Interchange – August 2023

Golden Anniversary Interchange turns 50

By Jordan Achs, Mark Horan

Last month marked 50 years since the Wyoming Department of Transportation started publishing Interchange. While it’s seen a few different names, styles and editors over the decades, it remains a dedicated news source for WYDOT activities, projects and events.

A history

When it started in 1973, Highway Interchange was an employee newsletter published by WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Wyoming Highway Department. It was used as an internal newsletter, and a publication called the highwayman, which started around the same time, served as the agency’s external news magazine.

In 1987, in order to cut costs during an economic slump, Highway Interchange ceased publication in favor of the highwayman. It was an unpopular decision, and soon adjustments were made to simply combine the publications, with the back section of the highwayman dedicated to employee information from Highway Interchange

The two publications separated again in 1990 after an improved fiscal outlook for the state. After the WHD was reorganized to the Department of Transportation, the highwayman changed names to Destinations. Additionally, Interchange dropped ‘the Highway’ at the beginning for a standalone title.

Interchange continued to grow, seeing more long-form feature stories aimed at a wider audience. As the 1990s drew to a close, WYDOT Public Affairs staff decided that Destinations was no longer popular enough to warrant it being a separate publication. The final issue of Destinations was published in early 2000.

Interchange continued on page 3

The cover of the first issue of what is now Interchange asked readers to name the new publication. The winner, Rock Springs District 3 Construction Engineer Dale Vandenberg, and his family, received a $25 savings bond for their dinner table brainstorming session that led to the publication’s moniker.

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.

Staff

WYDOT Director, interim

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee

Editor

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors

Jordan Achs Public Affairs

Matt Groth Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

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.

Since then, Interchange has continued to grow and feature more articles and information aimed at both internal and external audiences.

“No matter the name, WYDOT publications have always featured a variety of stories about major projects, current events, agency milestones, intense winter storms and other news,” said WYDOT Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee.

Interchange today

Interchange continues to be compiled by the Public Affairs Office each month. Articles are submitted by Public Affairs staff, District Public Involvement Specialists, Wyoming Highway Patrol and other WYDOT programs like Safety, Training, and even the Wyoming Transportation Department Employees Association.

Issues also feature articles from other state agencies that have pertinent information for employees, like Game & Fish and Administration & Information’s Human Resources Division.

activities we have going on around the state.”

Once the articles have been written and compiled, Interchange editor – currently Carlie Van Winkle – places them on the pages and designs the overall layout and graphics for the issue.

As it starts to look more like a magazine, Public Affairs team proofreads and edits the issue before it is sent down to the WYDOT print shop at headquarters for printing and binding.

Today, the Print Shop makes 3,325 copies of Interchange each month. This is a lower number than some years, partly because every issue is also available online via the employee intranet and the website issuu.com. While only the current month’s issue is available on the Intranet, issues dating back to March 2012 are available on Issuu.

Interchange is an award winning publication, including the Wyoming Press Association’s annual awards, winning second place in the News Publications category in 2003; first place for a photo story in Interchange in 2008, second place in 2008 for a photo page story called “Tower Training” and third place at the WPA awards in 2013 for page layout and design for an article titled “Buick Special.”

Articles continue to focus on topics important for both an internal and external audience, including noteworthy projects, new agency initiatives, HR reminders, service award celebrations, retirements and other news.

The October 2015 Interchange issue featuring the I-80 Summit Rest Area Abraham Lincoln head statue refurbishing received second place at the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials’ TransComm annual awards in 2016.

“We can’t be everywhere at once,” McGee said, “So we really rely on submissions from folks out in the field to help make each issue well-rounded and to highlight all the different impressive

Interchange

By the Numbers

Once printed, the mailroom at headquarters sorts and sends the issue to the subscriber list, which not only includes current WYDOT staff around the state, but also retired employees, other state agencies, local legislators and other stakeholders. We even place issues at Driver Services locations and other public facing offices.

Interchange has seen some new looks throughout its history. Early editions looked like a newsletter until 2003, when it moved to a glossy, magazine-style publication. This was the new standard up until July 2020, when, in order to cut costs, Interchange went to a more no-nonsense newsletter style that readers see today.

