September Interchange 2013

Interchange a WYDOT publication

September 2013, Vol. 41, Issue 9

Highway Project Delivery

Increasing support and facilitation

Letters

Well marked roads make all the difference (The following letter was addressed to Chief Engineer Del McOmie) Dear Sir, I wrote to you about the signage and markings at the west ramp to I-25 in Douglas last winter.

Coming from Gillette June 30, I was mentally preparing myself to be sure I was in the proper lane to make the Cheyenne on-ramp. I was the lead motor home of three because I had been over this stretch of road before.

To my surprise and pleasure, the new highway striping and signs make it almost impossible to make a mistake as to which lane you should be in.

I want to commend and thank you for a job well done!

Even a fellow from Texas can follow those directions.

Thanks again, Ben Moore President, Hi-Plains Chapter Family Motor Coach Assn.

A note of thanks I’d like to send a thank you note to the young lady who cleans the Dwyer Junction rest area which is located north of Wheatland.

We were traveling through and stopped this past Friday and Saturday and were amazed at the very thorough job she does. That has to be the cleanest rest area in the U.S. – at least of all the road trips we’ve been on. WYDOT needs to recognize her for the great job she is doing.

I’d like to thank her personally with a note to the WYDOT business address if you have a name I can send the thank you to; please let me know. If this is beyond your policies, please let me know that as well.

Additionally, the rest area in Sheridan is one of the cleanest as well. Thank you, Wyoming!

Sincerely, Ingrid and Patrick Hooker

(The Dwyer Junction rest area caretaker is Michelle Niles.)

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Interchange Quick response from Patrol has out-of-state visitors taking note (The following letter was addressed to Director John Cox) Dear John, On August 7 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is also known as Wyoming Wednesday, I had 25 congressional aids from Washington, D.C. here in Sundance. The aids had been in Sheridan, Buffalo, Gillette and here in Sundance so they had seen and been treated to many things including the Burn Outs in Sundance.

We were taking them to the final event at the ranch of Wyoming Sen. Driskill and as we were leaving the town of Sundance, I called the Wyoming Highway Patrol and asked them if it would be possible to have a patrolman available to get us across the traffic. When we reached the Driskill ranch, two patrolmen stopped traffic and allowed us to cross. The aids were in disbelief that this was possible and commented that it wouldn’t have happened in their states without prior notice. I would like to commend the Wyoming Highway Patrol on their quick and professional response.

Sincerely, Paul Brooks Mayor of Sundance

Prompt service truly appreciated Kelly (Yerdon), A quick note to tell you how much I appreciated the prompt, efficient way you handled my VIN application and VIN number. You did this quicker than it took me to thank you. If all of WYDOT applications are handled as efficiently, you guys rock! You have my vote for employee of the week, month, oh heck, how about year?

Thanks again Kelly for your prompt attention.

Clyde J. Thrasher Letters continued on page 19

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

Staff WYDOT Director: John F. Cox Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee 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 Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

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

Contents 10

District briefs.........................4 Noteworthy..........................12

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District news.......................14 In the Community.............16 Extra Mile Awards..............19 Training at a Glance..........19 WYDOT by the Numbers... 20 WTDEA................................. 20

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Passings................................21 Break Time.......................... 23

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8 Highway Project Delivery

Program focuses on support and facilitation

10 Saving Green

Help from Chevron Energy Solutions

11 G. Clyde Larson Award

Trooper White honored

12 Awards for Ellis, Groth 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.

WHP and WYDOT employees honored

On the cover: A look at Highway Project Delivery.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

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District Briefs Transportation commission awards $2 million contract

Cheyenne – A $2 million contract for stabilization of the Upper Marten Slide on WYO 24 about eight miles west of Aladdin was awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its August meeting in Cheyenne.

Johner & Sons of Spearfish, S.D., submitted the low bid for the work that will include construction of a shear key and toe berm at the bottom of the slope below the highway.

The shear key, a trench filled with rock to disrupt the slide plane, is scheduled to be done by Dec. 1. WYDOT geologists will monitor the slide closely during excavation of the trench to ensure it doesn’t further destabilize the slide.

Geotextile erosion control fabric will be placed on the slope, and the earth berm built above the shear key next year to reduce the steepness of the slope and provide resistance to the slide forces.

The contract completion date is Sept.

30, 2014.

HQ

Troopers investigate suspicious package at state central mail facility Cheyenne – Operations at the state of Wyoming Central Mail Facility were stopped as Troopers investigated a suspicious package discovered in the sorting process Aug. 12.

The package, which was addressed to Gov. Matt Mead’s office, was suspicious to workers at the facility who were processing and sorting mail as there was no package scheduled for delivery. A trooper responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Cheyenne Fire Department Hazmat Team.

The Hazmat Team has specialized equipment which troopers do not have access to. The fire department responded to the scene and set up their equipment

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on 18th Street between Bent Avenue and the railroad spur crossing.

The closure of the Central Mail Facility lasted for approximately two hours.

Tests indicate that the contents of the package were deemed not to be threatening in nature. The package was seized by troopers and delivered to the Wyoming State Crime Lab. The exact contents of the package are still unknown.

WHP will be working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wyoming Department of Homeland Security and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation during this investigation.

This incident remains under investigation and it has yet to be determined if a crime has been committed.

WAT program open for applications Cheyenne – WYDOT is accepting applications for the 2013-2014 WYDOT Authorized Travel program.

The program gives approved drivers permission, when conditions allow, to drive on portions of otherwise closed highways. It is designed to help people travel between home and work, school, medical appointments and agricultural property.

Road closures are necessary to ensure the safety of travelers, but the closure points are limited to where WYDOT has gates to block traffic. That means portions of a closed highway may be passable when the closure is due to a traffic crash or storm miles from the nearest road closure gate.

Through WAT, if a driver’s destination is between the closure point and the impassable portion of the road, he or she can receive permission to travel.

WAT does not give permission to travel on every closed road, or to travel during every road closure. Permission to travel is granted based on current conditions.

Driving on a closed road without permission carries a maximum possible penalty of a $750 fine and 30 days in jail.

Because of changes in the WAT program this year, drivers are encouraged to sign up early. Previously drivers have been able to call Wyoming Highway Patrol Dispatch for permission to drive

on closed roads. That will no longer be an option. Instead, drivers should go to the WAT website and fill out the application.

The WAT application process requires drivers to submit a description of their vehicles, the road sections they need to use, justification for travel and their driver license number. To apply, go to https://wat.wyoroad.info.

Applications are reviewed by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and, if accepted, drivers are subscribed to receive email messages when they are authorized to travel on sections of closed roads.

Participants also can use a telephone call-in system to find out whether any WAT alerts are in effect.

Those without Internet access can call WYDOT Public Affairs at 777-4375 to request a WAT program application.

Troopers patrolled long hours Labor Day weekend Cheyenne – Motorists traveling in Wyoming over the Labor Day holiday weekend saw extra vigilance by state troopers on roads. WHP stepped up enforcement efforts with more troopers.

On Aug. 30 and 31, troopers participated in a DUI task force with the Cheyenne Police Department, the Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office and the Wyoming State Parks Law Enforcement.

The August dates coincide with the Labor Day holiday and the temptation of drinking and driving during the long weekend. Local law enforcement targeted impaired driving in the Cheyenne metro area from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Statewide, Wyoming’s fatality count is down 29 percent compared to this same time last year. However, of the fatalities this year in 2013, 22 percent (12) were alcohol/drug related and 56 percent (30) of all of the fatalities were not wearing seat belts.

The repair is expected to last up to six weeks.

