November Interchange 2013

Interchange a WYDOT publication

November 2013, Vol. 41, Issue 11

Star Valley Scenic Byway

The 16th route of it’s kind in Wyoming

Letters

Cheyenne resident engineer applauded Mr. Cox, As I am sure you have many outstanding employees, I would like to bring to your attention Resident Engineer Tim Morton, whom I have had several conversations with in the last few weeks.

I own two properties that were in the construction area that WYDOT supervised, one located on Pershing Blvd. and the other on Central and E. Fourth Ave. I can only imagine the magnitude of problems, requests and complaints that have arisen during the construction periods.

I personally have had various problems due to the construction and I was referred to Mr. Morton from the construction company working on the project.

I found Mr. Morton to be very compassionate and receptive to my needs and offered quick and workable solutions to both my needs and concerns.

I can only imagine the number of complaints you must receive on a daily basis, so this letter must strike you as out of the ordinary, but I felt compelled to tell you what a great employee you have in Tim Morton.

During my tenure with the Department of Revenue, serving as liaison between the department and the taxpaying public, I completely understand the types of problems that Mr. Morton has to con-

Interchange 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, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, faxing (307) 777-4289, or sending e-mail to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

tend with and I commend him on a great job of handling my particular problems.

He was very timely with his responses, considering the enormous amount of problems he has to cope with regarding such a large construction area.

Please accept my best wishes as your projects in my area conclude and if I ever can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Best regards, Joseph D. Sara

Praised for pleasantness Thank you Kelly (Yerdon). I must say you are a very pleasant person to talk to on the phone. In the few times we have talked, you have been consistently pleasant. WYDOT is lucky to have you.

Rick Willms

Sincere thanks for donated time

Staff

Thank you to everyone who donated sick leave. It helped while I was recuperating from surgery.

Thanks again.

WYDOT Director: John F. Cox Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Miles Shoun

Editor/Art Director: Carlie Van Winkle Contributors: Bruce Burrows Public Affairs Dave Kingham Public Affairs Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs Ross Doman District 1 Jeff Goetz District 2 Stephanie Harsha District 3 Ronda Holwell District 4 Cody Beers District 5 Sgt. Stephen Townsend Patrol

Photo: Cody Beers

Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

Who wouldn’t want to live in Wyoming and see gorgeous sunsets like this? This photo was taken

by Public Involvement Specialist Cody Beers as he was traveling along WYO 120, between Meeteetse and Thermopolis on Oct. 16.

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Also in this issue: Letters.....................................2

Contents 7

District briefs.........................4 District news.......................14

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WTDEA..................................17 WYDOT by the Numbers....17 Extra Mile Awards..............17 Noteworthy..........................18 Training at a Glance..........19 Passings................................19

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In the Community.............21 Break Time......................... 23

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7 WYDOT Authorized Travel

GIS/ITS preparing for WAT One Time roll-out

8 17-Mile Road completion

Dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting

10 Star Valley Scenic Byway

The newest addition to Wyoming’s byways

12 High Winds, High Hazard 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.

Winds pose problems for high profile vehicles

On the cover: Autumn changes the landscape along Star Valley Scenic Byway.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

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District Briefs Additional fuel tax projects among 10 contracts awarded by commission

Cheyenne – Contracts totaling $58.9 million for 10 highway projects around the state, including two pavement preservation projects made possible by increased fuel tax revenue, were awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its October meeting in Cheyenne.

Hedquist Construction of Mills submitted the low bid of $18.5 million for improvements to US 20-26 and WYO 254 west of Casper. The work will include a pavement overlay and shoulder widening on about 2 miles of US 20-26 between I-25 and the Casper Creek Bridge. A 1.5mile section of WYO 254, including the bridge over US 20-26, will be rebuilt and widened from the current two lanes to five lanes. The bridge also will be raised to increase clearance underneath, and the interchange ramps will be realigned. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2015.

Six miles of US 287 immediately north of the Colorado border will be upgraded to four-lane divided highway under a $17.9 million contract won by Kirkland Construction of Rye, Colo. The new fourlane section will be immediately south of the 4-mile Tie Siding section widened to four lanes in 2009. The work is expected to be done by July 31, 2016.

Safety will be improved on nearly eight miles of WYO 112 immediately north of Hulett under an $8.3 million contract awarded to Simon Contractors of Cheyenne. The highway is experiencing increased traffic due to energy development, and the aging pavement is deteriorating. The project will include widening the road to include four-foot safety shoulders, installation of guardrail and grading to flatten embankments beside the road. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2015.

Simon also won a $4.5 million contract for reconstruction of Laramie’s Grand Avenue between 15th and 21st streets.

HQ

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The contract award is conditional, pending approval by the Laramie City Council.

The project completion date is Sept. 30, 2014, but the goal is to have traffic restored before classes begin at the University of Wyoming next fall.

Increased fuel tax revenue will be used for resurfacing 9.5 miles of US 189 between Interstate 80 and Kemmerer.

LeGrand Johnson Construction of Logan, Utah submitted the low bid of $2.8 million for the work scheduled to be done by Oct. 31, 2014.

Additional fuel tax revenue also will be used for a $2.8 million contract for a new layer of pavement on nearly eight miles of US 14 east of Greybull. Lovell’s Mountain Construction was the low bidder for the contract that carries a Sept. 30, 2014 completion date.

Gillette’s Intermountain Construction and Materials won an $839,000 contract to upgrade the CatchNET system that stops runaway trucks on US 16 about six miles west of Buffalo, and to build a parking area about 18 miles to the west for trucks to stop for mandatory brake checks. The project will include adding a “fail safe” net at the end of the CatchNET ramp with three times the strength of the nine nets already installed. Also included will be a solar-powered “Open” sign at the ramp and informational signs at the brake check areas to show the route ahead and how the CatchNET system works. The project is expected to be done by Sept. 30, 2014.

The commission also awarded three contracts for crack sealing on multiple highway sections to: • Highway Improvement of Harrisburg, S.D., $1.7 million for 136 miles of highways in Big Horn and Fremont counties by June 30; • Kirkland Construction of Rye, Colo., $841,000 for highway sections in Albany, Carbon, Laramie and Sweetwater counties by June 30; and • Highway Improvement of Harrisburg, S.D., $740,000 for 112 miles of highways in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties

by May 31.

Diverging diamond interchange nears completion Cheyenne – The configuration for vehicles using the College Drive/I-25 interchange switched the night of Oct. 7.

Flaggers and barrels directed motorists on the bridge.

The switch marks the beginning of the final phase of the College Drive Diverging Diamond project which is the first of its kind in Wyoming.

Beginning Oct. 7 traffic operations will be the same as with the finished interchange. Full project completion was set for the end of October when installation of traffic islands and permanent signals was complete.

The benefits of this type of interchange at College Drive include significantly reduced delay for vehicles entering and exiting the freeway.

