Interchange August 2020
Vol. 48, Issue 8
Wildlife Conservation license plates Help Wyoming save wildlife and lives
By Wyoming Game and Fish Wyoming drivers are surrounded by natural beauty. Few locations in the world offer as many scenic vistas, diverse habitats and the opportunities to view native wildlife. However, this natural abundance can cause problems for both wildlife and drivers. Every year, more than 6,000 big game animals are killed in Wyoming by vehicle collisions. This is not only an unnecessary loss of wildlife, but also a serious safety concern for drivers. Fifteen percent of vehicle crashes in Wyoming involve wildlife. The average injury and damage cost is $11,600 per big game collision, totaling $24-29 million in personal injury costs annually. Of Wyoming’s recorded wildlife collisions, about 87 percent are mule deer, 7 percent pronghorn, 4 percent elk, 1 percent moose and a fraction of the last remaining 1 percent bison, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. To address this problem, the 2018 Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 39 to create a wildlife conservation license plate for residents to help fund efforts to reduce crashes between wildlife and vehicles. The specialty license plate features a photo of Wyoming’s iconic mule deer. The initial price of the plate is $150 with a $50 renewal fee each year. Proceeds from license plate sales fund projects like overpasses, underpasses, fencing, and signage. Overpasses and underpasses, placed in
Photo: WYDOT
Governor challenges Wyoming drivers to put 2,020 wildlife conservation plates on the road by year-end
the right area, can reduce collisions by up to 90 percent. For 2020, Gov. Mark Gordon has challenged Wyoming drivers to put 2,020 wildlife conservation license plates on the road. The Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and nonprofit conservation organizations are teaming up to encourage drivers to consider buying a wildlife conservation plate to meet this challenge. Buying a wildlife conservation license plate is quick and easy. A downloadable application form is found on the Wyoming Department of Transpiration’s web-
site or by going to wildlifecrossingswork. com. Mail your completed application to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT Financial Services, Attn: Wildlife Crossing Donation, 5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009) along with a fee of $180 made payable to WYDOT or bring it to your county courthouse to pay in person. Applications typically take around three weeks to process. Showcase your passion for Wyoming’s wildlife and help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by purchasing a wildlife conservation plate today. n
Contents In this issue
Interchange
Vol. 48, Issue 8
District news.................................................................................................. 14
Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.
By the Numbers............................................................................................ 16
Staff
District briefs.................................................................................................... 3 Noteworthy..................................................................................................... 12 Training............................................................................................................ 13
Letters.............................................................................................................. 16
WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
Outdoors/Rides............................................................................................. 17
Public Affairs Manager:
WTDEA............................................................................................................. 19
Editor:
Passings...........................................................................................................20
Contributors:
Extra Mile Awards......................................................................................... 21 Break Time......................................................................................................23
Wear a helmet. Wear bright clothing.
Doug McGee
Carlie Van Winkle Aimee Inama Carlie Van Winkle Jordan Achs Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Photography: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol Public Affairs
Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page. Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
2
Interchange
n
August 2020
A WYDOT PUBLICATION
District Briefs Headquarters
Commission awards $14.9 million in contracts in July CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will pave and make safety improvements along nine miles of Interstate 25 between Casper and Kaycee. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Croell Inc., of Sundance, a $10.5 million contract for the work. The commission awarded that and four other contracts totaling $14.9 million at its meeting in July. For the I-25 work in Johnson County, crews will perform safety grading along the shoulders to flatten them and make them safer if a vehicle ventures onto that part of the road. Crews will also align culverts, make repairs to bridges in the area and pave the road. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022. Other contracts the commission awarded included replacing signs, making sidewalk repairs, performing paving work and completing road repairs. Croell Inc. was also the lowest bidder on a $2.6 million road reconstruction project on Brownfield Road and Robin Lane in Douglas and Converse County. Crews will completely reconstruct the roads, add curb and gutter to one side of Brownfield Road, install a new storm sewer system and put in a detention basin. For the paving work, crews will upgrade the shoulders to 4 feet wide to make them safer. Both roads already have a 12-foot lane with 2-foot shoulders. The county and city will use urban funds administered by WYDOT for the work, with the remaining funds coming from the local entities. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2021. The commission awarded 71 Construction, of Casper, a $1.4 million contract for work between 1st Street and North Federal Boulevard in Riverton in Fremont County. Crews will mill about four inches off
the concrete pavement and then repave the surface in a six-block area. The work is needed to repair the concrete surface. Crews will also fix broken curbs and gutters and make minor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alterations to the corners of the sidewalks. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2021. Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $178,699 to Reiman Corp, of Cheyenne, for crosswalk work at the intersection of US 26/85 and Main Street in Torrington in Goshen County by June 30, 2021 and • $148,220 to Keyhole Technologies, of Casper, for installing chevron curve signs and deer crossing signs with LED lights at several locations in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties by June 30, 2021.
NCMEC reports the 1,000th successful recovery CHEYENNE – The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently reported the 1,000th successful recovery. This recovery occurred after the Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office in Wyoming requested an AMBER Alert for four missing children ages 5, 6, 11 and 14 from the Arapaho tribe. Their non-custodial mother had taken them from home outside the reservation, where the tribe had placed them for protection. Wyoming’s AMBER Alert Program is managed by the Highway Patrol and confirmed the children were in imminent danger and that there were sufficient descriptions of the vehicle, suspect and children for the public to help find them. A tribal court had issued a protective order to keep the mother away from the children, and the WHP activated the statewide alert. The alert generated a lead when the mother, Stacia Potter-Norris, 30, stopped at a glass company to have a rear window of the vehicle replaced and, with no money, offered to sell some guns in exchange for the work. She left her phone number with the clerk, who turned it over to law
enforcement. Another tip came when a homeless man saw the vehicle described in the alert at a truck stop. He watched the driver swapping her vehicle with someone she appeared to know in another vehicle. The first vehicle was found abandoned behind a Home Depot. Using the phone number the mother gave the store clerk, investigators were able to identify her movements to the Denver area. At Fremont County’s request, the WHP requested that Colorado issue an AMBER Alert in that state with the updated vehicle information. That prompted a call from someone who saw a vehicle matching that description parked at a Motel 6. Using the motel’s surveillance tape, the children were found safe in a motel room, but the mother had disappeared. She was later found, arrested on felony charges, and extradited to Wyoming. “This is a success story that could have gone really bad, really quick,” said WHP AMBER Alert Coordinator and Dispatcher Chris McGuire, who is proud of the milestone success story. “It really does show how the AMBER Alert works to safely recover children that are placed in harm.” All information about this release was received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Wyoming Highway Patrol oversees the AMBER Alert program and facilitates information being entered and activated to law enforcement as well as the public to assist in finding missing children. The patrol also performs quarterly reviews and tests, while coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
WYDOT to delay projects to balance revenue shortfalls CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will delay 11 construction projects and review local transportation programs due to revenue shortfalls. WYDOT has experienced long- and short-term funding issues caused by reductions in fuel tax revenues, petroleum market revenues and other areas, with the coronavirus pandemic creating an Briefs continued on page 4 August 2020
n
Interchange
3
Briefs continued from page 3 additional budgetary impact. The delayed construction projects will be statewide and will reallocate about $436 million over the next six years from new capacity improvement (growth) projects to maintenance of the assets WYDOT currently has. (See attached chart for the projects and their locations.) “We are operating in unprecedented times exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and we need to look at every avenue to save money,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “We are looking at ways to save money and streamline our processes so we can continue to provide the people of Wyoming with the best possible service. These cost-savings measures will be challenging, but as a state we will get through this together and emerge stronger than before.” WYDOT and other state agencies have been asked to look at ways to reduce spending to ensure the state has a balanced budget. “These projects are being put on hold, but we are hopeful that in the future we will be able to continue moving forward with them,” Reiner said. “The projects we identify for construction are important to make sure the state continues to have a premier transportation system that can help foster economic development and commerce within our state.” WYDOT officials have reviewed the department’s overall transportation system, which includes various assets, resources, staffing and funding, to see how they can continue to meet the department’s mission while reducing costs. “WYDOT’s state and federal funding streams also have not kept pace with the needs of the state-owned transportation system for maintenance, construction and improvements or even inflation,” Reiner said. “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has further compounded those issues.” WYDOT’s review also included discretionary funding the department provides to local communities. Officials said some programs will be affected now, while others may need to be revisited in the future as the department refocuses its budget on state-owned and state-operated assets. “We will continue to work with local government agencies to promote transportation and its positive effect on the state’s economy; however, until
4
Interchange
n
August 2020
the funding outlook improves, we must concentrate available federal and state resources on state-owned assets and federally required programs,” Reiner said. “WYDOT will continue to seek methods to stretch our available resources to meet state needs, to be effective and good stewards of state and federal funds, and to make decisions promoting transportation for the state and the nation.”