The cost of the repairs was $907,000.

It was paid for with state funds. The contractor is Reiman Corp. of Cheyenne.

Cheyenne – A traffic stop of an eastbound vehicle traveling on I-80 on Aug. 4 resulted in the arrest of the driver and the seizure of more than 88 pounds of marijuana.

The driver, Porn Souwankham, who listed an address in Minnesota, gave troopers permission to search his vehicle after he was stopped and warned for following too closely.

The marijuana, with a street value of approximately $528,000, was found in the trunk in three duffle bags during the search.

Souwankham faces felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Special Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation are assisting the Wyoming Highway Patrol with this investigation.

It is believed that Souwankham was transporting the marijuana across Wyoming for delivery out of state. The case remains under investigation.

Washout temporarily closed WYO 230 near Woods Landing Laramie – WYDOT and the Albany County Sheriff ’s Office responded in late July to three miles of washouts that temporarily closed WYO 230 near Woods Landing.

According to WYDOT maintenance engineer, Tim McGary, the westbound lane closure followed a period of intense, widespread thunderstorm activity in southeastern Wyoming. The small stream flooding near Woods Landing was in the burn area of last year’s Squirrel Creek fire which left conditions ripe for heavy runoff.

“Mud, rocks, trees, debris, you name it came down,” McGary said.

The roadway closed for approximately two hours while WYDOT maintenance forces were clearing the debris using a loader, a plow, and plenty of men with shovels.

Photo: WHP

High performance wearing course applied on I-80 Marijuana seized during a traffic stop on I-80.

Bridge repair project underway in Cheyenne Cheyenne – Motorists in the Cheyenne area were advised of detours beginning in early August for repair work to the Parsley Boulevard bridge. The bridge was closed over I-80 to repair damage incurred this spring when the structure was clipped by a truck hauling large equipment.

During the closure, damaged girders were replaced and damaged bridge deck sections above those girders repaired.

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Laramie – I-80 between the Snowy Range Road and Third Street Interchanges is getting a high performance wearing course.

The need for the resurface, said WYDOT Resident Engineer, Kory Cramer, are the crashes. He cited 90 crashes logged by Highway Patrol between 2000 and 2010, calling it an “atypically high number for that short a stretch of Interstate.”

Cramer said that most of the problems occur when the roadway is wet but the underlying issue is polishing over time of the concrete surface on that curve.

He said that experience indicates that the new wearing course will improve skid resistance in both lanes and reduce the number of crashes. In 2009 the same type wearing course was applied on I-80 in Telephone Canyon with excellent results.

The work was conducted during daylight hours and speeds were reduced to 45

miles throughout the work zone.

The project is expected to be completed by the first week of September. The contractor for the project is Knife River Corp., of Cheyenne. The cost is $700,000 and it is paid for by federal funds.

Photo: Ross Doman

Marijuana seized during I-80 traffic stop

Engineer Sam Finkle (left) and construction technician Brian Pennock on site during the wearing course application on I-80.

Public meetings in Casper and Laramie about roadside logo signage Cheyenne – WYDOT officials hosted public meetings mid-August in Casper and Laramie to discuss possible changes to WYDOT’s Specific Service Signing Program.

The Specific Service Signing Program oversees signs using (business) logo panels to provide information about gas, food, lodging, camping, attractions, and 24-hour pharmacy facilities that are accessible from various interchanges throughout the state.

The drop-in style meetings were held at the WYDOT District 1 Headquarters in Laramie and the District 2 Headquarters in Casper.

WYDOT Traffic Program representatives were on hand to discuss changes under consideration and take input from any interested parties.

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Troopers conduct joint I-90 enforcement during Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Sundance – State troopers from South Dakota and Wyoming made 24 arrests and issued 49 warnings during a joint enforcement operation Aug. 7, on I-90 between Sturgis, S.D. and Sundance, and portions of S.D. 34 and U.S. 212.

With the 73rd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in full gear, the joint operation focused on criminal interdiction, speeding and drinking and driving. This is the first year South Dakota and Wyoming have joined together for the enforcement effort.

“The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a busy time for law enforcement every year,” said Capt. Kevin Karley of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “The increase in traffic not only affects the Sturgis area, but our neighboring states see the increase too.

This joint operation shows a cooperated partnership of South Dakota’s and Wyoming’s commitment to safe roads.”

Capt. Carl Clements of WHP said, “The joint operation increased law enforcement coverage and visibility during a high traffic portion of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The joint operation used a variety of messages via road signs to increase safe driving during the Devil’s Tower run.”

A total of 49 vehicles were stopped.

There were no DUI arrests. The troopers provided six physical aids to traveling motorists.

Totals for the operation included: • Speeding: three arrests, 11 warnings • License plate violations: six warnings • Seat belt violations: one arrest, three warnings • Handlebar height violation: two arrests, eight warnings • Lights violation: one warning • Driver license, insurance or registration: one arrest, five warnings • Misdemeanor Possession of Drugs: seven arrests • Other moving violations: nine arrests, 13 warnings • Other non-moving violations: two warnings

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Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Theft: one arrest Additionally, the joint operation seized a stolen Colt 1911 stainless gun, resulting in one weapons charge.

Beginning mid-August the eastbound lane was closed and traffic diverted into the westbound lanes.

A slab replacement project on I-90 from Sundance to the South Dakota line began on Aug. 12 from milepost 185.7 to milepost 195.

You’ve Seen the Signs...

Photo courtesy WHP

Briefs continued from page 5

South Dakota and WHP troopers combined forces during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Brief I-90 closures to install overhead DMS Sheridan –Steel structures for the overhead dynamic message signs (DMS) were installed in northeast Wyoming as part of the installation of 19 DMS at 10 locations.

Sheridan locations are near the Port of Entry at milepost 18.2, and Sheridan College at milepost 26.7.

Buffalo locations are near the Rock Creek exit, milepost 54.3, just east of Buffalo at milepost 59.9, and on I-25 south of Buffalo, milepost 296.5.

In the Gillette area, the signs are installed on I-90 east of Gillette at milepost 122.7, and west of Gillette at milepost 130.3.

In the Sundance area, the signs will be installed on I-90 east of Sundance at milepost 183.2, and west of Sundance, at milepost 190.4.

DMS are electronic traffic signs often used on roadways to give travelers information about road conditions, accidents, roadwork zones, amber alerts, road closures and any other messages that may be pertinent to the traveling public.

Construction projects on I-90 in the Sundance area Sundance – An overlay project is underway on I-90 west of Sundance from milepost 177 to milepost 185.7.

Motorists experienced intermittent lane closures and reduced speeds in the area.

Sheridan – It’s a worthy reminder: state law prohibits people from posting signs on WYDOT traffic signal poles or in the rights of way.

Signs announcing garage and yard sales, homes for sale, political candidates and the like which are mounted on utility poles, traffic signs, highway markers or are anywhere inside the highway right of way are illegal and can cause safety problems.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of signs our traffic and maintenance crews are having to remove from traffic signal poles and the right‑of‑way fence or from the right of way itself,” according to Ronda Holwell, WYDOT public involvement specialist in Sheridan. “We understand signs are placed to help businesses or individuals, but safety issues arise when utilizing the traffic signal poles and the rights of way.”

Wyoming statute (W.S. 6-6-301-307) prohibits the placing of signs or objects within highway rights‑of‑way. Fines and even jail time can be imposed on those who don’t comply with the law. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24‑10‑104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement.

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

sealing and other work on 2.99 miles of 17 Mile Road beginning at milepost 3.03 near Riverton.

The contract completion date was Aug. 31.