Through the past 50 years and into the future, Interchange continues to connect employees statewide and highlight the important history being made at WYDOT every day.

Interchange continued on page 4

Long time WYDOT employees might remember seeing cartoons drawn by former Management Services artist, the late Sharon Van Court, in early issues of the publication. This particular cartoon called attention to the wealth of information printed on WYDOT’s state highway map.

Photo: WYDOT

Artwork: Sharon Van Court

A selection of 50 years of Interchange cover stories

July 1973 You Name It! Taking suggestions for newsletter name. The winner will receive $25 savings bond.

Nov 1974 The Queen and Her Court; Karen Knight named Miss Wyoming Roads

June/July 1975 Commission approves $76.6 million budget – largest in the department’s history

Apr-June 1976 Department hosts Polish hydrologist

Sept/Oct 1977 We build buildings; new buildings under contract or on tap for big lettings at five locations in Wyoming

Aug/Sept 1978 Movie available from Public Information; “Everything Rides on the Road” useful for presentations

Jan/Feb 1979 Special section devoted to explaining Wyoming Highway Department Employees Association

Mar-Apr 1980 Transportation – helping conserve America’s energy; share the ride, drive 55 mph

Jan/Feb 1981 Recap on 46th Legislative Session; now possible to renew driver’s license by mail

Jan/Feb 1982 Interstate 25 complete; final 26-mile stretch between Casper and Kaycee ready for vehicles

Mar/Apr 1983 Causes for celebration; Sand Draw Road dedication and official opening of US 14A

Jan/Feb 1984 March lettings to set record; Highway Commission to act on $25 million for construction contracts

Sept/Oct 1985 Wyoming’s interstate officially complete; opening ceremony held for 32-mile stretch on Interstate 90

May/Jun 1986 Where’s the raise? Employee raises delayed a year due to declining state revenues

Mar/Apr 1987 Interchange laid to rest (to be fully resurrected three years later)

(1988, 1989 No Interchange published)

July/Aug 1990 Donald G. Diller becomes first Director of the new Wyoming Department of Transportation

Apr 1991 We are the Wyoming Transportation Department; reorganization of agency effective April 1.

Mar 1992 Hero awarded; WYDOT machinist honored for thwarting assault of 13-year-old girl

Mar 1993

Oct 1994

Legislative action; employees making less than $20K annually will receive increase of $1K a year.

Meeteetse residents dedicate WYO 120; Nine years of reconstruction completed

Jan 1995 Wyoming 331 project presented award by FHWA; WYDOT praised for enhancing wetlands

Oct 1996

June 1997

Telephone Canyon construction – it’s a blast; as many as 79 blasts have rocked I-80

Disastrous mudslide closes US 26-89 near Jackson

Aug/Sept 1998 Patrol helps Alpine area fend off E. coli outbreak

Feb 1999 According to IT Manager Vince Garcia Y2K should have little effect on WYDOT

Apr 2000 ‘WYDOT University’ plan outlines future training needs for personnel

Dec 2001 Fly Wyoming campaign launched

Interchange

From 2003 to 2020, Interchange featured a glossy, magazine-style cover and pages, like this issue from 2009. The newsletter-style print version you see today was implemented as a way to help cut costs.

Retired WYDOT PAO Photographer Rick Carpenter aided Editor Carlie Van Winkle in the design of the above two covers. In June 2012, Interchange celebrated the unity of the “WYDOT family” workforce. In 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic raging, Carpenter photographed the masked up “WYDOT family” citing the agency’s strength in keeping Wyoming’s roads open.

Do you have a story idea, employee recognition or other newsworthy item for a future Interchange issue? Send any relevant information to dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov

Know someone who wants a copy of Interchange every month? You can send their name and mailing address to Public Affairs or the WYDOT mailroom and they will receive the next issue!