District 1
Crews pave portions of I-80 west of Rawlins RAWLINS — Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began paving portions of I-80 just outside of Rawlins on July 20. Crews paved near mile markers 206 and 209, with the bulk of the work occurring at the Johnson Road exit (exit 209) west of Rawlins. A ramp closure was in effect on the westbound on-ramp. The closure took most of the day July 20, as crews put down asphalt and waited for it to cool. Westbound traffic was directed via detours back eastbound to exit 211, where they were able to merge westbound. Work at exit 206 began in the morning and was finished around lunchtime.
Crews demolish I-80 bridge east of Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation demolished a bridge on I-80 east of Cheyenne starting July 21. Part of a project that started earlier this summer, crews worked to demolish the westbound structure at the Hillsdale interchange of I-80. The demolition work occurred at night, with the bulk of the work taking place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. July 21-22. As work took place, crews closed County Road 140/Stuckey Road both directions. A detour was in place to reroute travelers wanting to use the county road during the bridge demolition. Traffic control measures along mileposts 372-382 of I-80 – including headto-head lanes, reduced speed limits and flaggers, among others – were in place during the bridge demolition.
The overall bridge replacement project is expected to be complete in fall 2021. Crews will suspend construction work during the winter months.
Road work expanding to Telephone Canyon portion of I-80 LARAMIE – Delays occurred as crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began additional road work on I-80 east of Laramie July 16. The next phase of a construction project underway near the I-80 Summit, crews placed a high performance wearing course on the Telephone Canyon section spanning from mileposts 319-324. Delays were encountered on the steepgrades of the eastbound lanes leading up to the Summit. Bridge work on the structure at the Happy Jack exit (exit 323) is ongoing, and travelers accessing the Summit Rest Area and outdoor enthusiasts accessing the trailheads off the exit should continue to expect potential delays from lane closures, traffic lights and flaggers in the area. A width restriction will also continue to be in place through the work zone. The overall project is expected to wrap up in fall 2020.
STIP presentations in Laramie County CHEYENNE – The annual presentation of the State Transportation Improvement Program for Laramie County was held July 21 and July 23. This presentation included WYDOT’s planned transportation projects for the coming years, as well as updates from WYDOT that cover both statewide and local topics. This year, project plans from 2020 through 2026 were covered. The presentation was made first on July 21 with the Laramie County Commissioners at the Historic Courthouse in Cheyenne. The same presentation was also given during a public meeting July 23 at the auditorium on WYDOT’s district headquarters. A virtual public meeting option is now available online at wydotSTIPmeeting. com. The website allows the public to
see projects on an interactive map with another opportunity to make comments.
Delays possible as crews begin epoxy overlays on I-25 bridges CHEYENNE – Wrapping up a summer-long bridge rehabilitation project, crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation placed epoxy overlays on a series of structures starting July 10. The High Plains Interchange overpass (mile marker 4.75), both southbound and northbound bridges at the Randall Avenue Interchange (milepost 11), the Vandehei Avenue Interchange bridge (milepost 13) along I-25 and the Crow Creek bridge on WYO 210 also received overlays. Epoxy overlays help to seal the bridges and provide additional friction on the driving surface. Although the overlay process is relatively quick, it does involve closing one lane of the bridge at a time. Due to the roundabout layouts of the High Plains and Vandehei Avenue interchanges, motorists encountered minor delays and detours as crews worked on the overlay at those locations. Work at the Vandehei Interchange required closing the bridge that crosses I-25, which took place July 29 and July 30.
Paving operations begin in Carbon County RAWLINS – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began paving operations the week of July 6 in various locations around Carbon County. Crews worked on portions of I-80 near Elk Mountain between mile markers 249-255. Starting around July 15, crews worked on portions of I-80 through Rawlins at mile markers 206, 219 and 234 eastbound as well as 209 and 219 westbound. Crews may also be working on off- and onramps during this portion of the project. The following week, crews moved to Saratoga paving along portions of WYO 70 near mile markers 48-49, after which they continued to portions of WYO 130/230 around mile markers 6-8. To wrap up the paving project, crews
were in Medicine Bow around July 29 to pave mile markers 248-250 on US 30. Project completion date is Aug. 3.
Carbon County STIP presentation RAWLINS – The annual presentation of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Carbon County was held July 15. This presentation included WYDOT’s planned transportation projects for Carbon County in the coming years, as well as updates from WYDOT that cover both statewide and local topics. This year, project plans from 2020 through 2026 were covered. Local officials and the public were able to see what projects are expected in the future and to offer feedback. The presentation was made on July 15 at the WYDOT Rawlins office. The same presentation was also given during a meeting with the Carbon County Council of Governments July 15 at the Valley Community Center in Baggs. A virtual public meeting option is available online at wydotSTIPmeeting. com. The website allowed the public to see projects on an interactive map with another opportunity to make comments.
Road work on WYO 230 near Harmony LARAMIE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began road work along WYO 230 on July 10. The project consists of milling and paving a section of the highway that runs through Harmony, from mile markers 11.5-22.16. Once paving was complete, crews applied a chip seal to the project area. Motorists encountered travel delays through the work zone, including lane closures and pilot car operations. Project completion date is Aug. 31.
Pursuit ends north of Cheyenne on I-25 CHEYENNE – On July 5, the Wyoming Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on I-25 near Cheyenne. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit
ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle traveled on the wrong side of the interstate to attempt to elude troopers. The pursuit came to a stop after a trooper successfully deflated the suspect’s tires by using stop sticks around milepost 17 on I-25. During the pursuit, there was a firearm displayed to the trooper, and shots were fired. The driver and passenger were not injured and taken into custody without further incident. No law enforcement officers were injured during this event and the Wyoming Division of Criminal investigation has taken the lead over the case.
Wagonhound Rest Area temporarily closed for water system overhaul ELK MOUNTAIN – The Wagonhound Rest Area on Interstate 80 was temporarily closed starting July 6 for water system rehabilitation. Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and LCI Trucking & Construction LLC replaced the water pump as well as installed a new water softener and ultraviolet system, among other work. The estimated completion date for the project is July 20. Project schedules are subject to change, including due to weather conditions or equipment availability. Motorists will not have access to rest area facilities, including parking, during the closure.
