengers are more likely to die in a crash if they are unbuckled.

6. Passengers: Research shows the risk of a fatal crash dramatically increases in direct relation to the number of passengers in a vehicle. For young drivers, especially teen drivers, the likelihood the driver will engage in risky behavior triples when multiple passengers are in the same vehicle.

Parents and guardians can help young drivers by discussing risky driving behaviors and setting firm driving rules. Research shows that young drivers whose parents set and enforce firm rules for driving typically engaged in less risky driving behaviors and were involved in fewer crashes.

National Teen Driver Safety Week wa s Oct. 15-21, 2023: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages parents and guardians to take this opportunity to have a conversation with teen drivers about safe driving habits and to continue to have this conversation regularly. NHTSA offers detailed information and statistics on teen driving and outlines helpful tips to address teen driver safety: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2018-2022 report that: • Around 32 percent of all traffic crashes involved a young driver.

• A quarter (25 percent) of all fatal traffic crashes involved a young driver.

• Young drivers 16-17 years old had the highest number of drivers involved in a traffic crash (22.7 percent).

• Winter weather and/or road conditions were present in 27 percent of all young driver involved traffic crashes.

• Speed was a potential contributing factor in nearly 25 percent of all young driver involved traffic crashes.

• Distracted driving was suspected in around 9 percent of all young driver involved crashes.

• Almost 6 percent of young driver involved crashes were also impaired crashes.

• Around 7 percent of all young people in a young driver involved crash were not properly wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

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 Aug. 1, 2023 vs. (Aug. 1, 2022): Fatalities: 105 (99)

Wyoming becomes second state to be named ‘Donate Life Community’ Governor Gordon issued proclamation in September

By Jordan Young Wyoming is the second state to become a Donate Life Community after Governor Mark Gordon’s Sept. 19 proclamation.

A Donate Life Community uses grassroots efforts to emphasize the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. The program is facilitated by Donor Alliance, a nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in most of Wyoming and Colorado.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement that Governor Gordon and the Wyoming State Government have made this landmark commitment to partner with us in support of donation for transplantation in Wyoming,” said Jennifer Prinz, president, and CEO of Donor Alliance. “This effort is in honor and dedication to the Wyoming residents who await a lifesaving transplant right now, Wyomingites who have generously given the gift of life, and the residents who have received a second chance at life and health after receiving a transplant.”

In addition to facilitating organ and tissue donation, Donor Alliance also manages the donor registry in the region, Donate Life Wyoming, which is a symbol of the cause.

Wyoming residents can register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor anytime at DonateLifeWyoming.org or when they go to WYDOT Driver Services to obtain a new or renewed driver license or identification card. According to Donate Life America, about 90% of registrations come through the DMV, which is why the partnership with WYDOT Driver Services is so crucial.

Sixty-three percent of Wyomingites have registered to be organ, eye, and tissue donors, and according to Donate Life Wyoming’s website, “234 heroic organ donors made 642 lifesaving transplants possible in our area.”

Representatives from the Donor Alliance, the Wyoming Department of Health and WYDOT were in attendance to celebrate the Governor’s proclamation and the Donate Life Community designation. There were also speeches from recipients who spoke to how impactful the second chance at life is to them thanks to their donor.

During the ceremony, Driver Services program manager Misty Zimmerman also spoke to how the proclamation can help raise awareness as well as save and heal more lives and affirmed WYDOT’s commitment to the cause. Currently, nearly 150 Wyomingites are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

As another way to help, the Wyoming Legislature approved a Donate Life specialty license plate during its 2023 session, which is expected to be available to the public in January 2024.

Serious Injuries: 346 (358) Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 24 (33) Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1) CMV-Involved Fatalities: 28 (19) Photo: State of Wyoming

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 19 (29) Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 13 (19) Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 9 (7) Speed-Related Fatalities: 50 (45) Data current as of 10/10/2023

Governor Mark Gordon, center, recently signed a proclamation honoring the state of Wyoming as a Donate Life Community. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from WYDOT, Department of Health and the Donor Alliance, among others.