Jan-Feb 2002 WYDOT shows Olympic spirit (during Utah Winter Games)

May 2003 Roadside Memorial Program in place

Sept 2004 State’s worst crash; At least four people perished Aug 19 on Interstate 80 (later confirmed to be seven individuals)

Sept 2005 Eight-year Snake River Canyon project completed

June 2006 50th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System

Oct 2007 Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) Program celebrates 25 years

Oct 2008 Learn more about WYDOT’s new TMC (Transportation Management Center)

Feb 2009 WYDOT tests new mag chloride system

June 2010 New Intranet Guide (special pull out section)

Jan 2011 WYDOT institutes Authorized Travel Program

Apr 2012 Diverging Diamond; plans for the College Drive interchange

Mar 2013 Award winning design; animal overpasses honored (Trapper’s Point)

June 2014

Seven-year Togwotee project garners award; US 26-287 earns best renovation of a highway

Nov 2015 Asset activates avalanches: new O’Bellx® system installed near Jackson

Aug 2016 Lusk-US 85 bridge; reopened 13 months after devastating flood

Apr 2017 Wire-cable barriers; minor detail promotes major life-saving benefit

Oct 2018 Safety communication technology; new tech installed in WYDOT vehicles

Mar 2019 Multiple [10] snowplows hit over a five-day period

Apr-May 2020 We are WYDOT Strong (COVID-19)

Apr 2021

WYDOT employees battled winter storm; Nebraska DOT provided help

July 2022 Historic Yellowstone area flooding; coming together to help in tough times

Mar 2023 511 website sees more than 2 billion hits in 2022; W-TAP hits 17K users

The Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) Program celebrated its 25th anniversary in Sept. 2007 in front of the capitol building with then Gov. Dave Freudenthal speaking about the program.

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

In January 2010, Interchange featured two award winning projects the agency had received accolades for. The awards were for smooth roads – one for I-25 south of Cheyenne and the other for WYO 59 near Gillette.

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

District News

Headquarters Commission awards nearly $6.8 million in contracts in July

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $6.8 million in contracts for four Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its July 20 regular business meeting.

A $2.7 million bid was awarded to Sheridan-based Advanced Electrical Contracting Inc. for a project involving electrical work, traffic control, sidewalk, curb and gutter and other work in various locations within Carbon, Converse, Goshen, Johnson, Natrona and Platte Counties. The contracted completion date is October 31, 2024.

The commission awarded a nearly $1.8 million bid to Casper-based Oftedal Construction Inc. for a combined project involving seeding, erosion control, traffic control, grading and other work on US Highway 14/16/20 in Park County. The contracted completion date is October 31, 2023.

Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors was awarded a $1.1 million bid for a project involving paving, traffic control, grading, fencing, milling and other work on about 0.5 mile of Wyoming Highway 387 in Campbell County. The contracted completion date is July 31, 2024.

The three projects above are primarily funded with federal dollars. The only work primarily funded with state dollars awarded this month is a combined project involving structure work, traffic control, paving and other work on a portion of Interstate 80 and Wyoming Highway 212 in Laramie County. Cheyenne-based Reiman Corp. was awarded a $1.2 million bid for that project, with a contracted completion date of June 30, 2024.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

District 1

WYDOT projects caused delays during Cheyenne Frontier Days

CHEYENNE – Many of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s construction projects in Cheyenne were put on pause during the “Daddy of ‘em All,” but there were some lingering traffic impacts that caused delays for motorists attending CFD festivities.

Construction work on the Interstate 25 bridge over Lincolnway was suspended for the duration of the event. Speed limits were raised through construction zones and a detour was implemented to facilitate better traffic flow.

Traffic control shifted to close two exits from I-80 to I-25 north and redirect traffic through a short detour via Lincolnway.

Heavy event traffic was expected throughout CFD week, especially near Missile Drive interchange for the Parkn-Ride and Randall interchange for the CFD Park itself. The I-80/I-25 detour should not impact these exits.

The Terry Ranch Road project remained closed throughout Cheyenne Frontier Days, but had minimal impact on travel.

I-80 traffic detoured for bridge rebuild

LARAMIE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation temporarily detoured Interstate 80 traffic by the Curtis Street Bridge rebuild on July 7.