Chip seal work underway in Laramie, Albany and Carbon Counties LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors began a district-wide chip seal project July 1. Work began in Laramie County on WYO 210 (Happy Jack Road) from mile markers 0-10.4, near F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The second week of July, crews move to Central and Warren Avenues close to Pershing Boulevard, from mile marker 10.75-11.23, in Cheyenne. After those locations are complete, they continue to the following locations: Briefs continued on page 6 August 2020
n
Interchange
5
• WYO 130 from mile marker 47.0857.47, near Ryan Park along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Carbon County • WYO 70 from mile marker 31.5-41.03, near Lost Creek along the scenic highway in Carbon County • US 287 (Third Street) from mile marker 402.38-404.28, near the Laramie Driver Services Office in Albany County Pilot cars are used to direct motorists around all project locations, except on Central and Warren Avenues in Cheyenne. Minor delays were expected. All schedules are subject to change, including due to inclement weather or material availability. The overall chip seal project is expected to be complete Aug. 31.
District 2
CASPER – Work began July 26 to mill, asphalt pave and lay wearing course on the highway between mileposts 108-110 (between Robertson Road and WYO 257) on the southwest side of Casper. Beyond new pavement, the project includes enhancements to turn lanes on the median side for additional storage. During the project, traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction. Work should be completed by Oct. 1.
District 2 paving operations CASPER – Several sections of highways in the central portion of District 2 are receiving new pavement this summer as the district continues its in-house paving/patching program. Among the more notable sections being paved are WYO 487 between mileposts 48-57. Crews are also paving roughly two miles of US 287/WYO 789; three miles of US 20/26 in the Powder River area and several miles of I-25 south of Casper and in the Midwest area.
Interchange
n
Examiners also wipe down the vehicles used for road testing, wear masks and require all applicants to wear masks.
CASPER – Three locations received new flag poles this summer as the old ones had weathered more than their share of Wyoming’s weather. The locations include Midwest, Lusk and Casper.
Road work on I-80 near Cooper Cove
Midwest was one of the locations in District 2 to get a new flag pole this summer.
District 3
Section of WYO 220 receives new pavement
6
New flag poles for three locations in District 2
Photo: WYDOT
Briefs continued from page 5
August 2020
Rock Springs Driver Services office closed July 24 ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) closed the Driver Services Office in Rock Springs on July 24 due to a potential direct contact with a positive COVID-19 case. WYDOT officials anticipated the office reopening July 27. Cleaning crews came in to do an in-depth cleaning of the building. “We are working as quickly as possible to clean the office and get it ready for a safe reopening,” said Misty Dobson, WYDOT’s Driver Services program manager. “We have policies in place that ensure cleaning protocols are enacted in a timely manner to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the customers they serve.” Additionally, WYDOT’s Driver Services offices throughout the state have implemented safety and cleaning protocols since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Driver Services employees wipe down their stations with cleaners after each transaction and have plexiglass barriers at their desks to provide separation between themselves and the customers.
LARAMIE – Construction crews with Croell Inc. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began road work on I-80 near Cooper Cove on July 20. A continuation of a project that started last year, crews placed a final paving lift on the eastbound lanes of I-80 from mileposts 275-283, near the Albany/Carbon County line. The project should finish by mid-August.
Summer projects in Jackson area JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has several projects underway in the Jackson area. Snake River South/Jackson South Work continued on the second half of the Jackson South, or Snake River South reconstruction project, just north of Hoback Junction. Crews milled asphalt mid-July on the north end of the project. Traffic was placed on a gravel surface through the section. When milling was complete, as well as some necessary dirtwork in the old road section, crews began full depth reclamation. This began at the end of July. Final paving operations followed in early August. In mid-August, traffic will move onto the new pavement while work continues on the other side. This project is the second half of a broader corridor improvement project between the Hoback Junction and Jackson on US 26/89/189/191. The scope of work for this job includes grading, draining, full depth reclamation, paving and a bridge replacement, placing post-tensioned precast concrete retaining walls, as well as miscellaneous work on approximately three and a half miles of roadway. The contract was awarded to Oftedal Construction Inc. in May for $67.5 million dollars. Jackson South WYDOT also worked on three miles of US 26/89/189/191, beginning at mile marker 148.70, just south of the town of
Jackson. WYDOT, along with contract crews from H-K Contractors, completed the wearing course application July 11. The road was striped in late July. The scope of work on this project included milling and paving, wearing course, as well some miscellaneous work. The completion date for this project is Oct. 31. Flat Creek Bridge WYDOT ceased work on the Flat Creek Bridge on West Broadway July 11. Work had continued into July due to several issues affecting the schedule including change orders and delayed delivery of materials related to COVID-19. However, there was limited traffic control in place during the no work period including concrete barriers in the center turn lane. The southbound traffic had a slight shift in the lanes. Stage 2 work will begin Sept. 15, in order to avoid the summer congestion. The project scope includes extensive rehabilitation work to the deck and abutments, as well as other miscellaneous work. The work is part of district-wide bridge rehabilitation project. The project was awarded to Cannon Builders, Inc.
11th Street/Harrison Drive closed for paving EVANSTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Lewis & Lewis Inc., closed 11th Street and Harrison Drive after the July 4 holiday for roadway stabilization and paving operations. The closure area was from the Evanston Post Office, near the intersection of Main Street, to the Dunmar Inn, near the intersection of Lombard Street. Crews had 14 working days to complete the paving and open the roadway to travel. Both 10th Street and 12th Street, as well as numerous side roads, were used for detours through the area. “Due to the extensive nature of work, hauling operations and limited space we are closing Harrison Drive so we can get the work done as quickly as possible, with the shortest and safest time frame of impacts to local drivers,” Resident Engineer Damon Newsome said. Crews used a pavement preservation strategy called emulsion stabilized fulldepth reclamation, in which the old pavement and crushed base is recycled and
reused in the stabilized sub-base layer. This provides environmental benefits and cost savings. Work has been underway on storm sewer drains and traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Main Street and Harrison Drive. The work is part of a project awarded to Lewis and Lewis Inc. for improvements to roughly a half mile on Harrison Drive. Completed work includes grading, paving, emulsion stabilized full depth reclamation, plant mix wearing course, sidewalk, curb and gutter, electrical and other miscellaneous work.
District 4
Pursuit ends in Sheridan SHERIDAN – On July 20, a Sheridan resident led WHP troopers and Sheridan County deputies on a pursuit east of Sheridan. The pursuit began after officers were called to the Sheridan Walmart to take a report of an assault. Officers with the Sheridan Police Department were able to locate the suspect vehicle, a 2002 Jeep, as it was leaving. The driver of the Jeep failed to stop for officers and fled east on WYO 336. Troopers and Sheridan County deputies responded east on WYO 336 to check for the suspect vehicle a short time later. Deputies spotted the vehicle traveling at 100 mph headed west on WYO 336 toward Sheridan. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle a second time, but the driver failed to stop. Troopers were able to successfully deploy spike strips to deflate the suspect vehicle’s tires around milepost one on WYO 336. The suspect vehicle continued to drive on deflated tires toward the city limits of Sheridan. A trooper, now behind the suspect vehicle, noticed children in the area of the pursuit. Due to the extreme behavior of the suspect and imminent threat to public safety, the trooper decided to end the pursuit by forcing his patrol vehicle into the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle was disabled a short distance later. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 32-year-old Sheridan resident Cody A. Zack. Instead of Zack exiting his vehicle as instructed, he made gestures with a knife, as if to harm himself. After talking with Zack for an extended time, law enforcement was able to take him into custody without further incident.
Zack is facing multiple traffic charges, and numerous felony charges are pending. Sheridan County Sheriff ’s office is the lead agency investigating this incident.