Photo courtesy Ronda Holwell

Chip sealing in Park and Big Horn counties

Advertisements are routinely found on highway signs and in the right-of-way. Unfortunately for the individuals placing them, the signs could land them a hefty fine or jail time.

Pavement improvement project on 17 Mile Road near Riverton Riverton – A $1.34 million pavement improvement project has finished on WYO 137 (17 Mile Road) near Riverton.

Prime contractor was Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.

The work zone began near 17 Mile Road’s intersection with WYO 789 at the traffic signal south of Riverton. The work zone extended past St. Stephen’s Mission and St. Stephen’s School.

“Paving began Aug. 1, and pilot vehicles led traffic through the highway project,” said Robert Scheidemantel, WYDOT resident engineer in Riverton.

The contractor’s scope of work included grading, asphalt leveling, chip

Worland – The south lane of 23rd Street in Worland was closed at its intersection with Washakie Avenue in early August, for concrete repairs, according to Robert Scheidemantel, WYDOT resident engineer in Riverton.

“The contractor is replacing a concrete valley pan in this intersection,” Scheidemantel said.

Where the repairs occurred, the intersection was closed.

Scheidemantel said curb and gutter repairs continued throughout the project.

Other repairs included sealing of sidewalk joints and chip sealing on the street.

Hout Fencing of Wyoming, Inc., of Worland was the prime contractor on the $726,400 project in Worland.

Asphalt paving on 17 Mile Road Southwest of Riverton Riverton – Full-production asphalt paving began in late August on 17 Mile Road (Fremont County Road 334) southwest of Riverton on the Wind River Reservation, according to Chris Offe, Federal Highway Administration project engineer in Riverton.

Crews from Western Wyoming Construction Co., and Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Transportation paved a “test strip” of 500 tons of asphalt on 17 Mile Road near its intersection with Plunkett Road.

“This is a significant milestone on this project to improve traffic safety on 17 Briefs continued on page 18

Photo: Nick Newman

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Cody – A $3.3 million contract chip sealing project was completed in Park County on WYO 120, WYO 294, and U.S. 14A. Work was completed on WYO 120 (mileposts 133.06 to 137.53) north of Cody near the Montana state line, WYO 294 (Badger Basin Road between Ralston and Clark, mileposts 0.00 to 9.82), and U.S. 14A (milepost 29.53 to 33.76) between Garland and Byron.

Prime contractor was Riverside Contracting, Inc., of Missoula, Mont.

The contractor also chip sealed WYO 32 (mileposts 100.00 to 106.50) near Lovell, U.S. 310/WYO 789 (mileposts 230.6 to 236.1) near Lovell, U.S. 14A (mileposts 46.71 to 66.00) near Lovell, U.S. 14 (mileposts 15.33 to 20.37) near Shell, and U.S. 14/16/20 (mileposts 77.74 to 93.00) west of Greybull.

The contractor returned to Park County to finish up U.S. 14/16/20 (mileposts 36.40 to 49.00) west of Cody between Trout Creek and the Cody city limits.

The contractor’s scope of work includes chip sealing and other work on 111.24 miles of various roads in central and northwest Wyoming.

The contract completion date was Aug. 31.

Worland intersection closed for concrete repairs

Nick Newman, a new engineer in Riverton, shot this panoramic photo at the start of asphalt paving on 17-Mile Road. Cody Beers, District 5 public involvement specialist, is seen on the right.

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Highway Project Delivery New WYDOT program focuses on support and facilitation role.

Highway Project Delivery, WYDOT’s newest program, officially instituted only a few months ago and still in a formative state, is already making inroads in the agency’s stated goal of more proactively meeting or beating project design deadlines.

Highway Project Delivery now encompasses the project control system (PCS), a function previously managed within Project Development, plus a number of other duties, all in the interest of helping WYDOT improve of the multi-tiered process of project design and plan production.

In terms of staffing numbers, Highway Project Delivery is small, consisting of just two employees, manager Nicole Gates and PCS coordinator Sue Hopkins. But the program’s role and scope is much larger, touching upwards of 600 agency employees spread across close to a dozen other programs at headquarters and the five field districts as well.

“We describe our new program as having three-fold responsibility, -- working with the people, promoting better use of available tools and honing the processes involved in bringing a road or bridge project plan through the various phases of development to fruition,” Gates said. “The PCS, which has been around for awhile, is the tool, so the change we represent is working to support the involved personnel and identify process improvements.”

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WYDOT uses the Primavera software platform for PCS , with about 200 employees from a variety of programs currently using the system in some fashion. Project Delivery will be the hub for PCS use and for linking technical information from other sources, working closely with employees in the various components of the Highway Development Program, as well as Planning, Geology, Materials, Right-ofWay and Contracts and Estimates at headquarters, and also the field districts, and most specifically, the five district construction engineers. Gates estimates these support and coordination functions touch about a dozen programs and activities, ultimately linking 400-plus projects identified in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Another important duty is ensuring efficient and timely coordination with the Information Technology Program, for example, supporting software upgrades and enhancements, and also supporting implementation of the WYDOT Reporting Tool available in the Web-based Infoview utility.

Beyond the technical and data-driven aspects of project management, Gates and Hopkins are charged with fostering cooperation and understanding among the various stakeholders, and supporting personnel in use of technical tools when needed.

As a result, they have already invested significant time getting to know a wide range of employees and becoming familiar with the employees’ areas of expertise and the expectations placed on those employees.

“We are concentrating on assisting people, to not only ensure good communication amongst themselves, but also help them make better use of the PCS and other tools at their disposal,” Hopkins said. “We’ve learned that effective project management is based on communication and coordination. It’s not about managing people but it is about the processes they employ.”

WYDOT Executive Staff decided to elevate Highway Project Delivery to program status as a means of building teamwork

through all the project analysis and design steps as well as facilitating more timely project plan completions, according to Gregg Fredrick, assistant chief engineer for planning and engineering.

“Our goal is to have a year’s worth of projects on the shelf and ready to go,” Fredrick said. “Achieving this goal will bring the benefit of a more stable STIP and will allow us to present a better outlook of upcoming project lettings to the contracting community, and in turn, allow them to better schedule their resources.”

An initial task for Highway Project Delivery has been quantifying the proportion of projects that are in the planning or design phase and that have fallen substantially behind schedule. The current threshold for making that judgment is if the project is 100 or more days late. The goal is to develop prescriptions and solutions to gradually reduce that proportion.

In ramping up the new program, Gates and Hopkins have already visited numerous WYDOT locations and anticipate additional travel in the coming year and beyond. Also, in conjunction with the Strategic Performance Improvement Program’s Janet Farrar and Mel Anderson , they’ve met with members of the PCS committee to garner feedback and develop an action plan for implementing process improvements.

Whereas the PCS job was concentrated on the associated data entry functions and ensuring the accuracy thereof, the role of Project Delivery is substantially more complex, Gates said. On top of managing the data, added responsibilities are regularly reviewing work plans and making recommendations to expedite work; for example, by paralleling project activities. Project Delivery will work to resolve resource and scheduling challenges at the lowest level possible, and in general, serve as liaison among the various players.

Other duties are developing and generating customized reports for decision makers (such as program managers or division administrators) outlining project status, highlighting scheduling challenges, and collaborating with project managers to determine realistic, attainable project schedules.

“When a project has become significantly tardy, our initial objective in Project Delivery will normally be trying to resolve issues or conflicts in hopes of getting that project back on track,” Hopkins said. “But we realize there will some be situations where the only feasible solution is to adjust the time frame backward out of sheer necessity.”