It also provides capacity for a 20-year horizon of projected traffic volumes and planned developments, without costly modifications to the existing bridge.

People are strongly urged to visit the College Drive Interchange site at: www. collegedriveinterchange.com

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Grand Avenue reconstruction on horizon Laramie – With the 2014 reconstruction of Grand Ave. from 15th to 21st streets, Laramie residents can look forward to improved traffic flow and increased safety for all, including pedestrians and cyclists.

All area businesses will remain open during construction but road closures will significantly impact travel in the work area. Sections of Grand Ave. will close from March through the project completion date in late August. The detour will be signed at Sheridan Street between 15th and 21st.

WYDOT hosted an open house discussion on Oct. 2 regarding the impact this project will have on area residents and businesses.

Project improvements include widening Grand Ave. on the north side, landscaped median islands installed through the intersections at 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th streets, restricting left turns in these locations.

Pedestrian crossings will be installed on 19th Street, making signalized crossings available every two blocks between 15th and 21st Streets.

ADA access will be brought up to modern standards the length of the project and the city of Laramie will replace two waterlines beneath the roadway.

WYO 130 over Snowy Range Pass west of Laramie closed briefly Laramie – Blowing and drifting snow on Oct. 11 made it difficult for WYDOT plows to keep the 13-mile highway section open, and maintenance foremen decided it would not be safe for travelers to attempt to cross the high mountain pass in the dark.

The highway section remained closed in both directions Oct. 12-13. The highway reopened following the snowy weekend and remains open until it’s seasonal closure or hazardous weather.

The highway is closed annually for the winter when relatively low traffic, combined with deep snow accumulations, render plowing operations impractical.

During most years the closure begins after hunting season ends in late November.

Pine Bluffs construction on the horizon Pine Bluffs – Reconstruction of six I-80 bridges along the Pine Bluffs marginal has been scheduled for the construction seasons of 2015 and 2017.

Motorists can look forward to modernized structures with improved traffic flow and increased safety.

Access to all Pine Bluffs businesses will remain open during construction, but detours will significantly impact travel in the project area.

An open house meeting, hosted by WYDOT, was held Oct. 24 in the Pine Bluffs Community Center presenting the project.

Storm strands motorists in central and northeast Wyoming Casper – High winds, heavy snowfall with blowing and drifting snow created white-out conditions in north central and eastern Wyoming creating hazardous conditions for motorists.

Wyoming Highway Patrol dispatchers were in contact via cell phone conversations with stranded motorists on I-25 north of Casper, WYO 387 between Wright and Midwest and on U.S. 85 north of Lusk.

Troopers and WYDOT personnel attempted to rescue stranded motorists and encountered snow drifts four-feet high on some highways. Snowplows did get stuck in the deep heavy snow, slowing the rescue process.

Troopers accompanied by sheriff deputies in four-wheel drive vehicles and WYDOT snowplows were unable to reach some motorists for more than eight hours.

Rescued motorists in the Midwest area were transported to a church in that town for shelter.

Motorists stranded by Wyoming’s winter weather should stay with their vehicles and not try to walk for help. Travelers should also shelter in towns rather than stop and park on the roadway at a road closure gate.

If you become stranded in your vehicle on the highway it is suggested you leave your dome light on inside your vehicle, make sure your exhaust remains unclogged from built up snow and crack your window slightly for fresh air.

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WYDOT crews battle massive storm

tion with the South Dakota Department of Transportation to reopen eastbound I-90 from Gillette. WYDOT assisted SDDOT with their roads and were able to get traffic into South Dakota.

Massive amounts of heavy wet snow hampered snow removal efforts. WYDOT was able to utilize rotary plows from Burgess Junction and Pole Creek to help with the snow removal in the Sundance and Newcastle areas.

WYDOT and SDDOT crews, along with the energy company crews restoring power, worked to avoid a crisis.

DMS installations continue on I-90 Sundance – A series of one-hour road closures on I-90 near Sundance allowed the contractor, Casper Electric, to place steel structures for the overhead dynamic message signs (DMS).

East- and westbound lanes of I-90, starting at mile post 190.44 east of Sundance were closed, on alternate nights, for one hour and then re-opened to let traffic thru and closed again for an additional hour. Motorists were encouraged to use an alternate route.

Following the work at mile post 190.44, the crews moved west of Sundance to work at mile post 183.24. I-90 was closed for two nights, alternately, for the same amounts of time to install more steel structures in both the east- and westbound lanes of traffic.

WYDOT has installed a total of 19 DMS at 10 different locations in the northeast corner of Wyoming with this project. The contractor installed the message signs on I-90 near Sheridan, Buffalo, and Gillette. After installation of the signs in the Sundance area, they moved to the Orin Junction area on I-25 to install at mile post 127.06.

Briefs continued on page 6

Sheridan – WYDOT crews put in many grueling hours reopening roads in northeast Wyoming.

I-90 from the Montana state line to the South Dakota state line was reopened in its entirety midmorning on Oct. 6. WYDOT had been working in conjunc-

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Ten Sleep bridge re-opens to all traffic Ten Sleep – Rehabilitation of a bridge on WYO 434 in Ten Sleep is nearly complete, and a width restriction has ended, according to Dan McAfee, WYDOT resident engineer in Worland.

“The bridge reopened to traffic of all widths in late September,” McAfee said. “We really appreciate the patience of all ranchers and citizens who use the Big Trails Road.”

The $1.8 million contract had a completion date of Oct. 31. Bridge improvements are still under way in Washakie (Ten Sleep), Hot Springs (south of Thermopolis on WYO 789) and Fremont (west of Riverton) counties.

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More work started on five-lane highway project east of Cody Cody – The $12.3 million highway improvement project on Cody’s east edge continued on the Sage Creek bridge, according to WYDOT resident engineer Todd Frost in Cody.

Clearing, grubbing, topsoil stripping and bridge work was under way in October.

The contractor maintained two-way traffic throughout the project without delays, with the exception of one flagger station.

“A commuting-time flagger station will stop traffic just long enough to allow

Law enforcement is on the lookout for buzzed drivers.

Always designate a sober driver.

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fencing and other work on 3.45 miles of U.S. 14A and WYO 114 beginning at milepost 2.20 (West Cooper Lane) between Cody and Powell.

Photo: Cody Beers

ingress and egress for haul of contractor-furnished materials on and off the project,” Frost said. “The remainder of the time the cumulative delay of 10 minutes maximum will be allowed, and traffic will be led through the work zone with pilot vehicles.”

About 3.5 miles of U.S. 14A is being widened to five lanes with a continuous turn lane and eight-foot shoulders. This project is the final section in a long-term series of projects to widen 24 miles of U.S. 14A between Cody and Powell.