Observation Point slide repair project completed SHERIDAN – Simon Contractors completed paving on US 14A at the Observation Point slide repair project west of Burgess Junction. As with any mountain project, weather was a key driver when it came to completing the project. The slide repair design shifted the highway centerline north to move it away from the unstable south side embankment that had been repeatedly repaired in the past. In addition, culverts were placed in the borrow ditch to redirect early spring runoff from snow melt. These culverts mimic the natural run-off patterns and eliminates the water from flowing over the road. A French drain is placed, but does not thaw in time for the runoff from the snow melt once the road has been plowed. The culverts help with the volume until the French drain opens up. The project’s prime contractor, Wilson Brothers, will complete final dressing and place a seeding blanket to reestablish vegetation along the roadway.
Milling, paving operations on 11-mile stretch of I-90 SHERIDAN – Commuters and motorists between Buffalo and Sheridan experienced lane closures and reduced speeds beginning the week of Aug. 10. Simon Contractors began milling and paving operations on the 11-mile stretch of I-90 Prairie Dog section between the Meade Creek and Piney Creek exits. Both the east and westbound lanes were affected. S&S Builders LLC has completed bridge deck repairs on six structures over the past few months in preparation for the paving project. The scenic turnout on the westbound lane that has been closed for a number of years due to slide damage was removed. That area will be reclaimed with native vegetation. In addition to the milling, which removes approximately 2-inches of paveBriefs continued on page 8 August 2020
n
Interchange
7
BUFFALO – Work is underway installing new wildlife friendly fencing along two different stretches, and preparing a portion of US 16 between Buffalo and the Washakie county line for a milling and overlay treatment. This project will begin at milepost 63 and extend west to milepost 52. In addition to the paving, contractors will be replacing culverts and extending shoulders in various locations. Once the paving is complete, the projects prime contractor, McGarvin-Moberly, will perform a chip seal treatment from milepost 63 to milepost 43 in the summer of 2021. The fencing portion of this project is to update the existing wildlife fence to meet current wire height recommendations provided by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. In addition to the 11-mile paving project, Johnson County Road and Bridge will use a cooperative agreement with WYDOT to pave a half-mile section of CR3/Hazelton Road at milepost 63.
Powder River Pass possible site of LiveView satellite camera station BUFFALO – District 4 construction, maintenance, traffic engineers, ITS and Emergency Communications staff along with representatives from the Bighorn National Forest Service, Powder River District met onsite to discuss possible locations for a LiveView Satellite Camera station on top of Powder River Pass on US 16 west of Buffalo. Powder River Pass is one of just a few remaining mountain passes in Wyoming without a camera station. LiveView is a real-time remote camera device that would capture photos of the surface conditions of US 16 at the scenic lookout. These real time photos will not only provide current road conditions which
8
Interchange
n
August 2020
Photo: WYDOT
Paving project on US 16; crews also update wildlife fencing
Fresh hot plant mix paving intersecting with existing WYODAK Mine access.
WYDOT and Forest Service at Powder River Pass LiveView location.
North Garner Lake Road project completion GILLETTE – Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Aug. 4 for the North Garner Lake Road project that is now complete and ready for traffic. Simon Contractors recently completed the tie-in of the new intersection of Northern Drive and North Garner Lake Road and opened the road to through traffic the end of July. This new roadway provides a second north-south access for heavy truck traffic to north WYO 59. This new access shortens the existing route through Gillette via US 14/16 by 4.5 miles. The cost of this new construction project was $34.2 million. WYDOT’s portion of the funding of $24.2 million came from the State of Wyoming Mineral Impacted Road account established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2016. This fund is earmarked for relocation, construction or improvement of roads and bridges directly impacted by development of coal resources. Campbell County Commission, Contura Coal West (now PE Mining), Western Fuels Wyoming, Inc. and WYODAK Resource Development Corporation LLC added another $10 million. These partners were at the ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the job and the success of the collaboration.
WYO 59 road widening project near Wright WRIGHT – Those passing through Wright/Reno Junction on WYO 59 will realize a noticeable improvement once this project is complete. One of the sub-contractors, DRM has been working on widening the stretch of roadway to four lanes with a center turn lane since April. The stretch of WYO 59 that intersects with WYO 450 and WYO 387 at Reno Junction experiences high traffic volumes during shift changes with heavy truck traffic going to and from the local mines. DRM is nearly finished with dirt work for the additional lanes on the north end and will continue hauling crush base to the southern end of the job in preparation for paving being performed by the prime contractor, Riverside Contracting. This work will begin Aug. 3 and is scheduled to last until mid-September. In addition to the widening and lane expansion, new fence was installed along the project area which runs through the Durham Buffalo Ranch.
Photo: WYDOT
ment and replaces it with new asphalt paving, 2.75 miles of the especially rough westbound lane will be leveled. Paving is expected to begin around Aug. 20.
will be relayed to the Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Cheyenne and shared on WYDOT’s website, but will also aid in efficiency for the Pole Creek maintenance crew during winter operations. Installation is anticipated to be completed later this fall.
Photo: WYDOT
Briefs continued from page 7
New driving lane on WYO 59 ready for new pavement.
Belle Fourche bridge installation complete
Photo: WYDOT
HULETT – Contractors have completed installing the Belle Fourche Bridge located on Forks Road, east of Hulett. The prime contractor, Reiman Corporation, began work in December and completed the bridge at the end of May. Originally built in 1980, the bridge was constructed using a rail box car frame placed on steep columns. The new bridge was constructed of pre-casted, pre-stressed concrete girders on captype abutments on driven steel piles. The bridge spans 100 feet. This type of structure offers sustainability and functionality. Contractors installed bridge rail, topsoil and rip-rap along the new fill, surfaced the county road with crushed base and worked on Wetland Reclamation which was reviewed by DEQ and found to be acceptable. Costs for replacing this structure were provided by the BROS program in cooperation with Crook County.
Belle Fourche Bridge east of Hulett.
District 5
WYO 120 project work spreads to both ends of project south of Cody CODY – A $5.5 million highway improvement project kicked into high gear south of Cody on WYO 120. Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on the 6.8-mile project. The Cody South project is located between the WYO 120/US 14/16/20 intersection adjacent to Yellowstone Re-
gional Airport and milepost 74 near the snowplow turnaround south of the Park County Landfill. The project includes full reconstruction from the intersection of WYO 120 and US 14/16/20 (milepost 81.21) for 2,000 feet. A 5-inch asphalt pavement mill and overlay will hook into the reconstructed highway and continue to near the entrance of the Park County Landfill, and pavement leveling and a pavement overlay will complete the project from just south of the landfill turnoff to milepost 74. “Mountain Construction began shoulder work on the south end of the project from milepost 74 to milepost 77,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “The work consists of slope flattening. The contractor will then place a 1-inch pavement leveling and a 2-inch pavement overlay on this section this week, weather permitting.” At the same time, Frost said the contractor is continuing dirt work from Alkali Lake bridge into the intersection of US 14/16/20. “Motorists can expect cumulative delays for the two locations to not exceed 20 minutes as per the contract,” Frost said. “A pilot car will be utilized on the paving portion, and flaggers will be utilized at the intersection of US 14/16/20 and WYO 120.” “Everything but reclamation is required to be complete by Aug. 31, with seeding and reclamation allowed until Oct. 31,” Frost said. Contract completion date is Oct. 31. During the project, the contractor hauled from the Four Mile Pit, north of Cody, to the project. The hauling operation came into Cody from the north on WYO 120, to 16th Street, to Sheridan Avenue, up Greybull Hill, to WYO 120, and to the project. “The contractor wants to be finished hauling material through town before Phase 2 of the $4.3 million Sheridan Avenue project kicks off on Aug. 25,” Frost said.