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Training WYdot Supervise Training

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services Since January 2021, WYDOT has required all new supervisors to complete the WYdot Supervise program. Assigning the learning plan helps WYDOT ensure that all new supervisors are given the same core supervisory education, providing consistency throughout the agency. WYdot Supervise is a structured, formal new supervisor program that blends in-person, virtual training, and eLearning.

Both existing and aspiring supervisors are welcome to participate in the WYdot Supervise Learning Plan by registering for the “WYdot Supervise New Supervisor Fundamentals Workshop” in NeoGov Learn. The workshop is scheduled four times a year.

How was the curriculum for new WYDOT supervisors determined?

A frontline supervisor needs assessment developed by Dimensions Development Incorporated was administered at WYDOT in 2020 and once again in 2023 to look at trends. It identified deficiencies in the following areas in supervision: Addressing poor performance, Resolving workplace conflict, Effective communication when interacting with others, and Coaching employees on new tasks and work performance. Core curriculum was selected to

address these foundational skills for supervisors.

How is WYdot Supervise structured?

The WYdot Supervise New Supervisor Fundamentals Workshop is a day-and-a-half in-person workshop. It emphasizes the knowledge and abilities managers and supervisors need to effectively lead and manage at WYDOT. The workshop includes a leadership discussion with WYDOT Executive Staff and DEs; an Employee Safety course on incident management; a workshop from HR reviewing the process of hiring an employee at WYDOT; and the DDI Workshop on Communication: Connect through Conversations.

Virtual training includes the additional DDI workshops mentioned above with classes offered as webinars at different times throughout the year.

Additionally, 1.5 hours of eLearning is completed online at a time determined by the participant. The e-learning introduces supervisors to WYDOT programs such as Management Services, Public Affairs and Training Services plus introduces the budgeting process and application of an Individual Development Plan.

WYdot Supervise provides supervisors with the core skills and knowledge they need to be successful frontline WYDOT leaders, coaches, and managers.

If you have additional questions, please contact Training Services at dot-training@wyo.gov.

Training@aGlance In November: Start Date Development Stage 11/2/2023 Technical

11/2/2023 Leading The Agency 11/3/2023 Technical

Class Description

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!

Class Hours

Location

TLN Webinar: Culvert Design Concepts 8:30 am-10:00 am VILT and Computer Workshop – Part 2/3 Check out the8:00 upcoming training Mixing and Managing 5 Generations am-12:00 pm opportunities Rock Springsfrom WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network.

TLN Webinar: Snow and Ice Webinar Series: 8:30 am-9:30 am VILT Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV Enviroproofing Your Operations With Liquids – Part 1/5 to see upcoming training events!

TLN Webinar: TLN Wildlife and Roads: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm VILT Challenges and Opportunities TLN Webinar: Culvert Inspections, Rehab 8:30 am-10:00 am VILT and Failures – Part 3/3 Dealing Effectively with Conflict 8:30 am-11:30 am VILT TLN Webinar: Snow and Ice Webinar Series: Mechanical Snow Removal – Part 2/5 8:30 am-9:30 am VILT Navigating Difficult Conversations 8:30 am-11:30 am VILT

Training@aGlance

11/8/2023

Technical

11/9/2023 Technical

11/16/2023 Leading Self 11/17/2023 Technical

11/30/2023 Leading Self

Coming in December and January: Date Development Stage

Class Hours

Location

12/1/2023 Technical TLN Webinar: Snow and Ice Webinar Series: 8:30 am-9:30 am

Using Winter Weather Technology – Part 3/5 12/6/2023 Leading The Agency Train the Trainer 8:30 am-4:30 pm 12/8/2023 Technical TLN Webinar: Snow and Ice Webinar Series: Visit the Training Blending Services intranet page for more information.