“In addition to the clearing, grubbing and topsoil stripping, the contractor installed irrigation pipe along Park County Road 2DA, as well as other irrigation and drainage pipe crossings across U.S. 14A from Beacon Hill Road to about milepost 4.5, which is a mile east of Sage Creek bridge,” Frost said.

“Except for the pipe crossings, the existing highway surface wasn’t impacted by the road improvement efforts at this time,” he said.

The contractor began excavating between Beacon Hill Road and the Sage Creek bridge on the south side of U.S. 14A. Work on the first stage widening of the Sage Creek bridge progressed.

Oftedal Construction, Inc., is the prime contractor of the Cody East highway improvement project.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the U.S. 14A project to Oftedal in May. Oftedal’s scope of work included grading, draining, milling of existing asphalt pavement, placing pit run subbase and crushed gravel, asphalt paving and paving of asphalt wearing course, chip sealing, removal and replacement of the Sage Creek bridge, installing concrete pavement, installing roadway lighting and electrical work, and installing guardrail,

Briefs continued from page 5

U.S.14A bridge deck preparation on the Cody East project Oct. 17. The bridge deck was poured on two days later.

Runaway truck ramp open on U.S. 14 east of Greybull Greybull – A newly-constructed runaway truck ramp is open on U.S. 14 in Shell Canyon, according to Ben Steed, WYDOT resident engineer in Basin.

The runaway truck ramp is east of Greybull near the Shell Falls Visitors Center in Shell Canyon.

Steed said the $616,000 runaway truck ramp project is located at milepost 27.1 on U.S. 14 (27.1 miles east of Greybull), just east of the visitors center.

Prime contractor on the project is Pab Good Trucking LLC, of Greybull. n

WYDOT Authorized Travel The WAT system is not new to WYDOT but there have been some changes this year with more to come by the end of the year.

The WAT Program permits motorists to drive on sections of closed roads, when authorities judge it is safe to do so. The program is structured in accordance with the Wyoming road closure law, which allows for exceptions to road closures, most commonly to accommodate drivers traveling to and from their residence or place of employment. However, motorists are forewarned WAT does not give blanket authorization to drive on a closed roads.

Starting fall 2013, WAT users have two methods to receive travel authorization: email alerts from the system and a new toll-free dial-in system (1-855-WATDIAL) for those without Internet access or smartphone data coverage. Last season, WAT was able to deliver text alerts to subscriber cell phones, but due to cellular carrier issues, that service has been discontinued.

Each summer, the WAT database is cleared, prompting WAT users to reenroll in the program. The purging of all information is necessary to keep information up-to-date with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. With that in mind, WAT users need to submit an application yearly, and

will be notified of their authorization by WYDOT. If an application has been declined, changes can be made and the application re-submitted for consideration.

Common reasons for an application to be declined are inadequate information provided in the “justifications” section of the application or extensive and inconsistent travel.

WAT for a section of highway, their WAT One Time application will also be denied.

WAT users no longer call Patrol dispatch directly for this access. All WAT One Time applications are online.

WAT One Time is just that. One time.

The user is allowed to drive on a closed section of road only for the duration of the weather-related event.

WAT One Time

Get road updates with 511

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WYDOT utilizes 511 as a 24-hour service to relay road information to the public.

More than 85,000 calls were taken in October and the public spent 994 hours listening to the recorded information. A severe storm on Oct. 5 garnered more than 34,000 calls.

– Carlie Van Winkle

For the 2013 season, there have already been 686 completed and approved WAT applications statewide.

WAT applications to date: D1 524 D2 44 D3 85 D4 26 D5 7

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WYDOT Authorized Travel Notifications 2013-2014

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Currently in development, with the hopes of rolling out this year, is WAT One Time. This WAT option will help travelers who are either awaiting their WAT approval, or only need to travel certain roads for the duration of a particular storm.

WAT One Time will be available via a link on the 511 Web page (wyoroad.info) and will allow users to enter basic information including vehicle information, a valid driver license number and email address. A listing of closed roads will be available for the user to select a route they would like access to, input a reason for travel on the particular route and then submit their one-time application.

While the user waits for authorization, the WAT database is searched for any previous information on the applicant, including non approvals. Upon authorization, a pop-up window will appear directing the user to call a phone number for the access code. It is recommended the  user dial in using the same phone number used in the application process. The system uses caller ID and will recognize the user calling in and the  roads and which mile posts on that road are allowed for travel. The assigned password is given and the user is then free to travel on that stretch of road.

If an individual A WAT subscriber will get a map that outlines the route they are authohas been denied travel rized to travel, including beginning and ending milepost numbers. authorization through 

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17 Mile Road Dedication More than 200 people gathered on a bright and shiny Oct. 22 to dedicate and bless a reconstructed 17 Mile Road on the Wind River Reservation

Photos: Rick Carpenter

17 Mile Road is also known as Fremont County Road 334. It links the reservation, its people, its schools and its tribal governments to Riverton and points beyond. It was originally built in about 1930 and was last updated in 1950.

Gathered under a circus-size tent, tribal members, county, state and federal government workers, and media celebrated the success of the 17 Mile Road Partnership Project, which culminates 15 years of highway and bridge improvements on the Wind River Reservation’s busiest highway.

“It is a good thing that this road is now safe for our Indian people and others,” said Eastern Shoshone Business Council Chairman Darwin St. Clair Jr. “This project has brought together many partners, and that shows when we come together we get great things done. It’s quite a smooth ride. I really like that!”

Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Darrell O’Neal Sr., added “this road project addressed safety concerns we’ve had over the years. This project was a long time coming and is the last chapter of addressing the safety concerns.”

Clearly it was a day of storytelling and thanks to Big John Smith, transportation director of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, and his tribal transportation staff, including Howard Brown III and others.

Photo courtesy of Ernie Over/County10.com

Colors were presented during the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication, Oct. 22.

District 5 Engineer Shelby Carlson, Joseph Dailey of the Federal Highway Administration, Chief Engineer Del McOmie, and Central Federal Lands Engineer Ricardo Suarez pose with the plaque presented to WYDOT from Central Federal Lands for the 17 Mile Road project.

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“John challenged us 15-years ago in Cheyenne to construct a good project here. He started this project,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Delbert McOmie, who is a Lander native. “This highway had twice the state average of vehicle and pedestrian fatalities, and it had the highest pedestrian fatality rate of any Indian Reservation highway in the country. With traffic counts here approaching 2,000 vehicles a day, it was time for a modern road for modern transportation.”

Part of the ceremony included honoring tribal members who have been lost in 17 Mile Road traffic crashes through the years.

Reconstructing 17 Mile Road – probably closer to 25-miles in length between WYO 789 on the outskirts of Riverton and WYO 132 (Blue Sky Highway) near Ethete – was a $43 million project that lasted over six different construction seasons and involved four separate phases.