Concrete slab repairs on WYO 120 in Cody CODY – Settled and broken concrete slabs were removed and replaced during a 3-week repair project between the
Shoshone River bridge and Park County Road 2AB on the north end of Cody. S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette, replaced the damaged concrete slabs at milepost 100.9 on WYO 120. Work on the $84,000 concrete repair project is expected to take about three weeks to complete. “These are concrete slabs that settled and broke this spring and could be a hazard to the traveling public if not repaired and replaced,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. Frost said traffic movements on the 3-lane section of WYO 120 was carried on a single travel lane in each direction while work was completed on the other lane.
Passing lane construction underway between Moneta, Waltman THERMOPOLIS – A long-awaited project to install seven sets of passing lanes between Shoshoni and Casper began July 23 on US 20/26. The $5.8 million project begins about three miles east of Moneta (milepost 76) and continues to Waltman (milepost 51.6). The new US 20/26 passing lanes (PL) will be located between mileposts 51.6 to 52.7 (PL 1), mileposts 54.8 to 56.0 (PL 2), mileposts 57.1 to 58.3 (PL 3), mileposts 61.6 to 62.8 (PL 4), mileposts 64.9 to 66.4 (PL 5), mileposts 68.5 to 69.7 (PL 6), and mileposts 74.5 to 76.0 (PL 7). “Work began Thursday, July 23, on passing lane 7, closest to Shoshoni,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. “Drivers should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes when work is underway.” The other major work on the project involves removal of surfacing, grading, leveling and repaving of the Waltman Rest Area parking area. “The rest area will be closed for up to two weeks during the project,” Tharp said. “Citizens will receive 10 days notice prior to the rest area closure.” Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on the US 20/26 passing lane project. The contractor was Briefs continued on page 10 August 2020
n
Interchange
9
appreciate everyone’s patience.”
Photo: WYDOT
South half of Main/ Major Avenue intersection reopened
The first of seven future passing lanes on US 20/26 east of the Waltman rest area.
Chip sealing underway on US 26/WYO 789 between Shoshoni and Riverton RIVERTON – Wyoming Department of Transportation chip sealing crews continue their summer work season with work in Fremont County. Delays of up to 20 minutes and pilot cars will control speeds through the chip-sealing zones. WYDOT’s work concluded on WYO 28 between Lander and South Pass, and chip sealing began July 23 on 5.61 miles of US 26/WYO 789 between Shoshoni and Riverton. “Please drive carefully and obey reduced speed limits near chip sealing operations,” said WYDOT chip sealing foreman Kevin Maynard of South Pass. “Crews will be working during the days and into the nights, and safe driving and safe work operations are very important throughout these projects. Please be patient as this important maintenance work is being completed.” “The chip seals will be swept at the end of each day, but some loose rock may still be present. Drivers are asked to slow down in these areas in order to prevent windshield damage after operations have ceased for the day,” Maynard said. “We
10
Interchange
n
August 2020
RIVERTON – Reconstruction of the Riverton Main Street/Major Avenue intersection experienced traffic changes early July 17 as the intersection’s south half reopened and the north half closed. The $3.29 million US 26 (Riverton West Main ADA and Major Avenue/Main Street intersection traffic signal) project includes installation of a traffic signal system and rebuild of the Major Avenue/ West Main Street (US 26) intersection, The project will also include Americans with Disabilities Act improvements at every street corner and replacement of broken curb, gutter and sidewalk between the end of the concrete pavement in downtown Riverton (North 1st Street) and West Main Street’s intersection with Hill Street at the west end of the Central Wyoming College campus in Riverton. Activities on the 2.05-mile project are being focused on the Main/Major intersection for about 2 months, prior to the scheduled beginning of the 2020-21 school year, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Traffic will be moved about 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday, and the north half of Major and Main intersection will be closed for about a month,” Scheidemantel said. “Work will begin immediately on the north half of the intersection.” Scheidemantel said reconstruction of the intersection is being phased to maintain 2-way traffic on Main Street at all times, and ADA work will be allowed on one signalized intersection at a time. Phasing of the ADA improvements, including approaches and replacement of broken curb, gutter and sidewalk will include six blocks on half of the roadway at a time. The saw cutting of concrete began this week at the east end of the project on the north side of Main Street near North 1st Street, heading west. Prime contractor on the project is S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette. S&S Builders LLC, was awarded the contract to rebuild the Major Avenue/ Main Street intersection and complete
ADA improvements and repair broken curb, gutter and sidewalk on Dec. 12, 2019. Contract completion date is Nov. 30.
Photo: WYDOT
awarded the contract on July 18, 2019, by the Wyoming Transportation Commission; contract completion date is Oct. 31.
Concrete was poured on the south side of the Major Avenue/Main Street (US 26) intersection in Riverton. The south side of the intersection reopened July 17 to traffic.
Northwest Wyoming highway projects addressed with STIP online meetings BASIN – A series of annual public meetings were and continue to be held to address future highway improvement projects in northwest Wyoming. A self-guided online option to allow citizens to provide input was launched July 13. “A key part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process involves annual meetings with public officials and other individuals who play key transportation partnership roles in Wyoming,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation District Engineer Pete Hallsten of Basin. “These meetings provide an opportunity for local officials and citizens to provide input into WYDOT’s planning process and to maintain and improve our excellent partnerships with counties, and cities and towns,” Hallsten said. “The STIP is a 6-year program approved by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. It provides a snapshot of existing and expected projects and their schedules, and it is continually updated.” The self-guided online meeting can be accessed at www.wydotSTIPmeeting.com where citizens can learn more about the STIP and other transportation improvements. The online meeting also offers an opportunity to provide feedback, pose questions or express concerns. The online meeting is available until Aug. 21.
4th of July weekend focus on impaired drivers RIVERTON – As part of a county-wide, multi-agency impaired driving enforcement effort over the July 4 weekend, Fremont County law enforcement stopped 430 vehicles, issued 10 citations for seatbelt violations and arrested 10 impaired drivers. While the focus was on impaired driving, law enforcement also issued 97 speeding citations and issued 278 warnings for traffic violations. No fatal crashes were reported in Fremont County during the operation. Fremont County law enforcement agencies are conducting a county-wide, multi-agency, traffic enforcement effort in 2020. The July 4 weekend operation was the fifth of six planned operations, and next up will be Drive Sober or get Pulled Over over Labor Day weekend.
Signs not allowed in highway rights-of-way
Paving improvements began on US 287/WYO 789 southeast of Lander
project southeast of Lander on US 287/ WYO789. The 7.23-mile pavement improvement project is about 18.4 miles east of US 287’s junction with WYO 28, south of Lander. “Milling operations are complete on the project, and everyone, including motorcyclists, is cautioned to drive carefully and at slower speeds throughout the project,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith of Lander. “Motorists should expect 20-minute traffic delays with stopped conditions.” The Muddy Gap-Lander project work includes grading, pavement milling, asphalt paving, chip sealing and other work on the 7.23 miles of US 287/WYO 789. “Paving was completed in July; chip sealing is scheduled for later this summer,” Smith said. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland is the prime contractor. Contract completion date is June 30, 2021. n
LANDER – Paving began July 6 on a $3.2 million highway improvement
le Afte c y
r
ading! Re
ease Re c Pl
BASIN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation issued a reminder on July 6 that advertising signs cannot be placed in the state rights-of-way. “With the upcoming elections, we’ve seen an increase in the number of signs our maintenance crews are having to remove from the right-of-way fence or from the right-of-way itself,” said WYDOT area maintenance supervisor Brian Pittman of Basin. “Wyoming law and WYDOT policy prohibit placement of signs in those areas, so when our maintenance crews come through an area, they pick them up and take them to the area maintenance office. Whoever owns the sign has two weeks to claim the sign and we dispose of the sign if it is not claimed.” Wyoming Statute 24-10-104 states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Fines and even
jail time can be inflicted on those who don’t comply with the law. “This applies to political candidates, real estate representatives and residents advertising garage sales. Posting these signs along roadways is illegal within the right-of-way of rural highways and interstates,” Pittman said. “The signs can become a real problem for motorists, both by restricting line of sight and creating a potential collision hazard. We understand signs are placed to help businesses, but rights-of-way must stay clear of signs for safety reasons.” Business people and citizens who believe their signs may have been removed by WYDOT crews may contact the nearest WYDOT maintenance office to make arrangements to pick up the signs. “Our concern is always for the safety of the traveling public,” Pittman said.