Salt Brine – Part 4/5 8:30 am-9:30 am 12/12/2023 Leading Self How to Handle Difficult Customers 8:30 am-11:30 am 12/15/2023 Technical TLN Webinar: Snow and Ice Webinar Series:

Using Mobile Data to Guide Roadway Treatments – Part 5/5 8:30 am-9:30 am 12/19/2023 Leading Self TLN Webinar: Getting Things Done 8:30am-10:30am 1/23/2024 Leading Self Myers Briggs (MBTI): Embracing Change / Managing Stress

1/23 – 1:00 pm-4:30 pm

1/24 – 8:30 am-4:30 pm

VILT

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Class Description

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

November 2023

Cheyenne VILT VILT VILT VILT Cheyenne Cheyenne

Employee Safety Backing incidents

By Jerry Fritz, District 5 Safety Representative WYDOT has suffered from numerous incidents that involve employees backing up without being aware of what is around them. Employees have struck bollards, garage doors, other vehicles, and debris surrounding the vehicles. In CY 2023 alone, 30 incidents have been reported thus far. Those 30 costly events could have been prevented.

Backing events require extreme caution • Backing incidents are the most frequent type of incident in trucking; • If you must back up, get out and look; Photo: WYDOT

• Check for proper clearance on all six sides: up, down, left, right, front, and rear; • Continue to get out and look multiple times; • Don’t just think you’re clear, know you’re clear: get out and look; • Using a ground guide to assist is always a good idea; • Even with assistance, it is the driver’s responsibility to not strike anything;

Backed into a leg on a sander • Use all of your resources and guides ■ Use a spotter if someone is available. Be sure to keep your spotter in sight at all times.

• Get out and look even if a dozen people are flagging you back; and

■ Make sure your mirrors are clean and in good positions to maximize the view around your vehicle – know your blind spots; and

• Backing incidents cause 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries per year.

■ Roll down your window and listen to the environment around you.

Severe Consequences may Result from Improper/Unsafe Backing • Backing into a fixed object, moving object, and/or person; and

• If you’re unsure, G.O.A.L. – get out and look; You, as the driver, are 100 percent responsible for safely backing your vehicle;

• Pinning a person.

• A driver should not and can not blame a spotter, the vehicle mirrors, or a rear view camera for their backing mistakes; and

■ According to the National Safety Council, one out of four vehicle accidents can be attributed to poor backing techniques.

• Never rely 100 percent on anything other than yourself.

While You Are Backing • Back from the driver’s side ■ Minimize the distance you need to back. The less ground you cover in reverse; the fewer chances you will have to strike a fixed object.

• Have patience and don’t rush ■ No one ever made up time by backing quickly. Take a deep breath and commit yourself to perfect backing with no compromises.

■ Slow movement helps you maintain full control of your vehicle and to correctly judge distances.

Photo: WYDOT

• Check all sides as you back ■ Remember that there are six sides to your vehicle (back, front, both sides, above and below).

■ Keep your eyes moving to ensure conditions have not changed.

Backed into a bollard

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Tourism

Glenn Gardner, strategic partnerships manager for the Wyoming Office of Tourism, had the opportunity to attend a few days of the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo in August. WOT and WSF entered into an interagency agreement in 2023 to optimize the marketing efforts of both offices to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of WSF to a broader audience. Through the agreement, WOT was able to assist WSF with co-op programs, such as Google and Meta prospecting, to help maximize exposure to prospective fair visitors. Both agencies have been planning the design and implementation of a permanent activation space to be at the State Fairgrounds. This activation space will serve as a hub for Wyoming tourism and attractions across the state. We met during the week of WSF with representatives from WSF and New Thought Digital to scout for activation space locations throughout the state fairgrounds, eventually zoning in on the campground area as that holds the most potential for year-round visitors to view. Overall, the 2023 Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo was a great opportunity to meet with spectators, competitors, and

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo interagency collaboration

Young contestants with their livestock at the Wyoming State Fair. visitors. WOT is looking forward to future collaboration with WSF and the ongoing potential of more visitation to Douglas, Wyoming, and the surrounding area.

Procurement Services Puncture-resistant Gloves

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT Procurement Services is now offering punctureresistant gloves for employees. These are separate from the gloves given as a safety reward each year.

You can use the following product ID numbers to get a pair for yourself: • ES0068 – Medium Puncture Resistant Glove • ES0069 – Large Puncture Resistant Glove • ES0070 – X-large Puncture Resistant Glove These gloves and many more items can be found in the “Procurement and Supply 2023 Catalog” found on the intranet.