The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes funded completion of the 17 Mile Road Partnership Project with a federal TIGER III grant in November 2011. The $8.23 million grant funded the roadway improvements from the Little Wind River bridge at the east end of the project to Coolidge Canal at the west end of the project. Funding also came from Fremont County, Wyoming Division of Tourism, and federal funding through the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Indian Reservation Roads program.

The final project was built nearly entirely by tribal workers.

Another unique part of this project involved the many different partnerships to make it happen. Financial and manpower contributions came from Fremont County, the state of Wyoming, Federal Highway Administration - Central Federal Lands Division, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes and Wyoming Tourism.

“This project is being viewed across the country as the model for government and community partnerships,” McOmie said.

Central Federal Lands Division Engineer Ricardo Suarez of

Photo courtesy of Ernie Over/County10.com

Denver delivered the keynote address, saying, “It would be a shame if we don’t continue this partnership. It is good government in action, and this project has been so unbelievable in a great way.”

Big John Smith said, prior to being built, 17 Mile Road was historically known as one of the most dangerous roadways in Wyoming.

The roadway’s average fatality rate is twice the national average, and over the past 10 years, Smith said 17 Mile Road has had “numerous rollBig John Smith, transportation director of the Eastovers, car crashes ern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, stands with Joseph Dailey and Ricardo Suarez and the and encounters plaque presented to the tribes from Central Federal with pedestrians Lands for the 17 Mile Road project. and bicycles.

This was due to the various safety issues of the roadway, including its narrow width and the absence of roadway shoulders and safety zones, and limited sight distance. As part of this project, a hazardous irrigation ditch in the right of way was also piped.”

“This is the most important road on the Wind River Reservation,” Smith said.

Rebuilding 17 Mile Road has generated an estimated $160 million impact on the Wind River Reservation since its start. It has employed hundreds of reservation workers, promoted tribal employment through the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), and improved safety.

McOmie said the next big project on the reservation is being planned for Blue Sky Highway (WYO 132) between U.S. 287 and Ethete.

“The 17 Mile Road project was a long time coming and it’s good to celebrate it being complete,” said District 5 Engineer Shelby Carlson of Basin. “Highways are critical to our way of life in Wyoming. This one has been a long journey.”

– Cody Beers

District Engineer Shelby Carlson listed significant project information as part of her speech about tribal workers’ efforts on the final 15-month-long, $17.6 million ($1.8 million per mile) project, including:

Photo courtesy of Ernie Over/County10.com

Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Darrell O’Neal, and Eastern Shoshone Business Council Chairman Darwin St. Clair Jr., cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the new 17 Mile Road project on the Wind River Reservation.

u Building a 40-foot road , nearly double the width of the old 22-24-foot road;

u Employing 130 tribal workers, earning nearly $4.5 million in wages for their families;

u Paying $174,000 in TERO fees for tribal employment training;

u Paving 44,000 tons of asphalt pavement; u Flagging more than 15,000 hours to ensure

a safe work environment for workers and the traveling public;

u Moving 305,000 cubic yards of dirt; u Burying more than 18,000 feet of irrigation

pipe and improving an aging irrigation system, which eliminated an unsafe open ditch that followed the old road;

u Installing 9,300 feet of drainage pipe; u Installing 148,000 feet of right-of-way fence and 47,000 feet of temporary fencing for livestock containment during construction;

u Adding 49 new cattle guards; u Installing a box culvert for the Mill Creek alignment under “live water” conditions;

u Installing a new sanitary water line to the Mill Creek housing development; and

u Adding roadway lighting at critical intersections.

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nearly 80-mile stretch of U.S. 89 in Lincoln County has gained official recognition as the “Star Valley Scenic Byway,” following action taken by the Wyoming Transportation Commission last month.

The south end of the new scenic byway is milepost 54.9, where U.S. 89 crosses the Idaho state line a few miles north of Geneva Junction, Idaho. From there, it continues at first east and then north as it climbs Salt Canyon to the 7,610-foot summit of Salt River Pass.

From the summit, U.S. 89 continues generally north as it descends into Star Valley, continuing through the communities of Smoot, Afton, Grover, Thayne and Etna before reaching Alpine. There, the byway continues to the east as U.S. 26-89 into Snake River Canyon to its northern terminus at the Lincoln-Teton county line about nine miles south of Hoback Junction.

The route was nominated for scenic byway status by the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Transportation Commission voted to approve the application during its October monthly meeting in Cheyenne.

In the application materials, sponsors described Star Valley as “one of the most beautiful areas in the Rocky Mountain West,” and pointed out the area’s proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Other attributes mentioned in the application are that the valley is situated between the scenic Salt River and Caribou mountain ranges affording numerous alpine vistas, and that three major rivers − the Salt, Greys and Snake − converge at the north end of the valley into the east end of Palisades Reservoir. The valley is bordered by thousands of acres of wilderness and features abundant wildlife, including sandhill cranes, pelicans, eagles, moose, elk, deer, fox and coyotes.

“Each season of the year is a spectacular showcase in Star Valley,” the sponsors wrote. “Snowy, icy winters give way to an abundance

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of summer wildflowers that blend into the rich, warm colors of fall. The valley has been called ‘Little Switzerland’ for its incredible beauty.”

The application materials submitted to the commission included detailed information touching on historic, cultural and recreational aspects of Star Valley. Tourism-specific attractions include the Lander Trail Center and adjacent Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum in Afton, the Big Barn Museum, also in Lander, and the Old Auburn Rock Church, located in the community of Auburn a few miles west of U.S. 89.

Other attractions include Intermittent Springs, the world’s largest cold-water geyser, located along Swift Creek five miles east of Afton; Cottonwood Lake, which offers nonmotorized boating, fishing and camping in a verdant forest setting less than 10 miles southeast of Afton; rugged Snake River Canyon,

Photos: Rick Carpenter

r a t S

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TETON COUNTY

IDAHO

which offers world-class white water rafting and excellent fly fishing; and Greys River Road, a scenic forest road that extends nearly 100 miles into the relatively undisturbed back country region lying between the Salt River and Wyoming ranges.

In all, the application singled out 39 point of interest which are located directly adjacent to U.S. 89 or within relatively close proximity.

A scenic byway committee was assembled by the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce to prepare the application materials.

Representation included the Star Valley Historical Society, the Star Valley Ranch Economic Development Council, the Star Valley Ranch Association, the Star Valley Independent newspaper, the Thayne mayor and private citizens. Three public meetings, conducted by WYDOT’s Talbot Hauffe, were held to introduce the nomination to the public and offer a forum for comment.

The Star Valley Scenic Byway joins 15 other similarly designated highway routes in Wyoming. – Bruce Burrows

SUBLETTE COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY

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High Winds, High Hazard

result in a loss of control of their vehicle or the possibility that the vehicle may be blown over.”