August 2020
n
Interchange
11
Noteworthy New state laws will update WYDOT Driver Services policies; help with conservation efforts CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is implementing new and updated policies for Driver Services that will clarify driver license issues and provide ways to donate to conservation efforts. Laws that went into effect on July 1 that impact Driver Services include original House Bill 005 (Driver Licenses and State Identification Cards), House Bill 007 (Commercial Learner’s Permits), and Senate File 0018 (Wildlife Conservation Efforts). Senate File 0004 (Wildlife Conservation Account) relates to WYDOT’s wildlife conservation plate Motor Vehicle Services oversees. “These new laws improve upon existing policies, create new language that enables us to plan for the future and create the ability for us to accept donations for the state’s wildlife conservation fund,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “We are always looking for ways to streamline our processes and institute changes that benefit the citizens of Wyoming. These changes enable us to be proactive and help the state with wildlife conservation efforts.” One of the provisions under House Bill 005 adds language indicating that if and when the state moves forward with a digital driver license, it can do so. “We’re still researching the potential options for a digital solution,” said Misty Dobson, WYDOT Driver Services program manager. “We are not currently offering this as an option to Wyoming residents because we are only in the very early stages of looking into this.” Besides the digital license language, the other provisions under the new law indicate that residents can only have one REAL ID compliant credential, which means they can either have a driver license or ID card, and that Driver Services can communicate by electronic means to residents once a system is in place. House Bill 007 extends the expiration date of the commercial learner’s permit from 180 days to 365 days. This gives the applicant more time to complete all of the skills tests without having to return to Driver Services and start the process over. Previously, if an applicant only completed some of the skills tests within the 180 days, they would need to start over with all the skills tests. The change in Wyoming also mirrors the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s change in February 2019. Under Senate File 0018, WYDOT will now enable residents who are applying for or renewing their driver licenses or ID cards to make a donation to the state’s wildlife conservation efforts. Senate File 0004 adds language that enables residents to make an additional donation to the state’s wildlife conservation fund when they apply for a new wildlife conservation license plate or when they pay their annual renewal fee. The initial fee for the plate is $180 and the annual renewal is $50. The state Legislature approved the new plate in 2018 and WYDOT began offering it on Jan. 1, 2019. Since then, Wyoming residents and nonprofits have made donations to the state to help with conservation efforts, which include signage, animal crossings, fences and other related work. n
Show off your wheels!
Deadline:
08/15/20 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
12
Interchange
n
August 2020
Training ‘Motivating Others’ is 2020’s final theme WYDOT University started the year’s final theme, Motivating Others, with a pre-launch on July 27, continuing through the end of September. Employee engagement and motivation is an important concept to understand, especially today when there is so much change all around. In the upcoming Learning Plan, we’ve curated some great resources on the topic and scheduled them as such: • Week 1: Meaning in our Work; examine how meaningful work impacts motivation • Week 2: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Rewards; understand which type of reward works best in certain situations and how extrinsic rewards can negatively impact motivation. • Week 3: Carrots and Sticks and the effect on Motivation; examine the impact of positive reinforcement on performance • Week 4: Neurochemicals: The Brain’s Influence in Motivation; understand how the “Elephant” and “Rider” interact (Brain based decision making connected to neuroscience). Examine the motivation behind Self-Directed Learning. • Week 5: Motivation related to Social Incentive, Immediate Rewards, and Progress Monitoring; examine social incentives,
the impact of reinforcement timing, and measuring behavior change. • Week 6: Motivation to Employees to Enhance Performance; find out what motivates people to learn new skills or change behavior for the better. • Week 7: Happiness and its Impact on Work Performance; examine the impact of happiness on motivation in the workplace. • Week 8: Creating a Work Culture of Motivation; learn how to create a work culture that values and reinforces motivation. And, as with all of the themes, supervisors and above will be assigned the Motivating Others learning plan in the WELL, but completing any of the content will be optional. Remember, all of the previous Learning Plan content remains accessible through the WELL regardless of whether it has been looked at or not. Supervisors can access the content on any of the themes by logging into the WELL, accessing the My Learning section and reviewing the My Learning Plans. There, content on all of our themes including Coaching, Team Building, Evaluating Performance, Innovation and Conflict Management can be found. All other employees can gain access to this content by enrolling in the themed learning plan in the WELL, simply search for ‘Motivating’ and enroll. n
ETS announces monthly G Suite training sessions In June, Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) held two training sessions – Google Docs and Google Sheets. Due to the overwhelming success of those sessions, ETS announced the launch of a monthly Google Suite virtual training. Each month the training will focus on two applications within the Google Suite (G Suite). To register for any and all of the courses listed go to: https:// bit.ly/30a1uhj. Make sure to sign up early as space is limited to 40 participants per session. Each G Suite application training session offers the same content – pick your application(s) and one of the corresponding three days that works best for your schedule. August 24, 26, 28 Gmail – 9 a.m. Google Forms – 2 p.m. September 21, 23, 25 Google Calendar – 9 a.m. Chrome Browser – 2 p.m.
October 19, 21, 23 Google Slides – 9 a.m. Intermediate Google Sheets – 2 p.m. To learn more about what each session entails, please visit the ETS Training Portal or email Jennifer Proctor, ETS trainer, at etsgct-trainer@wyo.gov. ETS supports your professional growth and we’re pleased to help you make the most of G Suite. n
August 2020
n
Interchange
13
District News Headquarters
Welcome Tina Erickson, Highway Safety; Casey Johnson, Environmental Services; Marcus Kelly, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Stephanie Lowe, Environmental Services; and Kaylie Warberg, Highway Development-Project Development.
Promotions and Transfers Sarah Guyott, Planning-Statistics/ Inventory; Matthew Manzanares, Traffic-Sign Shop; and Matthew Simpson, Civil Rights.
Jordon Patton, IT-Engineering Applications – 10 years; Nisha Bishop, Human Resources – 5 years; Matthew Mirowski, IT-Administration – 5 years; Dalena Phipps, Grants and Contracts-Administrator – 5 years; and Jessica Williams, Materials-Bituminous – 5 years.
District 1
Welcome Clinton Beavers, Laramie Maintenance; James Burgy, Laramie Mechanics; Cole Inghram, Laramie Construction; and James Rawley, Cheyenne Mechanics.
Promotions and Transfers Brian Lashley, Elk Mountain Maintenance; and Caleb Vehige, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.
Grauberger
Lashley
Jenkins
Service Awards
Guyott Patton
Bishop
Lance Jenkins, Cheyenne Maintenance – 5 years.