The detour was for the safety of the crews and the traveling public while the center girders for the Curtis Street Bridge were secured.

Traffic was detoured to the on and off ramps at exit 310/Curtis Street.

The operation happened in two phases. I-80 detoured traffic again on July 10, with the same detour.

The project is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Utility work along I-80 in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Travelers on Interstate 80 experienced delays as crews with Black Hills Energy began utility work on July 10.

I-80 had interior lane closures in both east and westbound lanes between mileposts 353-355 to facilitate the repair of overhead power lines in the area.

Motorists were encouraged to watch for lane closures, reduced speed limits and other traffic changes during the project.

Utility work was complete by the end of the day July 12.

Chip seal project caused delays in Laramie

LARAMIE – Motorists around Laramie experienced minor delays as a chip sealing project began June 29.

Chip sealing helps preserve the pavement and improves pavement traction. This chip seal project is a continuation from last year in the same area.

Crews with Knife River began work on Wyoming Highway 230 at milepost 2.5 and ended at milepost 11.5.

Drivers encountered pilot car operations and 30 mph speed limit signs through construction zones to eliminate potential vehicle damage.

District 2

Casper I-25 traffic lanes switch ahead of bridge replacement project

CASPER – Lane shifts, reduced speeds and other work was encountered by drivers June 27-28 on Interstate 25 through Casper as northbound traffic shifted onto the southbound lanes prior to construction on I-25.

On June 28, traffic, roughly between the area of McKinley and Poplar streets, was reduced to one lane in each direction in the southbound lanes. Motorists encountered flaggers at the ramps, pilot cars and other safety measures designed

to make the initial crossover as safe as possible. Once traffic was shifted, the speed limit through the area was posted at 45 mph.

The traffic shift comes as contractors prepare to remove five bridges (F Street, two I-25 bridges over the North Platte River and two over Center Street). All five will be replaced starting with the removal of the F Street bridge over the river.

The project replaces the aging bridge structures and includes new road surface between the interstate structures. The project covers 0.97 miles and is expected to take two years to complete. The estimated cost of the project is $57.6 million.

District 3

Drilling work had traffic impacts on Teton Pass

JACKSON – Jorgensen Associates, Inc. performed geotechnical drilling work along Wyoming Highway 22, Teton Pass, the week of July 10. The work took place between mileposts 13.5-17.2 (Coal Creek trailhead to the Idaho State Line) during daytime hours.

A single lane of traffic was controlled by flagging operations. Intermittent work took place over weekends. Crews concluded work by July 31.

The subsurface investigations are being conducted for future BUILD project planning and are being performed on behalf of Teton County.

Signal timing adjusted at WYO 22, WYO 390

JACKSON – WYDOT has made adjustments to the signal timing at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 22 and Wyoming Highway 390, the Village Road, to accommodate seasonal and daytime traffic flows.

WYDOT engineers moved a fraction of time from the WYO 390 leg of traffic to WYO 22 to allot more traffic to flow off WYO 22/Teton Pass during certain times of day, so traffic doesn’t back up onto the pass.

The summer congestion exceeds the roadway’s capacity. That, coupled with crash delays, construction and turning movements, has created, at some points, gridlocked lanes. WYDOT hopes to alleviate some of this congestion on WYO 22

with the signal timing changes.

“During the summer months, the traffic volumes on 22 and 390 are beyond the capacity of the existing highways. Basically there are more cars than the road can handle. The highways have historically backed up for several years on weekdays in the summer. WYDOT recognized a safety problem with traffic being stopped on the steep grades of Teton Pass in the morning – and into town in the evening – creating complete gridlock,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said.

“WYO 390 has been backing up some, but not to the same extent at the other legs of the signal. WYDOT has to balance the movement through that signal and safety of the public. A decision was made to adjust the signal timing on the light at 22/390,” he added.

WYDOT typically adjusts signal timing based on traffic volumes reflective of season and time of day. Excessive volumes on WYO 22 have resulted in WYDOT examining what adjustments can be made to alleviate some congestion and promote safer conditions for drivers.