According to Townsend, vehicles most prone to being blown over by the strong winds include high-profile commercial vehicles, vehicles pulling trailers and recreational type vehicles.

Wind speed advisories and closures are posted on dynamic message signs along the highway, and at ports of entry.

Drivers of commercial vehicles who fail to observe a road closure notice and are involved in a crash due to the high winds may be cited for violating federal motor carrier safety regulations which govern travel during hazardous conditions, Townsend wrote.

In addition, the driver of a high-profile or light-weight vehicle involved in a crash due to the high winds will be liable for towing and cleanup costs associated with the crash as well as for repair costs stemming from damage caused to public or private property, he added.

“When you see the dynamic message signs advising of the warning or closure and you as a driver are in doubt, park your vehicle in the nearest town and wait until the winds lessen,” Townsend advised. “Do not take a chance with your vehicle or your life during these hazardous wind events.”

Additional details for high wind advisories and associated road closures can be found on the Wyoming Travel Information web site (wyoroad.info) under the “Definitions” link.

As Wyoming residents are well aware, numerous areas in the state are prone to high winds during stormy weather. High winds can reduce the margin of safety for drivers of various types of vehicles. The hazard is particularly pronounced for tractor-trailer combinations and other large vehicles which have a large surface area for the wind to catch. Also susceptible are unloaded trailers or vans which can be moved around more easily by wind.

When wind gusts exceed 50 mph, WYDOT will post a “No Light Trailer” advisory. When gust speeds exceed 65 mph, a road can be closed entirely to high profile and lightweight vehicles.

When the wind comes up, driving on slick or even dry roads can become hazardous for operators of these types of vehicles, Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Townsend reminded travelers in a notice issued last month.

Townsend emphasized this type of advisory does not provide specific definitions of vehicle types or weights. “(It) is for vehicles of any size which have a profile that is subject to the wind gusts,” he wrote. “Drivers of these types of Truckers who drive high profile or lightweight (unvehicles are advised not to travel loaded) vehicles have a higher risk of losing control as these strong wind gusts may of their vehicle with gusty winds.

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Patrol advises drivers about driving hazards associated with high winds

Retirees and their guests are invited to the

WYDOT Retiree Christmas Party Thursday, December 12 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Cheyenne Airport Golf Club

Bring a potluck dish to share (don’t forget the serving utensil!)

Meat, place settings, coffee, tea and iced water will be provided. Cash bar available.

Please RSVP prior to December 9: Rick Eccli - 634-3231; John Lane - 638-6348; Pat Collins - 635-2344; Pam Hendricks - 632-9151; or Ron Kisicki - 632-8413

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

WYDOT and Conservation Research Center of Teton Science Schools are continuing a three-year study this fall and winter to evaluate the effects of wildlife warning reflectors on wildlifevehicle collisions in Big Horn and Fremont counties.

This study is limited to the areas between Basin and Greybull on U.S. 16-20, and west of Riverton on U.S. 26.

Part of the study involves covering wildlife warning reflectors with bags to study deer behavior with and without the reflectors working as they are intended.

“The researchers are studying the reflector installations about one mile at a time at night – both with the reflectors uncovered and with the reflectors covered with white canvas bags,” according to Cody Beers, WYDOT public involvement specialist in Riverton.

Field research on the three-year study is occurring this fall and winter in Big Horn and Fremont counties. The Teton Science Schools research team will be parking near the highway to conduct its research.

In 2007, WYDOT began installing wildlife warning reflectors (deer delineators) throughout Big Horn, Hot Springs and Fremont counties. Between 2007 and 2010, these warning reflectors were installed west of Riverton on 4.7 miles of U.S. 26 between Kinnear and Riverton, and just north of Kinnear; on six miles of U.S. 16-20 between Greybull and Basin; on 3.3 miles of U.S. 20

between Wind River Canyon and Thermopolis; and on 8.9 miles of U.S. 20 between Thermopolis and Lucerne.

“More than 75,000 wildlifevehicle collisions have been recorded in Deer reflectors currently being used to determine the Wyoming dur- effects of the reflectors on wildlife-vehicle collisions. ing the past two decades, and of these, 7,500 have occurred within a 60mile buffer of Thermopolis,” said Morgan Graham, Conservation Research Center geographic information systems manager Covered deer reflectors to monitor if they are effective or are actually influencing deer behavior. and principal investigator for the study.

Graham said the study will determine the effect of the wildlife warning reflectors on the wildlife-vehicle collision rate; quantify factors that influence wildlife-vehicle collisions; and examine the effects of wildlife warning reflectors on deer highway crossing patterns and behaviors.

“A properly installed modern wildlife warning reflector system consists of a series of roadside posts with unique reflectors mounted to face across the roadway,” Graham said. “As vehicles pass with headlights on, light is reflected in a moving pattern across the road at various angles. Approaching wildlife will notice the reflected light, causing them to halt until the vehicle and lights have passed.”

The manufacturer of the reflector system (Strieter Corp.) reports a 78 to 90 percent reduction in deer-vehicle collisions, but results of independent studies have varied on systems installed throughout the United States.

“Current information does not provide a definitive conclusion on whether modern deer delineators are effective, nor is it clear if they influence deer behavior,” Graham said. “Our study will provide much-needed data on deer delineator efficacy as a wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation tool. It will address the effect of deer delineators on roadside deer behavior, and it will develop an understanding of deer road crossing selection.”

Graham said results of the study should help WYDOT make future “informed decisions regarding transportation planning, roadway improvements and mitigation recommendations.”

– Cody Beers

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Study of wildlife warning reflectors continues in District 5

Headquarters

Welcome Shannon Ferree, Motor Vehicle Services-Titles and Registration; Kimberly Gallegos, Financial Services-Disbursements; and Kyle Shook, Right Of Way-Negotiations.

Promotions and Transfers Benoit Cordoba, Bridge-Engineering Design; Susan Hopkins, Highway Project Management Oversight; Alan Moore, Highway Development-Project Development; Julia Ray, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title; and Kathryn Sednek, Highway

Cordoba

Moore

Sednek

Promotions and Transfers Kory Cramer, Laramie Construction; Gregory McLeod, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Timothy Romig, Cheyenne Patrol.

Service Awards Christopher Fagnant, Rawlins Mechanics – 25 years; Kerry Olson, Cheyenne Traffic Striping – 25 years; Richard Barber, Laramie Maintenance – 10 years; Scott Janicek, Baggs Maintenance – 5 years; and Justin Stephens, Rawlins Construction – 5 years.

Fagnant

Rich Barber receiving his 10 year certificate from District Engineer, Pat Persson.