A tangible change over the next year resulting from Highway Project Delivery’s advent soon will be a change in how training for Primavera users is conducted. Previously, consultants were used for training. Gates and Hopkins are now preparing to undertake that role directly.

“We will be on the road a lot in the future, to conduct trainings and fulfill our other support duties,” Gates said.

“Our intent is to be flexible in meeting our customer needs and look forward to working one-on-one or in small groups, with a goal of increasing confidence among users that they can use the PCS and other project management software tools, and further, to increase utilization of that resource.”

– Bruce Burrows

Nicole Gates, who started as Highway Project Delivery manager in March, came to WYDOT with a considerable amount of work experience directly applicable to project management. She is a Wyoming native (born in Casper, raised in Rock Springs) who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Colorado State University. She is also certified as a project management professional.

Before joining WYDOT, Gates worked in Cheyenne as a project manager for software development with Human Capital Management Services Group, an information service provider. Prior to that, she was an information technology projects manager for satellite and video services provider EchoStar Corp.

Sue Hopkins was promoted into her new position as PCS coordinator in May after working four years in WYDOT’s Payroll Office, a section of the Financial Services Program at headquarters.

She also hails from Rock Springs, and she is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, where she majored in management information systems, with a minor in accounting. Before moving to Cheyenne, she worked in southwest Wyoming for Questar Pipeline Co. where her duties included implementing a project management system.

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$aving green Project under way to cut energy consumption, costs

Photo: Rick Carpenter

of entry and one driver license exam office will get energy upgrades. The only district office not scheduled for improvements is Sheridan, which is Work under way at WYDOT buildings around scheduled for replacement in four years. the state is expected to cut the department’s energy Twenty of the buildings will get new programcosts by about $175,000 a year. mable thermostat systems. Twenty-three will get The work will cut energy consumption at 30 of plumbing upgrades, including low-flow toilets and WYDOT’s buildings, and the improvements are aerators on faucets, but the expected savings from being funded through a bond that will be paid off those improvements are limited. with the money saved on utility bills.

“You’re really just doing that to save water, which “The beauty of the system is that it allows us to is a good thing, but they don’t necessarily pay for upgrade and reduce our energy needs and not have themselves, ” Eisenhart said. to take any money off the highways to do it,” State Most of the work is expected to be done by the Field Operations Engineer Mark Eisenhart said. beginning of next year, with all work completed by The project started with an energy audit of the June. department’s buildings last fall by Chevron Energy Chevron is adminisSolutions. tering the contract for the “We looked at everyupgrade work, and under thing from lighting to its agreement with the deboilers to used oil to wapartment, if the upgrades ter heaters to bathroom don’t result in the amount facilities and how much of savings projected, water for each time you the company will pay flush a toilet - just kind WYDOT the difference. of the whole gamut of The Wyoming Busianyplace we can save ness Council assisted energy costs,” Eisenhart in the project through said. its Energy ConservaMost of the savings tion Program, which has the audit recommended Alan Otis using welding equipment to cut apart pieces of bonding capabilities. the old boiler system. will come from im“We were made aware proved lighting that will of a program through the provide the same amount of illumination using Wyoming Business Council that actually allows us lower wattage bulbs. In many cases that means usto utilize their statutes and their rules, which would ing the same light fixtures, but changing the ballast allow us to get an energy service contractor on and using LED bulbs that require less energy. board, and allow us to do the financing through a Those improvements will be made both inside bond, ” Eisenhart said. and outside buildings, and have already been comWYDOT solicited proposals from 19 Wyoming pleted in Laramie, Elk Mountain, Arlington and at banks to handle the bonding. Points West Comthe District 2 complex in Casper. The next stops munity Bank in Torrington submitted the proposal will be Rawlins and Rock Springs, then the remainwith the lowest interest rate and no penalty for paying districts and finally Cheyenne. ing off the bond before the end of the 15-year term.

The original heating boilers in the Headquar“The really nice thing about this program is ters Building in Cheyenne have been removed and that we don’t have to go find additional revenue new more efficient boilers set in place for installasources in order to do these upgrades,” Eisenhart tion. The cooling tower on the Headquarters roof said.

“Each year as we make our payments we’ll be also will be replaced. Additional improvements making that with the money that we save on energy are planned for the Materials Lab, Procurement consumption.

Since we’ve reduced the amount of Services-Resident Engineers, Highway Patrol, Planenergy we’re using, our utility bills will be lower, ning, Driver Services, Vehicle Storage, Maintenance and we’re going to use that money then to pay back and Sign Shop buildings. these construction costs. ” Work has begun on heating and ventilation Once the bond is paid off, the energy savings improvements in Casper. District offices and mainwill continue, making additional money available tenance shops around the state, along with some for other uses. sign and mechanics shops, storage buildings, ports – Dave Kingham

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G. Clyde Larson Award White honored for taking quick action in medical emergency

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Trooper Daniel White, of the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Division B based in Casper, was honored with the coveted G. Clyde Larson Award last month as a result of selfless and lifesaving action he took earlier this year.

The award was established in memory of G. Clyde Larson of Jackson, who died unexpectedly in July 1968. At the time of this death, Larson had served about half of a six-year term on the Wyoming Highway Commission (now Transportation Commission). The award goes to Transportation Department or Highway Patrol employees who distinguish themselves through heroic action above and beyond the call of duty.

The incident which resulted in White becoming the latest Larson Award winner began at about 9:30 a.m., May 26, when a dispatcher at the Natrona County Public Communications Center radioed that a teenage male was suffering a possible respiratory arrest. The victim was reported as being located along WYO 220 in the vicinity of mile maker 77, roughly 10 miles west of Alcova between Casper and Muddy Gap. White and Natrona County Sheriff ’s Deputy Taylor Courtney both heard the call and responded.

White arrived at the scene first, finding 17-year-old Dayne Profitt in severe distress, exhibiting a weak pulse and shallow to non-existent breathing. Due to the dire nature of the situation, White immediately began administering rescue breaths to the

stricken youth.

WHP District II Commander Capt. Shawn Dickerson, in nominating the trooper for the award, wrote that White, despite not having a protective mask readily available, put aside his own personal well being in taking emergency action, White continued to render breathing assistance while awaiting medical personnel. Meanwhile, Deputy Courtney arrived and began providing supplemental oxygen.

After relinquishing care of the victim to the EMTs who arrived about 20 minutes later, White remained on scene providing traffic control and assisting Courtney in setting up a temporary road closure to establish as landing zone for a Wyoming Medical Center Life Flight. He followed up with a visit to the hospital to check on Profitt (who survived) and his family.

“I first learned of this incident by inadvertently meeting Dayne’s father, Dan Profitt, at a car wash in Evansville. Mr. Profitt was very appreciative and offered high praise for Trooper White’s conduct and demeanor during, and after, the incident. Mr. Profitt advised Trooper White’s presence was calming, that he was friendly, supportive and helpful,” Dickerson wrote.

“Thanks to life saving actions of Trooper White, Dayne is doing well and a successful recovery is expected,” Dickerson added.

For his part, White responded to being recognized with Larson award with humility and some perspective based on his own personal experience.

“Having lost my son Daniel five years ago, I know all too well the pain that could hit Mr. Profitt and his family. I was just trying my best to not let that happen. My reward was being able to meet Dayne and seeing him recover and know that a dad wasn’t going to lose part of his heart. I’m confident any one of our troopers would have done the same,” White wrote.

The first recipients of the G. Clyde Larson Award were the late Lt. Bob Mathisen and Patrolman Brent Taylor, who were honored for resuscitating a drowning victim at the Rock Springs swimming pool in July 1969.