With the timing changes, drivers on WYO 390 may see an increase in congestion and wait times at the light. WYDOT will continue to monitor and make adjustments to the signal timing in response to observations and changes in traffic patterns.

“We will be adjusting the timing every few days to find that balance. We understand that this means traffic on WYO 390 will have to endure more delay. There is only so much time to go around,” Hammond said.

Work underway on La Barge Road, WYO 150 south of Evanston

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Avail Valley Construction, LLC conducted resurfacing work south on Wyoming Highway 372, south of the Wyoming Highway 28 intersection, from mileposts 17 to 26.

On June 27, crews began hot-in-place recycling operations, where the pavement was milled and re-used to pave the roadway. During daytime hours, traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers and pilot cars.

Delays were expected and lasted 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Drivers encountered a 13-foot width restriction for vehicles through the project area.

During nighttime hours, traffic was detoured around work zone equipment with the use of a signal. The work was followed up by chip seal operations in mid-July.

Operations moved to Wyoming Highway 150 south of Evanston in mid-July.

The completion date for the contract is July 31, 2023.

District 4

Landslide mitigation work underway on US 14 west of Dayton

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Coggins and Sons, began working on repairing a 300-foot section of right-of-way and shoulder near milepost 69.8 on US Highway 14 south of Steamboat Point.

This portion of US 14 is constructed on a steep slope and has been sliding for several years. WYDOT geologists have monitored the section and determined mitigation is needed to prevent the road from failing.

Contractors set up traffic control on July 13 in preparation for work. Traffic signals were placed at both ends of the project where motorists encountered about a 5-minute wait at the signal. The speed limit was reduced to 35 mph on either end of the project and 20 mph through the construction zone. A 14-foot width restriction was put in place on US 14 during the project.

This project has a completion date of Nov. 30, 2023.

District 5

Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WYO 296) slide repair underway

CODY – A $2.06 million slide repair project started July 6 on Wyoming Highway 296, about 27 miles west of the WYO 296/Wyoming Highway 120 intersection west of Cody.

Prime contractor on the Chief Joseph

News continued from page 7

Scenic Highway slide is Oftedal Construction, Inc. of Casper. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Project work on the Telephone Creek slide consists of slide repair, including construction of a dirt toe berm, installation of slide stabilization rock, roadway settlement repair and other work at milepost 18.7 on WYO 296.

“Slide stabilization work has begun,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Roadway traffic is moved into one lane and is controlled by flaggers during working hours and temporary traffic signals during non-working hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Motorists encountered the 20 mph slowed speed throughout the Telephone Creek slide work zone.

A 12-foot width restriction was put in place for the duration of the slide repair project.

US 14A chip sealing to complete 2022 project

LOVELL – Chip sealing began July 24 on the mountain section of US Highway 14A east of Lovell, and traffic delays of up to 20 minutes were expected.

The 9.7-mile project begins at milepost 70.72 on US 14A, about 24 miles east of Lovell, and concludes at milepost 80.42.

The $3.7 million Lovell-Burgess Junction pavement improvement project was completed in 2022, with the exception of chip sealing.

Prime contractor is Century Companies Inc. of Lewistown, Montana.

US 310/WYO 789 pavement improvement near Deaver

WORLAND – A $4.16 million pavement improvement project began the week of July 17 between Deaver and the Wyoming-Montana state line on US Highway 310/Wyoming Highway 789.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on the 7.5-mile project.

The contractor stripped topsoil from the shoulders and began asphalt milling operations. Motorists encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes.

The pavement improvement project begins near Deaver (milepost 249.49) and runs through Frannie and to the Wyoming-Montana state line (milepost 257).

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Mountain Construction Co., on Nov. 17, 2022. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2023.

Project scope includes a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay and a chip seal finish. Pavement milling is expected to take about two weeks to complete, with another two weeks of paving. Chip sealing will last about a week.

Waltman Rest Area closed two days for chip sealing

THERMOPOLIS – A two-day rest area closure allowed the contractor working on passing lane paving improvements to chip seal the Waltman Rest Area parking lot between Moneta and Waltman east of Shoshoni on US Highway 20/26. Including the parking lot chip seal inside the Waltman Rest Area, the $4.64 million project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on the entire width of the highway at seven sets of passing lanes.