Cradle Call

Cavanaugh

Service Awards Diane Meese, Patrol-Commercial Carrier – 35 years; Stephanie Moellenberg, Patrol Dispatch – 30 years; Christina Spindler, Traffic – 15 years; Nicolle Whetstone, Environmental Services – 15 years; Thomas Hart, Environmental Services – 10 years; Michael King, Budget – 10 years; Heidi Martin, Right Of Way-Appraisals – 10 years; Kimberly Peters, Fuel Tax-Management – 10 years; Suzanne Roseberry, GIS/ITS – 10 years; Vincent Cavanaugh, Right Of Way-Property Management – 5 years; Alysha Ketcham, GIS/ITS – 5 years; and David Shepard, Telecommunications-District 1 Radio Shop – 5 years.

Boyd

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Photo courtesy Tim McGary

Congratulations Jim Boyd was recently chosen as the new program manager for the Training Services Program in Cheyenne. Jim replaces David Talley, and assumed his duties as training supervisor Oct. 1. Congratulations Jim!

Congratulations also to District 1 Maintenance Engineer Tim McGary and his wife Deb on the birth of grandchild number six.

Eliza Mae Snyder arrived Oct. 19 weighing in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. Her parents are Jason and Kaylan Snyder of Carrollton, Texas. Eliza joins 3-year-old big sister, Abigail, at home.

Photo courtesy Tim McGary

Spindler

Development-Project Development.

Photo courtesy Gary Curry

Meese

Congratulations to District 1 Equipment Supervisor Gary Curry and his wife Lori on the birth of their grandson, Kade Ryder Janzen. Kade came into the world on Oct. 15 at 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long.

Kade has been welcomed home by parents, Kristina and Branden Janzen, and big sister, Rylee, of Laramie.

Photo courtesy Tim McGary

District News

District 1

Congratulations

Welcome James Brent, Kemmerer Maintenance; Deny Leonard, Kemmerer Maintenance; Stewart Miller, Telecommunications-District 3 Radio Shop; and Kevin Ranta, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Barnes

Promotion and Transfers

Breazeale

Staci Erker, District 3 Administration; and Ronald Pizzie, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Erker

Service Awards Photo courtesy District 1

District 1 technicians have recently passed more FOS certification tests. Joe Barnes, welding – Cheyenne; Mervin Breazeale, welding and rigging – Cheyenne; Carl Malone, power trains – Laramie; and Derek Zimmer, hydraulics and rigging – Laramie.

District 3

Zimmer and Malone.

Michael Garner, Afton Construction – 30 years; Dwayne Witt, Rock Springs Mechanics – 15 years; and Alan Kaul, Pinedale Maintenance – 5 years.

District 4

Welcome

District 2

John Carl, Gillette Maintenance; Timmothy Lucas, Reno Junction Maintenance; and Richard Stanger Jr., Gillette Mechanics.

Welcome Ryan Schmitt, Kaycee Maintenance.

Service Awards

Promotion and Transfers

Lowell Fleenor, District 2 Administration – 30 years; Wendel Jones, Muddy Gap Maintenance – 30 years; A.L. Gruwell, Douglas Maintenance – 25 years; Sheldon Poage, Douglas Patrol – 10 years; Myron Witt, Chugwater Maintenance – 10 years; and Bryan Hays, Chugwater Maintenance – 5 years.

Jim Butts, Sundance Construction; Chad Greene, Traffic-Electrical; and Dustin Hockett, Buffalo Maintenance.

Fleenor

Service Awards Mark Wallace, Sheridan Construction – 25 years; Isaac Finkle, Buffalo Construction – 5 years; and John Morbeto, Gillette Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements

Wallace

Finkle

Congratulations

Wanda Johnson, Casper Driver Services.

Jones

Richard “Rick” Parkison from the Sheridan/Dietz Port of Entry for successfully completing special officer.

Photo courtesy Jeff Goetz

Morbeto

David Leeling, a heavy mechanic at the Casper shop, recently completed his certification test for Rigging. Congratulations, David!

Submissions deadline for the December Interchange is:

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Welcome

Cradle Call

Vincent Bolte, Cody Mechanics; and Ricky Mitchell, Shoshoni Maintenance.

Shane and Mandy Wilson of Thermopolis welcomed future snowplow driver Sawyer Nash Wilson into the world Sept. 17 at 9:07 p.m. He measured 7 pounds, 1 ounce and 20 inches long.

Proud grandparents Sid and Sherry McDonald of Riverton, Ralph and Sara Wilson of Basin and great-grandma Betty Stout of Cody are all ecstatic about the little arrival.

Service Awards

se Re c ea Pl

Melinda Cox, in the green shorts, helping instructor John Kidwell in a self-defense demonstration for Lander employees. Lander is not a dangerous place to live, but a self-defense class is a good way to learn a few things that might help out if attacked. Ten WYDOT employees attended the class.

Photo courtesy Cody Beers

September and October Service Award Recipients

Shane Pugh from Riverton Maintenance took a ride on a saddle (no horse underneath) as part of his birthday celebration. Word is he didn’t get bucked off the horseless saddle.

Interchange

ading Re !

Martin Christian, Lander heavy mechanic with shop crew 5062, was presented his 15-year service award by Frank Hancock.

le Afte yc

r

Photo courtesy Jim Cox

Louis Kousoulos, Cody Mechanics.

Photo courtesy Tamra Perkins

Retirements

16

Josh Hahn showing off his master technician certification. He has now completed all of his FOS tests. Congratulations, Josh!

Photo courtesy Shane and Mandy Wilson

Martin Christian, Lander Mechanics – 15 years; Shaun Emmett, Cody Maintenance – 10 years; Brent Keen, Riverton Maintenance – 10 years; Brian Pittman, Ten Sleep Maintenance – 10 years; Daniel Hahn, Lander Maintenance – 5 years; and Clardon Todd, Riverton Construction – 5 years.

Photo courtesy Jim Cox

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n November 2013

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater.

Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (From left) Kerry Olson, Missy Moellenberg, Mark Wallace and Kathy Wenger.

WTDEA

Eigenberger is District 1 state board representative

WTDEA made the news The Headquarters chapter of WTDEA made news in the Casper Star Tribune by organizing help for the victims of the La Barge flood.

Heidi Martin, WTDEA Headquarters Chapter president, spearheaded a campaign to collect donations of drywall, building supplies, furnaces, water heaters, furniture and other necessary goods from Cheyenne area home supply businesses, Habitat for Humanity and private donors.

With all of the donations, WTDEA had enough supplies to fill three covered trailers to make the trip to La Barge. The supplies were driven out mid-October.

The La Barge Relief Fund, a 501(c)(3), has also been set up to help with donations.

The floods, which swept through the small community after heavy September rainfall, filled more than 20 homes with mud and silt. Fortunately, only property damage and no casualties were reported.

The flooding caused damage to road as well as to homes in the city. WYDOT and city maintenance made repairs to highway shoulders and pipes in the area.

Total number of employees: as of October 1, 2013 Photo: Rick Carpenter

Luke Eigenberger, a highway maintenance technician from Cheyenne is a District 1 representative for WTDEA state board this year.