Since then, the award has been bestowed upon another 46 individuals (including White) as result of action taken in 22 separate incidents. The honorees include 14 Patrol officers, including former Trooper Steve Huntley, who is the only person to have won the award twice.

– Bruce Burrows

Trooper Daniel White received the G. Clyde Larson Award at the August Transportation Commission luncheon. Col. John Butler congratulates him after the ceremony.

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Noteworthy Ellis, Groth win awards at safety education workshop

Photo: Matt Groth

In June, the Wyoming Highway Patrol was represented at the Uniformed Safety Education Officers (USEOW) annual workshop held in Nashville, Tenn. During this conference for highway safety education officers, law enforcement agencies from around the country gathered to share ideas and successes while building a network of positive working relationships.

Sgt. Duane Ellis from WHP Safety, Training and Records showcased a traffic safety training session that he has given to many companies in the Wyoming oil and natural gas industries.

This presentation garnered Ellis third place in the judging that concluded the presentations.

“There was a three-way tie for first place. After the re-vote, my presentation was awarded third,” said Ellis. “I had worked on my presentation for about eight months traveling around Wyoming giving it to numerous public and private organizations. This allowed me to polish my delivery skills and edit the content to fit the organization I was visiting.”

Ellis built the training to fill a void in the presentations that are given to the oil and natural gas industries. The course focuses on the perception that the oil or gas job is more dangerous than driving on a highway. While the jobs are dangerous, statistics show that Wyoming has far too many fatalities of oil and gas workers going to and from the job site. The training shows a different perspective to these roughnecks, showing them that their driving choices impact more people than just themselves.

The course highlights drivers of different ages and genders and how drunken driving, speeding, distracted driving and non-use of seat belts can end fatally. Ellis stresses to his classes how they can take control of their driving.

“My presentation includes in-car camera videos and

European PSA’s to illustrate the points I am making,” said Ellis.

“The Euro-PSA’s are more graphic in nature and people remember them.”

At the June USEOW workshop, Ellis also presented a seat belt PSA seen statewide during May in Wyoming that was created inhouse by Matt Groth, Public Affairs videographer. The one-minute PSA was shown and also judged by a panel and Groth earned second place in the video category for safety messaging.

“It’s always great to have work recognized and rewarded by a group of peers,” said Groth. “Especially on a national level.”

Groth’s PSA spot took a lighthearted look at seat-belt use. The actors in the spot are in a convertible playing out date night. The driver seems to wait patiently on his date who hasn’t buckled up prior to leaving the curb. After what seems like an eternity of waiting and drumming his fingers, the driver reaches across his date to grasp her seat belt. She thinks he’s getting close for a kiss when he instead buckles her seat belt for her. The messaging at the end is clear, “Don’t be clueless.” The PSA can be found on WYDOT’s website under the Safety Media tab.

The awards topped off a successful conference for Ellis, Groth and their peers. Congratulations to Ellis and Groth on their awards.

– Carlie Van Winkle

Matt Groth on the morning of the video shoot for the May Mobilization PSA along with the second place trophy he was awarded for his work.

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Photo: Matt Groth

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Cheyenne talent, Anna Katen and Seth Malcom, were featured in the commercial production which aired on television channels statewide throughout the month of May.

Last frame of the “Don’t Be Clueless” PSA. The entire PSA can be viewed on the WYDOT website found on the Safety tab.

Noteworthy

After tallying 20 years service, training manager announces retirement WYDOT Training Manager David Talley recently announced his retirement from the agency, capping 20 years of service with Wyoming state government.

Talley joined WYDOT in June 1996, following nearly three years as a senior trainer with the Department of Administration and Information (A&I).

“My position at A&I was ‘downsized’ just about the time the WYDOT training manager position was being created, so I seized the opportunity to ap- Talley ply,” Talley recalls.

Talley came to WYDOT with the right credentials to lay the groundwork and then consolidate the new Training Program.

Prior to his time with A&I Training, he had amassed considerable experience as an instructor, training director and professor during a 23-year career with the U.S. Air Force (from which he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel).

One of Talley’s first duties after joining WYDOT was conducting an extensive survey and assessment of the various training efforts ongoing across the agency to identify needs and what steps could be taken to increase efficiency. The decision was made that the training manager ought to focus on leadership and supervisory development. One result was the subsequent creation of WYDOT University with its multi tiered curriculum designed to promote skills of current and future supervisors and managers.

Further developments included institution of the New Employee Orientation and New Supervisor Orientation class offerings.

John Cox fulfills year-long duty as WASHTO president At this year’s Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual meeting in July, WYDOT Director John Cox concluded his duties as WASHTO president.

Cox hands over the WASHTO presidency to Director John Halikowski of the Arizona Department of Transportation and Director Malcolm Dougherty of Caltrans is the vice president going forward.

Upon his appointment as president to WASHTO, Cox foresaw the need to monitor the implementation of the Cox

Because of the need to reduce “windshield time” related to training, WYDOT expanded videoconferencing capabilities, first to the field district headquarters and subsequently to other sites including Gillette, Riverton and Rawlins, Talley noted.

Since the inception of WYDOT’s in-house training program, leadership and supervisory development has been a “growth industry,” and class offerings and attendance have increased every year, he added.

Technical training via the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) has expanded almost exponentially in the last few years.

The system has expanded from just offering videoconference classes to where it now includes Web-based training as well, he said.

“With the advent of the ‘baby boomer’ exodus from work force, supervisory and leadership development have once again become a major area of interest,” Talley said. “There will be great opportunities for those who want to remain in this terrific organization. Teaching the knowledge and skills to the next generation of WYDOT’s leaders will only increase in importance over the next several years.”

“I can’t say enough about the job David has done with our agency training efforts,” his supervisor Tom Loftin, Administrative Services administrator, said. “The growth and development of the program far exceeded the original expectations, and David’s expertise, commitment and enthusiasm were key. He didn’t just get a hit, it was a home run!”

Talley, who was born in St. Louis, holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Arkansas, master of arts in counseling from Pepperdine University, and a doctorate in management from the University of Phoenix.

He was honored during a retirement celebration conducted Aug. 29, in the WYDOT University training classroom at headquarters.

– Bruce Burrows

federal transportation funding bill as top priority.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP21) funding bill is still in process with committee work and implementation.

“From the visible angle, we are still at that juncture of implementation with MAP-21, although it will quickly gather speed.

Until that time, it didn’t leave me with a lot that I needed to oversee,” said Cox. “It was a quiet year.”

Another responsibility Cox had as WASHTO president was to oversee the nominating committee for WASHTO president and vice president replacements and gain a nominee for AASHTO vice president.

Every four years, WASHTO has the opportunity to elect the following year’s AASHTO vice president. This year, it was WASHTO’s turn to nominate a successor for the AASHTO vice presidency. Cox has been nominated for that role. n

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District News

District 1

Welcome

Headquarters

Gabriel Chiccola, Rawlins Maintenance; Ricky Rizor, Saratoga Maintenance; and Randy Rumpler, Rawlins Maintenance.

Welcome James Dimele, Patrol-Safety and Training; Jared Hanson, Financial Services-Payroll; Jennifer Naatz, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title; Marshall Newlin, Bridge-Engineering Design; and Ryan Yoksh, Internal Review.