Contact Charles “Jeff” Madden (charles.madden@wyo.gov) with Procurement Services if you’re interested!

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U.S. Forest Service

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests answer FAQs on proposed recreation fee changes LARAMIE – The Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests are lighting up with fall colors – from the brilliant golden-yellow hues of Aspen leaves to the blaze orange of hunters’ vests.

The Forests rely on user fees for the needed operations and maintenance of developed recreation sites. Yet, these fees have not kept pace with rising costs and increased visitation over the last two decades since the latest change in fees was implemented. The Forests are proposing to charge increased and new fees across 93 developed recreation sites to ensure sustainable operations for the future.

Public feedback on the proposal was accepted through Nov. 1.

The Forest Service sought out substantive comments explaining why recreators are in support of or opposed to the fee changes.

To date, more than 125 comments have been received, which have provided useful insights for staff. Public input will be integrated into the final version of the fee proposal where possible.

Based on feedback so far, the Forests have created a list of FAQs to improve transparency and clarify information on the proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you ensure recreation remains affordable for people on limited incomes?

The Forests offer a wide range of affordable recreation opportunities to the public. The Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests’ Annual Day-Use Pass is available at $30 per year, which will not increase in price as part of this proposal. The Forests also honor the full suite of America the Beautiful interagency passes.

Over half of developed recreation sites and nearly 2,000 dispersed camping sites on the Forests have no fees. No recreation fees are charged on the Thunder Basin National Grassland. This proposal further eliminates the extra-vehicle charge at developed campgrounds on the Forests.

How did you determine the proposed new and increased recreation fees?

As part of a sustainable recreation strategy, Forest Service staff determined there are 93 day-use sites, campgrounds and cabins/lookouts that would benefit from new or increased fees to improve operations and maintenance. There also are 32 sites not being considered for a fee increase. Prices are based on a detailed market analysis of neighboring facilities with comparable amenities. This fee structure would bring recreation fees up to cover annual operation costs and tackle a backlog of deferred maintenance.

What will my recreation fees be used for at these developed recreation sites?

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act authorizes the Forest Service to retain up to 95 percent of collected recreation fees to sustainably operate, maintain and improve these sites for public benefit. Last year, for example, fee revenue at developed recreation sites was used to remove hazard trees; replace picnic tables, fire rings and signs; maintain and repair water systems at campgrounds and cabins; complete an emergen-

cy repair on a bridge at Fish Creek Falls; pump vault toilets; and provide trash services. National Forests are required to report on how recreation fees are spent each year.

What future improvements are planned for recreation sites in the proposal?

Significant improvements are planned for recreation facilities in the proposal. These improvements include replacing vault restrooms, replacing picnic tables and fire rings at campgrounds, installing trash receptacles at trail heads and completing deferred maintenance at facilities and parking areas. This proposal also expands the number of sites available for public use, including four group campsites and five cabins/lookouts. A full list of planned improvements can be found in the detailed site report.

Will these changes lead to more environmental impacts from people avoiding fee areas?

The Forests understand concerns over potential impacts from recreation users trying to avoid fees. However, many of the developed recreation sites in this area were built 30 to 90 years ago with little to no improvements since construction. Today’s vehicles and campers are designed differently than in the past.

Fees will go toward modernizing these facilities to improve the recreation experience. Our goal is to pull visitors back into these developed recreation sites and concentrate any impacts from usage. Increased fee revenue also will allow the hiring of more staff and support law enforcement efforts to patrol areas, in addition to installing more automated fee stations for modern payment options.

Why is this developed recreation fee proposal being done now?

The Forests maintain a robust developed recreation program, which is managed in-house and without concessionaire contracts. While the Forests leverage a variety of funding sources and partnerships, fee revenue remains a critical component.

However, current fee revenue is insufficient to provide quality recreation facilities for the public across all sites. There has not been an increase in recreation fees on the Forests for over 20 years. This additional fee revenue will allow the Forests to keep sites open and improve the visitor experience by meeting annual operational costs, while addressing a deferred maintenance backlog of over $5 million.