Eigenberger started with WYDOT as a seasonal employee on the I-25 crew, and after six months became a permanent employee with the I-80 crew.

Eigenberger has been a member of WTDEA since starting at WYDOT two years ago, and has already been a district representative and now a state board representative.

“I have not been an officer for District 1 or for state board yet, but I would like to in the near future,” Eigenberger said.

When asked what he would like to see WTDEA accomplish this year, he replied that seeing more people contribute to the relief fund would be ideal. He would also like to get more employees involved and

Eigenberger

become members of WTDEA. Eigenberger is originally from Sheboygan Falls, Wis., and has been living in Wyoming for 15 years. He lives to hunt and fish, along with spending time in the summer camping and hiking with his family.

1,997

One month ago

2,011

One year ago

2,046

Extra Mile

AWARDS Congratulations to our September recipients!

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.

Tina Simpson Angie Lola Deb Shuler Cathy Titmus Mike Miller

Larry Jansma Stuart Eckhardt Randy Merritt Ray Neal Huston Twitchell

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Janet Farrar at janet.farrar@wyo.gov or Mel Anderson at mel.anderson@wyo.gov.

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Noteworthy Procurement Services wins the WYDOT’s Procurement Services Program was recently recognized by the National Procurement Institute (NPI) for its achievement of excellence in procurement.

NPI educates and networks for its members and other professionals associated with public sector procurement and supply management. NPI is the official public sector purchasing affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management, and its mission is to facilitate the educational and professional development of its members.

The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award is in its 18th year, and it recognizes organizational excellence in Procurement Services poses with their newly won award. (Clockwise from top procurement. Public and non-profit organizations earn the left) Aubrie Adams, Cori Schrinar, Mike Deleeuw, Bobbie Helvig, Gary Crawford, Terri Zuniga, Diane Archerd, Procurement Services Program Manager award by obtaining a high application score based on standardized criteria. The judging criteria are designed to measure Hans Hehr, and Rose Morgan. (Not pictured: Jeff Madden.)

National Institute for Government Procurement (including The innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and Institute for Public Procurement, the National Association of leadership attributes of the procurement function.

State Procurement Officials, the National Association of Educa“We submitted our application which qualified for 10 of the tion Procurement, and the Texas Public Purchasing Association). different standardized categories. We met the criteria and gained This is the first time WYDOT’s Procurement Services Proa high score,” said Hans Hehr, Procurement Services manager. “It gram has received this award. It is one of only 15 state agencies is just an honor to win such a prestigious award.” nationwide to be chosen, and it is the only organization in WyoThe award is sponsored by NPI, the California Association of ming to receive this honor in 2013. n Public Procurement Officials, the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials, the Institute for Supply Management, the

Cox elected AASHTO vice president

Trooper foils bank robber’s escape

Director John Cox is the new vice president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

He was elected by the association’s board of directors at the organization’s annual meeting last month in Denver.

“I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity to serve with and learn from AASHTO President Mike Hancock,” Cox said. “With the current federal transportation funding bill expiring in less than a year, work is already under way toward reauthorizing that funding. I look forward to having a voice in the conversation about continued support for the nation’s transportation system.”

Hancock, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, served as AASHTO’s vice president for the past year before being elected president.

Cox recently completed a term as president of the 18-state Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, one of the four regional associations that make up AASHTO. Highway and transportation departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are represented in AASHTO. The association serves as a liaison between state departments and the federal government, and sets technical standards for all phases of highway system development. n

On Aug. 26, Trooper Chad Ludwig was on duty in the Afton area when he responded to a bank robbery call from local Afton authorities. The Afton Police Department reported that a robbery had just occurred at the 1st Bank in Afton and relayed a possible vehicle and suspect description.

Ludwig located a vehicle matching the reported description as it was about to leave the area. He coordinated with city and county officers and then initiated a traffic stop to pull the car over. The traffic stop led to the apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of all the stolen money.

“I have been a law enforcement officer for more than 36 years and it’s good to see all officers working together for the common goal,” said Afton Police Chief Randy Haderlie.

“Trooper Ludwig is an example of how law enforcement is to be accomplished. Protect the public, apprehend the criminal, and preserve the property and rights of all.”

Col. John Butler appreciates hearing about WHP troopers making a difference and representing the agency in a positive manner. He commended Trooper Ludwig on his quick response and action in the incident.

“I take great pleasure in receiving accolades from other agencies when it involves the WHP. Ludwig is to be commended for his professionalism in the handling of this incident,” said Col. Butler. n

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award

Smith wins scholarship

WyHy Federal Credit Union recently donated 100 teddy bears to WHP. The bears were purchased with funds raised through employee donations.

Once or twice per month, WyHy branch employees participate in “Clothing for a Cause” allowing employees to have a Sgt. Duane Ellis receiving teddy bears from dress-down day and wear jeans for a small WyHy Federal Credit employee Nicole Amedee. donation of $5. The monies raised through “Clothing for a Cause” fund a handful of charitable endeavors, the trooper bears to name one.

“I believe that this is an important partnership with the WHP going forward,” said Bryan Thomas, vice president and chief administrative officer of WyHy. “We will provide teddy bears for troopers to give children when they are first responders on the scene. The bears will help calm and soothe a scared child.”

WyHy purchased 100 bears and they will be distributed throughout the state and will be replenished as necessary. Troopers will carry the bears in their vehicles and use them when needed.

Both WyHy branches are involved with this service project. The Cheyenne branch purchased the bears that will be distributed throughout the state.

WyHy is proud to support other WHP programs by getting involved with the Alive at 25 driver safety program and other driver safety programs at area schools. n

Training ata Glance Here are upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT University and the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) Date Class Location Nov. 4-7 New Employee Orientation #1 (NEO) Cheyenne Nov. 12 NEW! Delivering Leading Edge Customer Service TLN Nov. 13 Improving Your Ability to Deal with Conflict Cheyenne Nov. 14 Building Fun, Safe, and Productive Teams Cheyenne Nov. 14 Ethics Awareness for the Transportation Industry TLN Nov. 19-20 Leading at the Speed of Trust Cheyenne Nov. 20 Anti-Icing and De-Icing TLN Nov. 21 Stepping Up: Taking Initiative WYDOT Only TLN Coming up in November 2013: Dec. 3 Effective Listening Skills Dec. 4 Intentional Leadership Conversations

Photo: Rick Carpenter

WyHy donates bears to patrol troopers

WYDOT retiree Robert Smith was recently awarded a $500 scholarship by Black Hills State University.

Smith, of Beulah, retired from WYDOT in 2010, and is now pursuing a second career, majoring in elementary education at BHSU. The scholarship is awarded to a veteran attending BHSU, and funded through the Jacket Ride held during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Smith is a chief engineering aide with the Navy Reserve and has nearly two decades of military service. He was mobilized to Iraq and Afghanistan with the First Naval Construction Regiment in 2008-2009.