Miller

Wenger

Long

Vance

Montgomery

Gallegos

Michael Lujan, Cheyenne Construction – 35 years; Keith Groeneweg, Patrol-Field Operations – 25 years; Johnny Woolner, Rawlins Maintenance – 15 years; Jeremy Beck, Patrol-Cheyenne – 10 years; Morris Ragland, Traffic-Electrical – 10 years; Ronald Mills, Patrol-Elk Mountain – 5 years; Jessie Mordahl, Port Of Entry-Laramie – 5 years; and Michael Simmons, Patrol-Cheyenne – 5 years.

Marian Scott, Financial ServicesDisbursements; and Jacob Smith, Driver Services-Policy and Records.

Service Awards Gregory Miller, Geology – 30 years; Albert Oechsle, Planning-Truck Weight – 30 years; Kathy Wenger, Environmental Services – 30 years; Karen Goehring, IT-Fin Systems – 25 years; Andrew Long, Construction StaffAdministration – 25 years; John Mahoney, Planning-System Planning – 25 years; Karen Vance, Right Of Way-Negotiations – 25 years; Rodney Freier, Budget – 15 years; Scot Montgomery, Patrol-Commercial Carrier – 15 years; Andy Gallegos, Highway Development-Project Development-Utilities – 10 years; Diane Nyffler, Facilities ManagementAdministration – 10 years; Gabriel Gutierrez, GIS/ITS – 5 years; Murray Hill, TelecommunicationsDistrict 1 Radio Shop – 5 years; Christine Lummis, Traffic-Administration – 5 years; Cory O’Connor, Port Of Entry-Cheyenne I-25 – 5 years; and Donna Olivares-Braisted, GIS/ITS – 5 years.

Ragland

Retirements Martin Volz, TelecommunicationsTelephone.

Nyffler

Congratulations to Chad Varland, Cheyenne Maintenance, and his wife Layne on the birth of their new baby boy, Lincoln Olly Varland. Lincoln was born on July 20, weighing in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long.

He joins big brother Michael at home.

Photo courtesy Tim McDowell

John O’Connor, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection.

Tim McDowell holding the Sweet Sixteen Award from AASHTO for the variable speed limit system on the I-80 Elk Mountain corridor.

Project champion was Vince Garcia and Dr. Rhonda Young, the University of Wyoming, was the P.I.

Interchange

Cradle Call

Lummis

Retirements

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Woolner

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Photo: Chad Varland

Promotions and Transfers

Service Awards

Lincoln Olly Varland resting up after a hard day’s work. Being cute is a tough job!

District 2

District 3

Welcome

Welcome

Bobbi Jo Dockins, Torrington Port Of Entry; David Goddard, Lusk Maintenance; Fletcher Stromberg, Torrington Port Of Entry; and Margaret Teevens, District 2 Maintenance Staff.

Samuel Bailey, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Brad Baxter, Evanston Construction; Angela Hutchinson, Rock Springs Mechanics; Darin Kaufman, District 3 Traffic Staff; Dorothy Kizzire, District 3 Administration; Charles Mallory, Rock Springs Maintenance; and Jay Phillips, Kemmerer Maintenance.

Kizzire Darin Kaufman is the new District 3 Traffic Engineer in Rock Springs. Kaufman comes to WYDOT with over 20 years of traffic engineering design and traffic analysis experience in both public and private sectors. Previous experience includes seven years as the District Traffic Engineer for the Montana Department of Transportation, and 12 years working for a Phoenix-based private engineering design Kaufman consulting firm as the Senior Traffic Engineer. He is a 1992 graduate of Montana State University-Bozeman, with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Kaufman is registered as a Professional Civil Engineer in Arizona, Texas, and Florida, and is certified as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE).

Promotions and Transfers Zachery Miller, Douglas Maintenance; and Shawn Scolari, Kaycee Maintenance.

Service Awards Terry Vincent, Patrol-Casper – 25 years; Michael Schilling, Casper Construction – 15 years; Ty Miller, Casper Traffic Striping – 5 years; and Andrew Olson, Patrol-Douglas – 5 years.

Retirements

Schilling

Terry Larson, Lusk Maintenance.

District 4

Promotion and Transfers Bradley Marchant, Sundance Maintenance; and Nathan Smolinski, Telecommunications-District 4 Radio Shop.

Service Awards Jenelle Larsen, Driver Services-Newcastle/Sundance – 35 years; William Lushine, Gillette Maintenance – 35 years; Augustine Franzen, Driver Services-Gillette – 15 years; and Kim Huestis, Port of Entry-Sheridan – 15 years.

District 5

Welcome Nicholas Newman, Riverton Construction.

Service Awards Norman Mullis, Ten Sleep Maintenance – 30 years; Ray Baird, Thermopolis Mechanics – 5 years; and Wayne Riley, Basin Construction – 5 years.

Promotion and Transfers Travis Bandemer, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Service Awards Juel Leuis, Patrol-Rock Springs – 25 years; Lewis Fall, Rock Springs Maintenance – 15 years; Joshua Lengerich, Patrol-Pinedale – 10 years; Lawrence Duran Sr., Farson Maintenance – 5 years; Eric Kaiser, Patrol-Pinedale – 5 years; and Rachelle Teuscher, Kemmerer Construction – 5 years.

Brazee

Retirements Dighton Brazee, Kemmerer Maintenance.

Then and Now

ET

T IC K

Photo courtesy District 3/Rick Carpenter

C

IT

OR

K C I L

David Kaufman of Jackson construction should never have let a friend visit his childhood home. Especially a WYDOT friend armed with a camera in his pocket.

September 2013

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In The Community John Boltz Classic celebrates ninth successful tournament this year

Photo courtesy Kent Smith

Kent Lamm and Kevin Lempka of Worland and their partners Don and Ruth Jackman of Thermopolis were the winners of this year’s John Boltz Classic. Jackman is an employee with the Thermopolis maintenance crew. This team shot the low round of 62, which is 10 under par.

The ninth annual tournament was held July 13 at the Green Hills Golf Course in Worland.

It is a fundraiser for the John Boltz Memorial Scholarship which gives scholarship money to Worland and Ten Sleep graduates each year. The event is hosted by the WYDOT engineering crew in Worland.

This year, the field consisted of 76 golfers from as far away as Cheyenne, Riverton, Lander, Buffalo and Billings, Mont. They all gathered for a day of sunshine, camaraderie and golf. WYDOT employees and retirees made up 18 of the 76 golfers among the field playing in this fun-filled event.

Teams of two signed up for the event and were paired up by a blind draw to form a four-person team for this scramble golf event. Of the 19 four-person teams playing this year, 18 of them finished under par. The last place team came in at even par for the tournament. This is the closest scoring that the event has had

Photo courtesy Kent Smith

This year’s John Boltz Classic winners. Teams of Kent Lamm and Kevin Lempka of Worland and Don and Ruth Jackman of Thermopolis.

Golfers listening intently to directions prior to beginning their rounds.

from top to bottom.

One stroke behind the winners, shooting a 63 was the secondplace team that came over the Big Horn Mountains from Buffalo, and included Kerry Money, Aaron Money, Isaac Finkle and Rich Hall. Three of the four members of this team work for WYDOT in some capacity in Buffalo.

Taking third place was the team of Josh Craft, John Kiser Jr., Guy Brinkerhoff and Chris Drake, all of Worland, with a score of 65.

In a tie for fourth place at 66 were the teams of John Nielson and Tom Crichton of Worland, and Phil and Cathy Caines of Hyattville; and the team of David Frost and Michael Frost of Lovell, and Keith and Joanne Kornetzke of Worland.

All of the top four teams received cash prizes, with the winning team donating their $400 in winnings back to the scholarship fund. Numerous other prizes for special events on the course were also awarded at the banquet following the tournament.