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District News Headquarters

Welcome Bowen Aldridge, Traffic; Lindsay Beardsley, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Stephanie Bellis, Materials-Bituminous; Justin Holloway, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Alicia Mendez, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Robert Morgan Jr., GIS/ITS; Justus Whitmire, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25; William Whittle, Planning-Counter Shop; and Jean Willson, Materials-Bituminous.

Promotions and Transfers Cara Acevedo, Financial Services-General Ledger; Thomas Allen, Planning-Truck Weight; Albert Buss Jr., Financial Services-General Ledger; and Melissa Higgins, Patrol-Dispatch.

Kimberly Peters, Fuel Tax-Management – 20 years; Suzanne Roseberry, GIS/ITS – 20 years; Jason Hayden, Information Technology-Development – 15 years; Ryan Higgins, Materials-Surfacing – 10 years; Erin Blackman, Right of Way-Engineering – 5 years; Charles Cordier, Bridge-Engineering Design – 5 years; and Gabriel Martinez, Traffic-Sign Shop – 5 years.

R. Higgins

his career with WHP patrolling Crook, Weston and Campbell counties in the northeast part of the state. He was one of the first to be assigned as a Troop Q Trooper when Troops were reorganized.

He was a member of the WHP Special Services Squad and earned the role of Team Leader due to his unwavering professionalism, courage, and capabilities.

In 2019, Quade served as a K9 handler with Troop O, the executive protection detail in Cheyenne. Cheyenne residents, legislators and tourists often saw him and his K9 partner, Scout, patrolling the Capitol complex together.

Allen Wallace, a Trooper III out of Cheyenne, retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol in September with 12 years of service.

Wallace

Congratulations Cordier

Martinez

Retirements Buss

M. Higgins

Service Awards

Nicolle Cotton, Right of Way-Administration – 25 years; Christina Spindler, Highway Development-Administration – 25 years; Thomas Hart, Environmental Services – 20 years;

Spindler

Hart

Peters

Hayden

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Clayton “Gunny” Barker, a Lieutenant in Cheyenne, retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol in September with 17 years of service. Barker earned Trooper of the Year in 2013 and Barker received other commendations throughout his tenure.

A prolific shooter, he served as a firearms instructor, and was the first to get a perfect score on every range in WHP history. He was also named a finalist in the WHP Association Top Shooter competition in 2009. Barker served in the US Marine Corps for 22 years, and enjoyed the great outdoors in his spare time. His son, Austin Barker, also serves as a Trooper.

William “Billy” Quade Jr. retired in September after 22 years with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Quade began Quade, Jr.

Jeff White has been named the new Civil Rights Program Manager. White started his role with WYDOT mid-October.

District 1

Welcome Austin Geilert, Rawlins Maintenance; Dale Hardin, Cheyenne Mechanics; Zachry Rouse, Laramie Mechanics; and Marcel Wazelle, Rawlins Maintenance.

Geilert

Hardin

Rouse

Wazelle

Paul Beckett, Traffic-Signing; Mark Delanois, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Andres Martinez, Patrol-Rawlins.

Beckett

Martinez

Service Awards

Richard Barber, Laramie Maintenance – 20 years; David Shepard, Emergency Communications-Microwave – 15 years; Justin Stephens, Rawlins Construction – 15 years; and Steven Hamlet, Laramie Maintenance Barber – 5 years.

Oct. 14, Ed Kimes, with Eastern Wyoming Community College, invited WHP Port Officer Alyssa Walker and several other women who work in the CMV industry to participate in the inaugural “Trucks Are For Girls.’’

The local Girl Scouts had a great time The Girl Scout “Women in climbing in and around a variety of CMV’s Trucking” patch.

(Plow trucks, bobtail tractors, school buses and passenger buses).

Douglas WYDOT Maintenance provided a plow truck for us to use.

The entire event was a great success. A Douglas Girl Scout troop participating in the “Trucks Are For Girls” event on Oct. 14.