The Sundance native earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1981, and began working for WYDOT in Rawlins that same year. He served as resident engineer there before transferring to Project Development in Cheyenne in 1994. n

Passings Jim Farnsworth Retiree Jim Farnsworth, 81, died Oct. 10 in Cheyenne.

Farnsworth joined the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in 1963. He spent his entire 41-year career in the Right-of-Way Program at headquarters and was noted throughout the state of Wyoming for his skill as a title examiner.

He was born in Denver and raised in Riverton where he was high school valedictorian. Farnsworth subsequently completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming, and went on to earn his law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. n

Cheyenne Cheyenne

To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to Jim Boyd (777-4791) or Rhonda DeLeeuw (777-4790).

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Johnson named to Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame Raymond A. Johnson, one of Wyoming’s early commercial pilots, has been named the 2013 inductee into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame.

In addition to flying for commercial airlines, Johnson’s aviation career included barnstorming, air racing, weather observation, flight instruction, flight testing, crop dusting, and serving as a forest fire lookout and the state’s aviation safety officer.

He was selected as the 22nd inductee into the Hall of Fame by its board of directors, with the approval of the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. An induction ceremony is being planned for later this fall.

Born in 1912, Johnson grew up on the family ranch south of Laramie. He began taking flying lessons at the age of 15 and made his first solo flight at 17.

He won the first air race held in Cheyenne in the late 1930s, and was a pilot for parachutist George Hopkins, who gained notoriety when he landed on top of Devils Tower in 1941.

During World War II, Johnson was a test pilot for North American Aviation in Kansas City. He conducted test flights on the P-51 and B-25. After the war, he worked at airports in Mitchell, Neb., Huron, S.D., and Great Falls, Mont.

He flew for Mountain Airways, Inland Airways, Cheyenne Flying Service, and Plains Airways, where he was promoted to operations manager of its Army Air Corps training program at Cheyenne, Laramie, and Fort Morgan, Colo.

He earned his Civil Aeronautics Administration advanced flight training instructor rating and became the chief pilot for the newly formed collegiate training class at the University of Wyoming. He also was a CAA district flight supervisor at Lambert Field, Mo. In 1951, he became flight instructor and later flight commander at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, where he trained pilots during the Korean War. In 1960, Johnson returned to Wyoming and became the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission’s safety and enforcement officer. He also served as a pilot for Govs. Jack Gage and Cliff Hansen.

During his time with the state, Johnson was one of five aviation pioneers honored at

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ceremonies at the Cheyenne Airport during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first contract airmail flights from Cheyenne. He died in 1984 at the age of 72.

The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1994 through the efforts of veteran pilot Red Kelso of Cheyenne and the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. Its purpose is to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development, and advancement of aviation in Wyoming. Plaques containing biographies of the inductees are on display at the Cheyenne Regional Airport terminal.

For more information, please contact Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame President John Waggener.

– Dave Kingham

Photo courtesy Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame

Noteworthy

In The Community Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration hosts Wyoming Fuel Tax Administration (FTA) presented the inaugural Fuel For Kids Brown Bag Ball benefiting the Friday Food Bag Foundation on Sept. 28 at the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne. The event was sold out with 200 people in attendance, and while the final accounting is underway, it is estimated that the event raised over $25,000 for the Friday Food Bag Foundation.

For the past four years, the Fuel Tax Team has been committed to giving back to the community, so much so that it is actually part of their balanced scorecard strategic plan. While there are positive team building outcomes from community service projects, the majority of time spent on the projects is personal time committed by team members. The Fuel For Kids Brown Bag Ball event was the brainchild of several FTA team members back in January, and the team voted to make it the primary community service project of the year. Due to a great amount of work, the event offered dinner, live and silent auctions with over 55 items, a 50/50 raffle, numerous door prizes, dancing to Brand 307 and increased awareness about the Friday Food Bag Foundation (FFBF).

“It really is something to see what an impact the commitment of 12-14 people can have on the community, and although it was a lot of work, the reward was certainly worth the effort,” said FTA

Photo courtesy Wayne Hassinger

benefit for Friday Food Bag Foundation

Brand 307 played some toe-tapping tunes for the crowd at the inaugural Fuel For Kids Brown Bag Ball. The sold out show is estimated at raising more than $25,000 for the Friday Food Bag Foundation.

Program Manager Wayne Hassinger. “I couldn’t be more proud of what we put together – the amount we raised equates to 5,000 more food bags provided to hungry children in our community.”

FFBF is a nonprofit program that provides sack lunches to children in Laramie County that may not eat healthy, or at all, over the weekend if not for the food provided by FFBF. For more information about the FFBF or the Fuel For Kids Brown Bag Ball please feel free to contact the FTA office. n

David Harrenga of Lander, and Kloie Sanders, 5-year-old granddaughter of Lander maintenance foreman Matt Sanders.

What did you do this fall?

Submit your photos for the January WYDOT Outdoors!

Submissions deadline for

WYDOT Outdoors: Photo courtesy David Harrenga

David Harrenga of our Lander maintenance crew arranged for one of our snowplows to be part of the Lander Fire Department’s open house on Oct. 10.

The snowplow was a big hit with the dozens of youngsters and older folks.

They looked over the snowplow and all its cool gadgets with delight.

Other Lander WYDOT employees and family members were involved as well. Lander rural striping foreman Tim Martell’s wife, Kesha, painted faces during the safety night. n

Photo courtesy David Harrenga

Fire Prevention Week in Lander a success

12/13/13

carlie.vanwinkle @wyo.gov

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Introducing

WyHy’s new WYDOT and Wyoming Highway Patrol Debit Cards WyHy will do n WYDO T for th ate $5 per car d to e WTD EA Reli ef Fund

Call, click or stop by a WyHy branch to get your card today!

WyHy.org 800.442.2392 307.638.4200 Cheyenne • 307.234.2373 Casper Federally insured by NCUA.

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Break Time Word search time!

Can you find all 25 words?

AASHTO Briefs Community Cradle Call Deer Reflectors District Drive Extra Mile Fuel Tax High winds Interchange Interstates News Noteworthy Patrol Procurement Services Scenic Byway Service Awards Snow plow Star Valley Thanksgiving WAT WYDOT WyHy Federal Credit Union Wyoming

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Check your answers online at: employees.dot.state.wy.us, or if not able to access the employee site: www.dot.state.wy.us/home/ engineering_technical_programs/manuals_publications/interchange.html.

Retiring from WYDOT?

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Mailing address: Give us your name and address and we’ll be sure to put you on our mailing list.

Please fill in, cut out and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009.

Or, e-mail Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

November 2013

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Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

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

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