Many door prizes were also handed out. The door prizes were donated to the event by local businesses in Worland.

More than $3,000 was raised and will go toward scholarships to the graduating class of 2014 from Ten Sleep and Worland High Schools.

– Kent Smith

Cody’s Kidz On The Move pitched in with paints and pairs of hands to decorate snow plow blades that were used in the July 4th Cody Stampede parades.

WYDOT teamed up with the city of Cody’s recreation staff that oversees the Kidz program to get plow blades to the campers for an arts and crafts session.

The blades were decorated with flair and earned Cody Maintenance first place in the motorized vehicle division.

Members of Kidz On The Move in Cody took time to pose in front of the WYDOT snow plow blade they painted for the Cody Stampede parades over the July 4th holiday. Thanks Cody ‘Kidz,’ and to Cody’s Jerry Fritz!

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n September 2013

Photo courtesy Cody Beers

Kidz On The Move

WYDOT Race for the Cure team sports a highly-visible “highway orange” WYDOT and WyHy Federal Credit Union employees teamed up for this year’s Komen Race for the Cure in support of fellow employee and WyHy board member, Pam Fredrick.

“Team Pam” raised $1,441 for the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, $700 of which was through the sales of plush pink teddy bears at WYDOT. The Cheyenne Komen Race for the Cure raised more than $44,000 for the cause. n Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

Team Pam, clockwise from top left, Ladd Fredrick, Barbie Fredrick, Assistant Chief Engineer Planning and Engineering Gregg Fredrick, Tammy Bauman, Emlea Chanslor, Casey Thomas, Bryan Thomas, Public Affairs Manager Doug McGee, Stephanie McGee, Bill Willingham, Traci Willingham, Pam Fredrick from Internal Review, Linda Fredrick, Abbie Fredrick, and Caryn Erickson from Budget.

Submissions deadline for the October Interchange is:

September 13, 2013

Submit your fun photos for the next WYDOT Outdoors!

Submissions deadline for

WYDOT Outdoors:

09/13/13

carlie.vanwinkle @wyo.gov

Cash Calendar

WTDEA Store

What did you do this summer?

An 18 Month Calendar (7/2012 - 12/2013) is selling for $15. Daily chances to win starting January 2013. Contact your representative for information.

Gloves

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Pigskin leather work gloves. $5.25 for members, $6.25 for non-members. Call Tina Thomas at 777-4486.

Cookbook

The Roadkill Cookbook is selling for $10.

Call Barbara Thomasee at 777-4494.

Hats

WTDEA State Board is selling hats. The hats are $18. Contact your WTDEA representative for more information.

If you would like your WTDEA event to be placed in Interchange, please contact Heidi Martin, heidi.martin@wyo.gov or Ryan Sorenson, ryan.sorenson@wyo.gov

Be sure to check out our internet classified site at:

http://wtdeaclassified.com September 2013

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where the WHP took over pursuit as the lead agency.

Multiple attempts to spike the vehicle’s tires during the pursuit were made. The driver, 34 year-old Jamie L. Cleghorn, was able to avoid them each time.

Cleghorn is wanted on no fewer than 42 outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants from multiple law enforcement agencies in Utah and Wyoming.

Once Cleghorn entered the city limits of Riverton she turned onto U.S. 26 west where she sideswiped a blue Jeep.

Her vehicle hit the curb, crossed over five lanes and rolled, shearing off a gas meter and a power pole. Cleghorn suffered injuries in the crash and was transported to Riverton Memorial Hospital and was later airlifted to Salt Lake City.

The crash in Riverton is being investigated by Patrol. The three occupants in the Jeep were not injured.

Charges from Patrol as a result of the pursuit and crash are pending for Cleghorn in Fremont County.

More outstanding warrants for Cleghorn from additional states may be discovered as this investigation continues. Cleghorn faces dozens of felonies and misdemeanors in the states of Utah and Wyoming. She is accused of stealing identities, manufacturing other identities, passing counterfeit money, possessing drugs, child abuse and giving pornography to children under the age of 10.

Photo: Cody Beers

Continued from Briefs on page 7 Mile Road,” Offe said.

Paving operations were scheduled five days a week, 10 hours a day, starting daily at 7 a.m.

“We have 50,000 tons of asphalt to pave, so it’ll be a six-week job with favorable weather to complete paving,” Offe said.

Asphalt is being hauled to the work zone from the North Fork Pit near Lander.

Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Transportation workers continue to place and grade crushed gravel base on the 17 Mile Road roadway. Gravel base is being hauled out of the 17-Mile Transfer Station Pit, located north of the waste transfer station on 17 Mile Road. Gravel work continues five days a week, 9.5 hours a day, starting daily at 7:30 a.m.

“Gravel work will continue through mid-September or until finished,” Offe said, adding that Shoshone and Arapaho workers hauled gravel to the west limits of the project near 17 Mile Road’s intersection with WYO 132 (Blue Sky Highway).

Fremont County Road 334 (17 Mile Road) receiving new asphalt paving.

Pursuit of wanted multistate felon ends with crash in Riverton Riverton – When a Hot Springs County Sheriff ’s Deputy attempted to stop a Chevrolet crew cab pickup in connection with a BOLO (be on the lookout) for outstanding felony warrants the suspect fled starting a multi-county chase in which Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers soon joined.

The pursuit began in Hot Springs County near Thermopolis and continued through the Wind River Canyon on U.S. 20 and then southbound at the junction of U.S. 20 and WYO 789 in Shoshoni

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Thermopolis-area paving on Wyoming 120 Thermopolis – Asphalt paving began in mid-August on the $6.67 million highway improvement project directly northwest of Thermopolis.

“Paving operations are dependent upon favorable weather,” said Todd Frost, WYDOT resident engineer in Cody.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland is the prime contractor on the 3.28-mile project between mileposts .94 (the northwest edge of Thermopolis) and 4.21.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the contract last June.

The scope of work on this project includes grading, draining, milling of asphalt, placing crushed gravel, asphalt paving, chip sealing, installing box culvert extensions and guardrail, signing, fencing and other work on 3.28 miles of WYO

n September 2013

120 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse.

Contract completion date for the highway improvements is Sept. 30.

Ten Sleep bridge rehabilitation project Ten Sleep – Rehabilitation of bridges continues in the Big Horn Basin with rehabilitation of a fourth bridge on WYO 434 in Ten Sleep beginning on Aug. 12, according to Dan McAfee, WYDOT resident engineer in Worland.

Prime contractor Reiman Corp. of Cheyenne is continuing work on bridges in Big Horn, Hot Springs and Park counties in addition to work on the WYO 434 bridge in Washakie County.

“A 10-foot width restriction will be in place for the Ten Sleep bridge. This width restriction will be strict, as the entire bridge deck is scheduled for repairs,” McAfee said.

Temporary traffic signals are in place, with single-lane alternating traffic, currently at the Bighorn Lake causeway east of Lovell on U.S. 14A at milepost 56.89.

“Repairs are complete, and no traffic delays will occur until an epoxy overlay is placed on the bridge in September,” he said.

Another set of temporary traffic signals are in place, with single-lane alternating traffic, at the railroad overpass bridge on U.S. 20/WYO 789 south of Thermopolis at milepost 128.47 near the Bighorn River. “Again, a 12-foot width restriction is in place, with delays of three to five minutes,” McAfee said.

McAfee said concrete bridge deck repair, expansion joint replacement, new deck drain installation, and girder reinforcement is ongoing at the bridge near Thermopolis. “An epoxy overlay on the bridge and installation of new guardrail is scheduled in September,” he said.