Promotions and Transfers

Retirements

Daniel Adame, Patrol-Casper; Shawn Haglund, Midwest Maintenance; and Logan Mason, Casper Maintenance.

Kasey King, senior construction and field survey analyst in Kemmerer, retired in September with almost 34 years of service to the state.

King started as a construction worker in Kemmerer just a few years after graduKing ating from Kemmerer High School.

District 3

Welcome Stephens

Hamlet

District 2

Codiann Curtis, Port of Entry-Evanston; Adam Hetrick, Pinedale Construction; Jeremy Masters, Evanston Construction; and Alice Palkow, Port of Entry-Kemmerer.

Promotions and Transfers

Welcome Craig Averdung, Douglas Maintenance; Preston Dickerson, Casper Maintenance; and Carter Jackson, Wheatland Maintenance.

Dakota Housley, Port of Entry-West Region; and Alan Micklich, Farson Maintenance.

Service Awards Brenden Cronin, Jackson Maintenance – 5 years.

Adame

Haglund

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Delanois

Trucks Are For Girls

Photo: Erin King/WYDOT

Promotions and Transfers

Housley Kurt Anselmi (right) receives his 25 year service award from District 3 Construction Engineer Pete Stinchcomb.

District News continued on page 18

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Retirements

District 4

Welcome Kolton Kecki, Sheridan Maintenance; Dominic Krystoff, Gillette Maintenance; and Michael Shaffer, Reno Junction Maintenance.

Service Awards Isaac Finkle, District 4 Construction Staff – 15 years; Timothy Ayres, Newcastle Maintenance – 10 years; Kristy Durfee, Port of Entry-Sundance – 5 years; and Mark Peterson, Newcastle Maintenance – 5 years.

Finkle

Ayres

District 5

Promotions and Transfers Saughn DeFuentes, Basin Mechanics; Robert McConnell, Patrol-Lander; and Wallace Perrote, Lander Maintenance.

Shaun Emmett, Cody Maintenance – 20 years; Brian Pittman, Basin Maintenance – 20 years; Daniel Hahn, Lander Traffic-Striping – 15 years;

November 2023

Allen Tharp, construction and field survey analyst with District 5 Construction in Basin, retired in September with more than 33 years of service to the state.

During Tharp’s career with WYDOT, he also spent time on the Basin Construction crew, the Dubois Tharp Construction crew and the Basin sign crew.

Tharp was a graduate of Riverside High School in Basin and likes fly fishing in his spare time.

Earlier in September

Emmett

Durfee

n

Retirements

Corson

Service Awards

Pittman

18 Interchange

Carothers

Photo: Cody Beer/WYDOT

One of WYDOT’s new rotary plows arrived this fall in Jackson. The new Larue rotary plows are stronger, faster and more reliable than the old ones, some of which were first purchased in the 1980s. Of the eight new rotary plows the Transportation Commission approved in January 2022, three have arrived and are prepared for the upcoming winter: one in Sundance, one in Rawlins and this one in Jackson.

William Kirkman, a Trooper III out of Sheridan, retired in September with 26 years of service to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He started his career as a Trooper in Natrona County, moving to Sheridan in 2019 to join Troop C, which serves Sheridan and Johnson Counties. Kirkman During his career, Kirkman worked with the commercial carrier unit, as a K9 handler, and served as a WHP training academy instructor and a field training officer.

Among his career’s many accolades, Kirkman has also been the recipient of the G. Clyde Larson award in 2012 for the rescue of two children from an ATV crash in an icy cold stream near Wyoming Highway 487 southwest of Casper.

Outside of his time with WHP, Kirkman has served 24 years with the military in both active and reserve roles.

Gemma, Kirkman’s K9 partner since November 2015, retired from the WHP with him.

Clinton Brower, Lander Maintenance – 5 years; Keith Carothers, Basin Traffic-Striping – 5 years; and Henry Corson, Lander Mechanics – 5 years.

Hahn

The annual D5 employee appreciation barbecue was held in Thermopolis.

District 5 DE Pete Hallsten wearing a positively porcine hat (top), and Rick Gurney told stories, while Kari Davis of A&I HR smiled for the camera (center).