Project completion date was June 30, 2023.

US 14/16/20 paving west of Cody

CODY – Paving of a 5.28-mile highway settlement repair project began the week of July 10 west of Cody on US Highway 14/16/20, adjacent to Buffalo Bill Reservoir.

The $5.9 million project is located on US 14/16/20 between Trout Creek (milepost 36.41) and Buffalo Bill State Park Campground and Boat Launch (milepost 41.69).

Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. All work, except reclamation and other miscellaneous items, is required to be complete by Aug. 31. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

The US 14/16/20 project scope includes settlement repair at four locations, rotomilling of existing asphalt pavement surfacing, placing 2-inches of pavement overlay, chip sealing, minor slope flattening and other work.

US 26/287 chip sealing on

Togwotee Pass

DUBOIS – A Wyoming Department of Transportation chip sealing crew is scheduled for summer work on US Highway 26/287 on Togwotee Pass beginning Monday, July 17.

US 26/287 chip sealing was underway July 17-31 between mileposts 7.5 (7.5 miles east of Moran Junction) and 26.75 (Fremont-Teton county line). Continuing on through August, the WYDOT maintenance effort will remain on US 26/287 between mileposts 45 (10 miles west of Dubois) and 49.

Chip sealing work was swept at the end of each day. Drivers were asked to slow down in these areas in order to prevent windshield damage.

Chip sealing underway west of Riverton

RIVERTON – The chip sealing of a $5.85 million pavement improvement project began July 13 on US Highway 26 between Riverton and Pilot Butte Reservoir west of Riverton.

The pavement improvement project included asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, drainage and other work on 12.1 miles of US 26 between mileposts 125.11 (Eight Mile Road) and 112.98 (just east of Pilot Butte Reservoir).

Prime contractor on the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co., in March. Contract completion date was Oct. 31, 2022.

Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing

By WYDOT District 3, Kemmerer

The Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing project was let on July 8, 2021 to McMillen Inc., of Boise, Idaho, for a total cost of $13.7 million, with a contract completion date of Oct. 31, 2023.

The original scope of the project included 176,500 feet (33.4 miles) of 8-foot tall deer fence, eight underpass structures, 1.85 miles of roadway reconstruction and other miscellaneous work. Due to the competitive bidding on the project and availability of funds, a change order was executed in February 2022 to add a ninth underpass and $1.4 million to the project.

2023 Progress

During the first construction season, six of the nine underpass locations were completed and open to unrestricted traffic. The remaining three box culverts are under construction. Approximately 16,000 feet of deer fence has been paid for in 2023 with another 27,000 feet in various degrees of completion. The bulk of the 48 new cattle guards are installed and ready to be fenced.

Spring start up

Work began on May 1 building three detours at the last three underpass locations. Quickly thereafter, the box locations were excavated and the pre-cast components of all three boxes were placed.

Fencing began on May 1 as well, beginning where the fence completed last fall – just south of Box No. 7 and heading south.

Rough Spring Weather

As the long winter loosened its grip on south Sublette County the weather didn’t really improve much as “spring” arrived. Days and days of rain, week after week, kept the ground soft and delayed the crews while lightning storms passed by. Water pumps kept the excavations dry between storms, so very little work time was lost.

FACTS & FIGURES

Project Funds Expended to Date

$10,284,779.28

Percent Work Completed 68%

Percent Contract Time Elapsed 85% Number of Days Worked 227

Summer Expectations

The northern-most of the three underpasses under construction this season already has all the castin-place concrete finished and the initial back fill complete. The two other boxes will be formed up and have concrete poured before the end of July. All dirt work will be finished soon thereafter. Paving the three underpass locations will begin mid-August. Fence work will continue to move southward – progressing from underpass to underpass on each side of the highway – with the contractor anticipating completion just prior to the contract completion date of Oct. 31, 2023.

A work crew assembling an underpass structure.