The Shoshone River bridge (Corbett Bridge) on U.S. 14A is also being repaired.

The bridge is located at milepost 6.52 between Cody and Powell. “This phase of work will include replacement of expansion joints on either side of the bridge, and work will include an epoxy overlay and maintenance of the bearing pads at a later date,” McAfee said. “Construction will take place on half of the three-lane bridge at a time with one driving lane open in each direction.”

During the improvements at Corbett

Bridge, a 10-foot width restriction is in place. “Larger loads will be able to pass through the project only with advance notification and coordination with the contractor,” McAfee said.

The $1.8 million contract has a completion date of Oct. 31. The improvements include bridge rehabilitation on five bridges in Big Horn, Park, Washakie and Fremont counties. n

Continued from Letters on page 2

Chip sealing job “A-okay” I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been traveling between Burlington and Cody where you are chip sealing.

Your crews are doing a good job. I’ve been in every state and Wyoming has the best roads.

I sure appreciate the work you are doing.

Cliff Alexander

Cody Summer Triathlon a huge success To WYDOT Personnel, On behalf of the City of Cody and the Paul Stock Aquatic and Recreation Center, I would like to thank you for your help with our ninth annual Summer Triathlon on July 20 and the issuance of a highway permit for the bike course.

The race was a great success and we received several thank you’s and words of appreciation from participants. The local WYDOT office here in Cody was very helpful in providing us with signs to alert motorists there were cyclists on the highway. I certainly appreciate WYDOT’s contribution to making our race run smoothly and providing a safe cycling experience for the racers.

We had competitors from all over the state, as well as participants from California and Utah. I have already had inquiries about a race in 2014, and we are so pleased that this annual even is becoming one people mark their calendars well in advance for. We look forward to working with you in the future and hosting the race again next summer. Thank you so much.

In best regards, Kelly Serfas Bower City of Cody Fitness Coordinator

Training ata Glance Here are upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT University and the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) Date Class Sep 4-5 Sep 10-13 Sep 16-20 Sep 17-19 Sep 24 Triple Sep 25 Header Sep 26

Location

Crucial Conversations Cheyenne New Supervisor Orientation #4 (NSO) Cheyenne New Employee Orientation #6 (NEO) Cheyenne WISE-R (must have attended a WISE class) Cheyenne Barriers to Interpersonal Communication Cheyenne Successful Time Management Cheyenne Intentional Leadership Conversations Cheyenne

Coming up in October 2013: Oct 15-17

WISE-R (must have attended a WISE class) Cheyenne

To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to David Talley (777-4792), Jim Boyd (777-4791) or Rhonda DeLeeuw (777-4790).

Extra Mile

AWARDS Congratulations to our July recipient!

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

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

Steve Shay 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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Photo: Rick Carpenter

July Service Award Recipients

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: (Back row from left) Mike Lujan, Albert Oechsle, Terry Vincent, Keith Groeneweg, and Darwin Mitchell. (Front row from left) John Reed, Vicky Gearhart, Karen Goehring, Jenelle Larsen, and Norman Mullis.

WTDEA

Richardson returns to state board for fifth year

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Total number of employees: as of July 30, 2013 Photo: Rick Carpenter

Stu Richardson returns for his fifth year as a state board member. He has been a member of WTDEA for the past nine years, and a WTDEA officer in District 3 for six of those nine years.

“I would like to see more people contribute to the relief fund through payroll deduction,” Richardson said when asked what he would like to see happen during his time on state board. “I would also like to see more employee involvement and membership in the WTDEA.” Richardson, who is with Granger Maintenance, spent three years in service to the United States Army. He moved to Wyoming from Grand Junction, Colo.

In his spare time, Richardson enjoys hunting, camping, fishing, taking photos and spending time with his family and friends. n

Richardson

n September 2013

2,038

One month ago

2,029

One year ago

2,056

Passings George Allen and Dick Trowbridge

Retirees George Allen and Dick Trowbridge, who both worked in what is now the Financial Services Program at headquarters, died just a day apart last month in Cheyenne.

Allen, 94, died Aug. 11, and Trowbridge, 91, succumbed Aug. 12.

Allen retired from the Wyo- Allen ming Highway Department (WHD) in 1981 after 30 years of service in the inventory and bookkeeping sections.

Trowbridge retired from WHD in 1984 as disbursements director. During his 38 years with the agency, he also served as assistant cashier, bookkeeper, chief of federal-aid projects and assistant director of accounting.

In addition to their three decades as co-workers, Allen Trowbridge and Trowbridge both helped found WyHy Federal Credit Union in 1953.

Allen, who was born in Ellis County, Okla. served in the Army during World War II and saw combat as an anti-tank gunner with the 104th Infantry.

He was a member of the U.S. Horse Cavalry Association and the Acacia Masonic Lodge and was a Shrine clown.

Trowbridge, a native of Madelia, Minn., also was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

His memberships included the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Catholic Church.

Curtis Dewey Curtis Dewey, a retiree who worked in the Right-of-Way Program at headquarters for a majority of his 30-year-plus state government career, died July 9 in Cheyenne. He was 68.

Dewey was born in Beloit, Kan. and lived in Mitchell, Neb. before moving to Cheyenne in the 1960s.

He joined Right-of-Way in the early 1970s. Dewey started as an engineering technician and later worked as an appraiser and negotiator. In addition to his time at WYDOT, he also worked for Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Dewey was a military veteran, chalking up more than 20 years of service during active duty with the U.S. Army and then as a member of the National Guard, where he retired at the rank of master sergeant.

He was a member of American Legion and enjoyed crossstitching and visiting the firing range.

Graveside services and interment for Dewey were set for the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Casper.

Art Shanley Art Shanley, former maintenance foreman at Shoshoni, died Aug. 19 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. He was 83.

Shanley joined the department in 1974 as a maintainer in Shoshoni. He was subsequently promoted to crew leader and served in that capacity for 15 years before his retirement from WYDOT in June 1995.

Shanley, a native of northcentral Nebraska, was a graduate of Shoshoni High School.

He continued his residence in Shoshoni during retirement.

A celebration of life memorial service for Shanley was Shanley conducted Aug. 25 at the Missouri Valley Meeting Hall.

Nyla Bell Nyla Bell, 83, wife of retired Assistant Chief Engineer George Bell, died Aug. 24 at her home in Cheyenne.

Bell graduated from Rawlins High School and subsequently attended the University of Wyoming.

During husband George’s 37-year department career, they lived in Cheyenne, Casper, Rawlins and Sheridan.

Memorial Services were set for Sept. 3 in Cheyenne.

Put an end to distracted driving.

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WyHy has great rates on all

recreational vehicle loans Check out the displays from our local dealers and save a ton on your next ATV, snowmobile or RV at our

FALL SPORTING EVENT

Monday, September 30 11am–1pm

All WYDOT employees and their families can belong.

WyHy.org

800.442.2392 307.638.4200 Cheyenne

•

307.234.2373 Casper

Membership eligibility required. Certain restrictions may apply. WyHy reserves the right to immediately discontinue at any time any or all such promotional rates. Excludes other offers, promotions or interest loans. Federally insured by NCUA.

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n September 2013

Break Time Over the Limit?

Under Arrest.

Always use a designated driver.

OMING WY HWAY PATRO

HIGHWAY SAFETY

HIG

L

Retiring from WYDOT?

Or, just need to submit a new address so you don’t miss a single issue of Interchange?

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

Name:

le Afte yc

r ading!

Re

ease Re l c P

PROGRAM

Can you spot the five differences in the photos below? 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.

Mailing address:

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.

September 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

Address Service Requested

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