Retirements Manzanares
Simpson
Service Awards
Mirowski
Kenneth Hixenbaugh, Materials-Surfacing – 40 years; Hank Doering, Highway Development-Engineering Services – 25 years; Todd Sullivan, Geology – 20 years; Scott Grauberger, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey – 10 years; Brandon Patton, IT-Engineering Applications – 10 years; Hixenbaugh
Doering
14
Interchange
Sullivan n
August 2020
Williams
Mervin Breazeale Jr. retired on June 2 with seven years of service. Breazeale worked in the Cheyenne Mechanics shop. n
Breazeale
Retirements Brian Foster retired on June 16 with 29 years of service to the state. Foster began his career in June 1991 with the Wyoming Department of Commerce. He moved to the Department of Revenue in 1997 and then Game and Fish Department in 2000. Foster Foster worked at the Department of A&I between 2003 and 2008 before moving back to the Game and Fish Department. In 2012 he left WGFD and came to WYDOT as the deputy HR manager. In 2016, Foster was promoted to Human Resources manager in Cheyenne. n
District 2
Welcome Thane Destigter Jr., Chugwater Maintenance; Larry Kelley, Shirley Rim Maintenance; Robert Nelson, Casper Maintenance; and William Scherger, Wheatland Maintenance.
Destigter
Kelley
District 2, cont.
District 3
Promotions and Transfers Promotions and Transfers Craig Jepson, Douglas Construction; and Richard Underwood, District 2 Traffic Staff. n
Andrew Clark, Patrick Draw Maintenance; and Peter Stinchcomb, District 3 Construction Staff.
Service Awards
Nelson
Jepson
Scherger
Scott Neilson, Evanston Patrol – 15 years; Staci Erker, District 3 Maintenance Staff – 10 years; and Astria Wentz, Driver Services-Kemmerer/Big Piney/Pinedale – 5 years. n
Bill Johns, Traffic-Afton Striping – 25 years; Darrin Robinson, Afton Construction – 25 years; Tara Finley, District 3 Traffic Staff – 20 years; Finley
Neilson
Erker
Wentz
Underwood Johns
Robinson
District 4
Welcome
Service Awards
Dorran Larner, Sheridan Construction; and Jennifer Sullivan, District 4 Administration.
Timothy Winslow, District 4 Shop – 30 years.
Larner
Smith
Sullivan
White
Promotions and Transfers Ryan Smith, Sundance Construction; and Justin White, Buffalo Construction.
Winslow
Retirements David Schwabauer, District 4 Traffic technician, retired on June 2 with 35 years of service to WYDOT. Schwabauer was hired in 1984 as a Schwabauer Construction tech in Gillette and promoted to a Highway Construction tech in 1985. He left for a short period of time in 1986, was rehired in 1987, only to leave once again due to workloads being diminished later that year. A few months later Schwabauer was brought back on as a Highway Maintenance worker. One more promotion in maintenance and he went back to construction in 1989 as a Construction Tech II. In 1991, he was promoted to the position of Engineering Technical Specialist. In October 1995, he left Gillette and moved to Sheridan to fill the Senior Traffic tech position of which he held for 25 years. With more than 25 years as District
Traffic tech, his experience and knowledge will be greatly missed in the District 4 office. His knowledge of WYDOT history was unmatched and irreplaceable. We wish Dave all the best in this next chapter of his life. n
District 5
Welcome Matthew Norby, Cody Mechanics.
Service Awards Allen Tharp, District 5 Construction Staff – 30 years; Beatriz Schulmeister, Worland Patrol – 15 years; Joseph Sheley, Meeteetse Maintenance – 15 years; and Fredrick Sherburne, Basin Maintenance – 5 years. n
Tharp
August 2020
Schulmeister n
Interchange
15
Letters Traveler thankful for roadside assistance
More kudos about the new retro look
I wanted to express my sincere thanks to Raymond Monasmith who helped me and my family (including two young kids) on June 26th after my tire blew out on a remote stretch of road outside of Thermopolis. I was pulled over on a soft shoulder with a steep grade, making changing the tire extremely difficult. In addition, there was no cell phone coverage so I couldn’t call for help. Fortunately, Raymond was driving by, stopped, and put his lights on to alert oncoming traffic. In addition, he was able to contact Highway Patrol with his radio and provide tire blocks and plywood that were helpful in stabilizing my car. Finally, he remained on scene with his vehicle until Highway Patrol arrived, ensuring we were safe and in good hands. Thanks again - I couldn’t have done it without him!
Boy, Carlie, I really like all of your changes. Better paper choice, better layout, better organization. All your changes contrast well with all the old. Good stuff. Uptown.
Chris Wallace
Retro look causes lighthearted distress Dear Editor, I was dismayed with you referring to the current interchange as being retro to save money. The issue of Interchange that announced my hiring only had two colors – black and green. The green must have been special because it was only on the front and back. Plus, it was two pages shorter than the current one. The “retro” is still far more lavish than the former ones. And no, they weren’t imprinted on clay tablets.
Martin Kidner Planning
Ya’ll be well, Garth Oldham Retired Public Affairs specialist
Casper Maintenance crew kudos I’d like to give big “Thank you” to Casper Maintenance and the Highway Patrol. Geology is currently drilling on project I254161 which is located smack dab in the middle of Casper on I-25. For Geology to do their work safely, we requested traffic control placed for the entire project length; specifically the SBL. Casper Maintenance filled our request and has been setting it up every day and will have done so for the last three weeks. Unfortunately, we had three incidents of vehicles entering the work zone (blatantly driving around cones to use off-ramps). Casper Maintenance added additional traffic control devices to their already extensive traffic control to help with the offenders. In addition, Highway Patrol was notified and stationed a trooper in the work zone which helped put Geology’s mind at ease. Geology employees commented on the sense of relief they had after traffic began to finally slow down and they could focus on the work at hand and not dodging vehicles in the work zone. So thank you to Casper Maintenance and thank you to Highway Patrol for helping us “rock-lickers” out!
Kirk Hood Geology
Total number of employees: As of July 7, 2020
1,949
One month ago
1,957
One year ago
1,944
WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of July 15, 2020
51
One year ago
89
16
Interchange
n
August 2020
Photo: Laura Dalles
Photo: Laura Dalles
Outdoors
Cow elk along WYO 120 north of Cody near sunset.
Photo: Cody Beers
Photo: Cody Beers
This year’s Sheridan WYO Rodeo parade took on a different look this past month and went - you guessed it – virtual. District 4 submitted this entry in the virtual parade with a message of thanks.
Beautiful mountain asters blooming alongside WYO 296.
Photo: Cody Beers
Photo: Cody Beers
Cow elk along WYO 120 north of Cody near sunset.
Wild geranium in bloom along Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WYO 296).
August 2020
n
Interchange
17
18
Interchange
n
August 2020
WTDEA • Rebekah Price is heading to the University of Wyoming to study dental hygiene. Her father, Jason Price, works in Lovell Highway Maintenance.
State Board, District 1 awards scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year WTDEA’s State Board and District 1 have awarded scholarships to four qualified college-bound applicants. The State Board recipients will each receive $600 and District 1 recipients will each receive $500 for their college expenses. This year’s State Board winners are: • Amanda Buckler is studying accounting and business with Spanish as a minor at Lakeland University in Wisconsin. Troy Tyree in the Sheridan Port of Entry is her step-father.
Buckler
This year’s District 1 winners are: • Brandy Branscom is studying forensic science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her father, Alan Branscom, works in Laramie Highway Maintenance. • Grace Branscom will be attending Laramie County Community College and studying radiology this coming year. Her father, Alan Branscom, works in Laramie Highway Maintenance. n
B. Branscom
G. Branscom
Where in Wyoming?
Where in Where Wyoming Where in W in
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST.
STATE BOARD
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
IS AUGUST 10, 2020.