Photo: WYDOT

GeoBabelFish turns 10

Software translates between different road data types WYDOT uses

By Jordan Achs

Depending on what department you work with at WYDOT, you may use different methods to determine the exact location of something along a highway.

Some may use common road names and mile posts, while others use the exact latitude and longitude coordinates. Others may focus on WYDOT maintenance sections instead.

What if you need to cross-translate this information to all of these data points and more? Luckily, there is a method to do so easily and quickly: GeoBabelFish

The software, created by WYDOT’s Geographic Information Systems department, translates locations on highways through a variety of systems easily and quickly.

Translatable systems include:

• Common road name (i.e., Interstate 25, mile post 3)

• Latitude and longitude

• Linear Referencing System

• WYDOT Maintenance section

• Public Land Survey System

• Wyoming Travel Information reporting section

• WYDOT Albers Projection

First introduced in 2013, the software has recently undergone some upgrades, including a new intranet map viewer.

“We recommend any users who encounter errors with the software, especially users who have used the software in the past without issue, clear the cache on their internet browser,” said Vince Garcia, WYDOT GIS/Intelligent Transportation System program manager.

GeoBabelFish can be found on the GIS Intranet page. Once the site is pulled up, users use the drop down menu to pick the starting reference system and then the next drop down menu to choose the one they want to translate to. Then the system pulls up a section to type in the more detailed parameters and a button to calculate. There is also a link at the top of the page that gives definitions and information about how to interpret the results.

Those who have any issues with the GeoBabelFish software can contact Nicholas Graf: Nicholas.Graf@wyo.gov or Jacob Jackson: Jacob.Jackson@wyo.gov

A screenshot of WYDOT’s GeoBabelFish software shows how to translate a location between two road classification types. The software can be helpful for all kinds of different employees at WYDOT.

Photo: WYDOT

WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy update

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services

By the printing of this August 2023 edition of Interchange, the pilot cohort for the WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy is diving into session seven of nine. The goals of WY Lead are to increase WYDOT’s leadership bench strength and create a network of mentors/colleagues for leadership support. The 15 selected participants have been proactively engaged with each other, as well as with the content, which aligns to the following leadership development model.

• Leadership Self Awareness

• Leadership Mindsets

• Leadership Strengths

• Leadership Growth

• Leading Others

• Achieving Performance

• Developing Employees

• Influencing through Connections

• Leading the Agency

• Knowing the Organization

• Advocating through Behavior and Language

• Planning for Succession

Synthesizing the content of the cohort, three working groups within the WY Lead cohort are working toward a project presentation to WYDOT Executive Staff during the final session in September. The presentation will focus upon strategies and

recommendations to solve a current organizational challenges at WYDOT. Each of the groups will share the brainstorming approach, data/research and decision making processes that they used to narrow down their recommended strategies to solve the organizational challenge. Along with WYDOT Executive Staff, we all look forward to seeing the fruits of the efforts of this WY Lead pilot cohort.

As we pursue the ongoing improvement with the delivery and effectiveness of the WY Lead Program, this pilot cohort group continues to provide valuable feedback and insight. Together, we serve to meet the vital agency needs of WYDOT.

Training@aGlance

Training@aGlance

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

The first pilot cohort for the WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy.

Photo: WYDOT

Aeronautics

UH-60 Black Hawk – up close and personal

By Mark Horan

Members of the Aeronautics Commission and Wyoming Department of Transportation

toured the Wyoming Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility on July 19 in Cheyenne. The event was designed to educate participants on the role and mission sets of the Wyoming Army National Guard Aviation units. As part of the experience, the group took a flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Special thanks goes out to Aviation Planning Program manager A.J. Schutzman, a national guardsman, for coordinating the tour.

Game & Fish

Four Wyoming fishing enthusiasts recognized as

“Ultimate Anglers”

Will you be the next?

By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish

Four more Wyoming anglers can say they conquered one of the toughest fishing challenges in the state. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is happy to announce the newest Ultimate Anglers who caught 10 different species of trophy-sized fish in Wyoming. The achievement is recognized as part of the department’s Master Angler program.