Photo: Cody Beer/WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

District News continued from page 17

Passings Marvin T. Graham Marvin Thomas “Tom” Graham, 73, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Oct. 15.

He was born on Oct. 30, 1949, in Crescent City, Illinois, to Marvin and Mary Graham.

Marvin retired from the Cheyenne Repair Shop.

A Celebration of Life Gathering was held Oct. 27, 2023.

Arlie R. Satterfield Arlie R. Satterfield, 80, of Evansville, Wyoming, died Sept. 27, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Willard and Ilene Satterfield. He had three older brothers: Marvin, Vance, and Darrell, all now deceased.

The family moved to Casper, Wyoming, when Satterfield was four years of age. He attended school in Casper and graduated from Natrona County High School. He also Satterfield attended a vocational school in Nebraska.

He met his future wife, Linda, on a blind date. Within six weeks they were engaged. They married in 1965

and were very happily in love for more than 58 years. In 1967 their son, Russell Laine, was born. Two and a half years later their daughter, Stacey Linn, was born. Stacey passed away when she was 13 years old.

Satterfield was employed in uranium mining for Teton Drilling and Western Geophysical. Later, he worked for an open pit uranium mine in Shirley Basin, for 10 years. Lastly, Satterfield worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Casper Maintenance, retiring with 23 years of service.

He was a wonderful husband and father. Any activity the kids were involved in he was there – it was his priority along with family outings camping in tents and trailers.

In retirement, and before, the couple made trips to Utah, Texas, Minnesota, California, South Dakota, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and for their 50th Anniversary, a month long trip to Florida, and a three-island trip to Hawaii.

Satterfield liked country music, camping, going to college football and basketball games, and getting together with extended family.

He was a loving, thoughtful, soft-spoken individual, but his smile and sparkling blue eyes said everything.

Letters September 26, 2023 Lt. Colonel Jeremy Burton Wyoming Air National Guard 153 OSS 217 Dell Range Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82009 Dear Lt. Colonel Burton: While working on a construction project in Lander, Wyoming on August 10, 2023, Perrin Winden witnessed a Wyoming Department of Transportation employee choking while eating lunch, and this WYDOT employee was unable to breathe.

Responding to the situation, Winden performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the obstruction and saving the life of Karissa Kister. Perrin was working for Traffic Safety Services, Inc., at the time, while also serving in the Wyoming Air National Guard.

I believe he is stationed in Cheyenne with the Wyoming Air National Guard in the 153 Operations Support Squadron.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation would like to commend Perrin Winden for his quick actions to identify a worker in distress, and his actions as a first responder in saving a life.

Sincerely,

Erik Smith, P.E. WYDOT Resident Engineer-Lander (307) 332-4151

cc.:

Peter Hallsten, P.E., District Engineer, Basin Randy Merritt, P.E., District Construction Engineer, Basin

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TOA S T M A S T E R S

Roadmasters Chapter

How many times do you say “ah” when speaking to a friend or in front of a group?

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPED AND PRACTICED

TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE.

BEING A PART OF TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP

PREPARE YOU FOR THAT NEXT WYDOT JOB INTERVIEW.

Are you terrified of speaking to a group, no matter the size?

C o n t a c t S p e n c e r Tra v i s o r B r i a n R e n t n e r f o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n .

The g ro u p m e e t s a t n o o n eve r y M o n d a y i n t he I - 8 0 Tra i n i n g ro o m .

Snowboarding?

Beach vacation?

Hunt lately?

Outdoors deadline:

SubMit yOur WYDOT pet pHotos to be feAtured quArTerLy senD pHotos anD desCripTiOnS to carLiE.dakinS@wyO.gov 20 Interchange

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November 2023

12/15/23 Send your photos to: carlie.dakins@wyo.gov

WYDOT

EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND

WTDEA WTDEA

Funded by Employee Donations and WTDEA Fundraisers Available to all current WYDOT Employees.

Employee Assistance Program for unexpected emergencies.

Up to $1,500 per application per year.