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTES PH DEADLINE PHOTOGR FOR DEADL SU PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTES CON PH
DOT-WTDEA-STATEBOARD@WYO.GOV
STATE STATE BOARDBOARD
PHOTOGR
IS AUGUST IS AU 1
DEADLINE DEADLINE FOR DEADLINE SUBMISSION FOR FO SU DEADLINE DEADLINE FOR FOR SUBMISSION DEADLINE SUBMISSI DEADL F IS AUGUST IS AUGUST IS 10, AUGUS 20201
IS IS AUGUST AUGUST 10, IS 10, AUGU IS 2020 AU 20
DOT-WTDEA-STATEBOARD@WYO.GO
August 2020
n
Interchange
19
Passings George H. Bell George Bell, 90, died in Windsor, Colorado on June 30. He was born March 11, 1930, in Wirt, Oklahoma to Hubert and Ethel Bell. He married Nyla Rapelje on Nov. 20, 1949, in Rawlins. Bell knew as a young boy he wanted Bell to be an engineer. He joined the U.S. Navy in the Naval Construction Battalion, known as the SeaBees during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a civil engineering degree and moved on to a long and prosperous career with WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Wyoming Highway Department. He retired as Operations Engineer. Bell was a member of First United Methodist Church, Engineering Society, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Shrine Club. Services will be announced at a later date, due to COVID19. Those who wish may contribute to the Shiner’s Hospital for Children.
Tom Harless Tom Harless, 84, died at his home April 21 surrounded by his family. He was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota July 29, 1935. When he was less than a year old he came with his family to Basin. He was in scouting and an accomplished athlete. He loved camping, fishing, and hunting in the Bighorn Mountains. In 1956 he married Margaret Frison, they had three children in Basin, where he was a licensed surveyor and worked for the Wyoming Highway Department. As a young adult, he started a Cub Scout Pack and was the Pack Leader. In 1968, he moved his family to Riverton to help oversee the construction of the Gas Hills Road, and his fourth son was born. He was a Little League coach for many years, and had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed signing in the church choir. When he retired after 35 years with the Wyoming Highway Department, he
20
Interchange
n
August 2020
walked to the top of the Bighorn Mountains from north of Waltman to the Montana border, a little at a time over two summers. He spent many weekends camping, fishing, and hunting with his four sons. He particularly loved hunting and was an expert marksman. He was well-liked levelheaded person who never did a mean or unkind thing. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Frank Lutz Frank Lutz, 65, died July 3 in Thermopolis. Born April 5, 1955, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Frank and Francis (Miller) Lutz. He graduated from Downingtown High School in 1973. On Aug. 28, 1982 he married Sheila Stu- Lutz art and the couple had three children, Jason, Nicole and Jessica. Most of his career was working for and retiring from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Lutz was an avid fan of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Nittany Lions. He could be found on the couch on any given weekend cheering on the games. He also really enjoyed the time he got to spend with his grandkids, Camden and Lindsey. He liked to hunt and be outdoors and was known for his sense of humor. Lutz did not know a stranger and said hello to almost anyone in his path. A memorial will be held later in the fall.
Michael C. McCabe Michael Curtis McCabe, 64, died on July 19 at his home in Torrington surrounded by his family. McCabe was born on March 11, 1956 in Torrington to Curtis and Helen McCabe. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Patricia Kerns, on June 26, 1977. He attended the Torrington public schools, graduating in 1974. McCabe went on to attend Eastern Wyoming College and University of Wyoming
where he majored in Business Administration. While attending high school and college, Michael worked at the Torrington Municipal Airport and for the late Robert R. Booton Transportation in 1977 and was employed there until his retirement in January 2011. McCabe retired from WYDOT and the Right of Way program in 2011. In addition to his career with the Wyoming Department of Transportation , McCabe was a pilot. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1983. His affection for flying furthered him on to train and earn his commercial pilot’s license and his greatest achievement came in May 2001 when he earned and held an airline transport pilot license. With his love for aviation, he also became a licensed aviation instructor, and taught many other individuals how to fly. McCabe always enjoyed taking student pilots into the busy Denver airspace and teaching them what to expect and how to fly safely in such a busy and critical environment. He enjoyed attending airshows, aviation museums, and taking his friends and family up in his personal airplane for a flight. He spent much time in the hanger polishing and refinishing the interiors of the various airplanes that he and Patricia had owned over the years. McCabe was also a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was very active in promoting aviation safety. He wrote in his own piece titled, “Why I am a Pilot” “... the feeling of personal pride and accomplishment now overtakes and consumes my body ... somewhere back on the runway I just departed, is all my frustration and emotional tension that had accumulated from living in a very hectic world ...” At age 56, McCabe became a certified fitness instructor and was an inspiration to many. He enjoyed being together with his family and his “flying family” and friends. Playing games, photography, flower gardening and playing his baby grand piano were also his hobbies. He was involved in the Laramie County 4-H youth program as a club leader for many years and received the 4-H Leader of the Year award in 1996. Also served on the Laramie County 4-H Council and coached Cheyenne Youth Basketball. Colyer Funeral Home assisted the fam-
ily with cremation. The family asks that those who wish to donate in his memory, may do so to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701.
Michael P. Schulte Michael Paul Schulte, 64, died in Cheyenne peacefully on July 14 after a 46-day battle with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the ICU at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was born and raised in Casper before moving to the University of Wyoming to earn a degree in geology. His love of rocks continued to play an important part in his career. He was a Schulte field geologist before he became a project geologist at the Wyoming Department of Transportation. After his retirement from WYDOT’s Geology program after 31 years of
Show us how you spend time in the great outdoors!
service, he focused on something else to do with rocks. He started two of his own businesses: Wyoming Jade Putters and Picture It In Stone. During winter months he worked in the Canyon Vista lapidary shop in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Schulte was a man with a huge heart who always had a smile on his face and loved a good laugh. He was a big kid who loved dogs, toys, adventure and the challenges of golf, riding his motorcycle and camping. He even got his pilot’s license and another airplane or two. Throughout the years, the rockhound from Casper traveled to Europe, cruised the Caribbean, flew over the Arctic Circle, went scuba diving around the Great Barrier Reef and rode camels in the Australian Outback. His other obsession was classic cars. He was a member of two car clubs and owned five classic cars over the last 36 years. Because of COVID-19 issues, there was no service, only a graveside gathering for family members in the Schulte cemetery plot in Casper. A celebration of life was held for him
on Aug. 6 in Cheyenne. Condolences may be posted at bustardcares.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah or to the local blood bank. n
Congratulations to our June 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.
Outdoors photos deadline:
09/15/20 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
Marc Anderson Vince Birkle Pam Fredrick Ray Neal For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov.
August 2020
n
Interchange
21
ENJOY LESS PLASTIC AND MORE GREEN Consolidate your credit card debt with a fee-free balance transfer to a WyHy Visa
8.15
BALANCE TRANSFERS*
No Balance Transfer Fees No Annual Card Fee No Over Limit Fees Advanced Security
Earn points towards premium merchandise, travel, cash back and more everytime you spend!*
Access Digital Wallet and shop securely with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Visit WyHy.org/VISA or get in touch to start saving! (800) 442-2392 MemberServices@WyHy.org *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates “as low as” dependent on creditworthiness and subject to WyHy approval. Rate is accurate as of 7/15/20. Call for updates. Terms and Conditions may apply. Rates and Terms are subject to eligibility and may change without notice. Contact the Credit Union for full details regarding any WyHy products.
Break Time Let’s play sudoku. It is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 squares – made up of 3 x 3 spaces. Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
3 4 6 4 1 9 8 2 3 7 6 4 5 7 2 3
5
5 8 9 4 3 8 9 9 2 4 5 1 8 9 7 2 6 Answer to the July 2020 Break Time photo search:
Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:
1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list
Retiree Employee
Change my address
Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.
Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.
Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip
August 2020
n
Interchange
23
Interchange
Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24