Applications can be found on the intranet under the WTDEA State Board link.

Applications can be submitted directly from the employee or supervisors on behalf of the employee.

Contact: Christina Fisher 307-777-4053 Audrey Hobbs 307-777-4456 Debbie Herbold 307-473-3258

HQ Chapter’s 11th annual Chili Cook-Off a great success Thank you to those who attended the WTDEA Relief Fund Chili Cook-Off. The event was attended by 131 people and raised $899 for the Relief Fund including $35 dollars in donations.

The 2023 best in show was the chili made by Erin Rhodes (#7) with Planning. Congratulations Erin!

The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Emily Wortham with Right of Way and she graciously donated her prize to the Relief Fund. Thank you, Emily!

The event wouldn’t be possible without the donated food and time of the cooks and the assistance of volunteers from the WTDEA Headquarters Chapter and Facilities Maintenance team.

WTDEA State Board THE 2024 WTDEA CASH CALENDAR FEATURING THE PETS OF WYDOT IS NOW ON SALE! Calendars available for

$20

A great holiday gift idea or stocking stuffer

Proceeds from this calendar benefit the WYDOT Relief Fund See a WTDEA Representative for your copy

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we do

m ortgages m

We help people just like you get a mortgage for their dream home or refinance their current home. Plus, we have a variety of loan programs to fit your individual home loan needs. Contact us today, and we can help you, too!

307-638-4257 | HOMELOAN@WYHY.ORG | WYHY.ORG Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #456099

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Break Time Name the Wyoming town

Points of a square (4/7)

Man who found the magic lamp (7)

How well do you know the towns in Wyoming? Here’s your chance to test your knowledge. The numbers in parenthesis are a clue to how many words and letters are in the answer. Good Luck!

Thanks Laura Dalles for finding this gem in archived files!

Large all-events center (9)

US President elected in 1976 (6)

Stream of dust (6/5)

Place between two mountains (6)

Brown and white cows (8)

Man who was thrown to the lions (6)

Bart Simpson’s bus driver (4)

A place to find a woman’s’ favorite gem (12)

October gemstone (4)

Where Adam and Eve lived (4)

Where wapiti wash (3/5)

You can see it in the early morning (7)

Coat factory (10)

Tickle me… (4)

Symbol (6)

The tip of a caveman’s spear (5/2/5)

A river in New York (6)

Paths left by large animals (3/6)

What you put in a shotgun (5)

Can’t find your log dwelling (4/5)

Bison (7)

If facing North, it’s found on your left hand (4/5)

Shade of green (5)

Not a good look, only a …(8)

Not inferior (8)

Where lonely women look for a husband (8)

Early establishment (8)

Prescription tied in a knot (8/3)

A large rock (7)

Good with woodworking (9)

A color of hair (6)

What your mother used to tell you at bedtime (5)

Stream of stones (4/5)

What you do when you’re very thirsty (9)

U.S. Government (7)

Gasoline brand with a green dinosaur (8)

Delicious (6)

President named Andrew (7)

Large flag (6)

Christmas tree decoration (7)

Leis and … (5)

Ritual done on a rainy day (8)

High residence of Beelzebud (6/5)

What Lincoln gave the slaves (7)

Used for feeding hay to cows (9)

What you must do with a flying plane sooner or later (6)

Not Pepsiville (9) Razor City (8) A hermit (7) What you get from too much sun (5) A light color ox (8) Pinto (7/5) Only tree in the forest (4/4) Friendly ghost (6) Little blue furry guy from Sesame St. (6) Brand of vacuum (5) Brush on the prairie (4) Charred eating utensils (5/4) Cardinal (7) Bashful lady (8)

Answer to the October 2023 Break Time maze:

Sometimes found under your eyes (5) Person who returns from the military (7) What you must do to get to the other side of the river (6) A reef minus the “l” (4)

A blackbird’s vital organ (9) You’d think you could gamble there, but you can’t (8/4)

What they used to do to rustlers (5) What you do with stinky feet (6) What a large rhino has on its nose (7)

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Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

Buckle up, turkey.

Every turkey trip.

Every turkey time.

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