The newest Ultimate Anglers are:

• Casper Region: Logan Harris and Michael Hughes

• Lander Region: Benton Davis

• Cody Region: Joseph Wassmer

“Congratulations to these four anglers. Earning this title is quite the accomplishment,” said Alan Osterland, chief of the fisheries division.

Trophy fish represent the largest fish in the state – the top 5 percent – of the 24 eligible species. Some fisheries in Wyoming are managed for trophy sizes while others are managed for high catch rates and species diversity.

Participating in the Master Angler program is easy, even if catching a trophy is challenging. Anglers must land a fish that meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying length from snout to the tip of a pinched tail, and must take and submit a side-view photograph of the fish. Include in the photograph an object, like a ruler or a coin, to validate the length. Submit the photo, angler information, details about the species and where it was caught on the Game and Fish website.

“I encourage all anglers to get outside this summer and give it their all to become the next Ultimate Angler,” Osterland said. “The only way to win is to fish, so get out there!”

The Master Angler program includes a variety of challenges. Catching one trophy-sized fish earns the title of Master Angler, a species-specific sticker and recognition on the Game and Fish website. Five different trophy-length species designate someone as a Trophy Angler, carrying the same prizes as a Master Angler with a commemorative medallion. Those who catch 10 different trophy species get the title of Ultimate Angler and earn a commemorative plaque to honor their achievement and recognition.

Anglers can use information from the Master Angler webpage to see which waters have yielded trophy fish to plan their own pursuits. To submit an entry or for measurement tips and a list of masters, visit the Game and Fish website.

A trophy-sized fish after being caught.

Photo courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish

Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT

ETS TechTalk Ready, Set, Go!

By Enterprise Technology Services

As you embark upon your next vacation, remember to remain cyber-safe by following these simple practices! Try adding a simple cyber-security checklist to your packing routine!

Before You Go

• Limit the number of devices you take with you; more devices equal more risk.

• Check your privacy settings on web services and apps. Set limits on how and with whom you share information. You might want to change some features, like location tracking, when you’re away from home.

• Set up the “find my phone” feature. Not only will it allow you to locate your phone, this feature gives you the power to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it gets into the wrong hands.

• Set your device to require the use of a PIN, passcode or extra security feature (like a fingerprint or facial scan) to keep it locked if stolen or lost.

• Ensure all security features and software is up-to-date. Updates often include tweaks that protect you against the latest cyber-security concerns.

• Backup the data on your device, like photos, documents or other files. If your device is lost, stolen, broken or you lose access to it, you won’t lose all your data. You can backup your data on the cloud, or an external drive.

Tourism

On the Go

• Manage location services. Location tools can expose your location, even through photos! Turn off location services when not in use, and consider limiting how you share your location on social media.

• Do not transmit personal info or purchases on unsecured or public WI-FI networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) or your phone as a personal hotspot to surf more securely.

• Wait until you’re back to share pictures of your trip on the internet. You may not want everyone to know that you’re not home.

• Don’t leave your devices unattended. If you’re staying in a hotel, make sure to lock them in a safe. If a safe is not available, lock them inside your luggage.

• Disable remote connectivity and Bluetooth. Some devices will automatically seek and connect to wireless networks. If you do not need them, switch them off. These features can provide cyber criminals access to your devices.

• Avoid using public computers in hotel lobbies to access personal information. If you must use a public computer, keep your activities as generic and anonymous as possible. If you log into accounts, such as emails, always click “logout” when finished. Closing a browser does not log you out of accounts.

Casper selected as 2024 International Roundup host

Save the date: April 19-22, 2024

Casper was announced as the location for the 2024 International Roundup set for April 19-22, 2024. The tourism-based trade show will bring international travel planners and tour operators from seven overseas markets who specialize in selling customized travel itineraries through the five-state region: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, collectively branded overseas as “The Great American West”.

Hosted by the Casper Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Tourism and The Great American West, IRU will provide a long-term economic boost to the region. More than 100 regional suppliers and 40 international tour operators are expected to attend the multi-day event that includes over 2,600 pre-scheduled appointments with destination representatives. Business conducted at the event will help contribute an estimated $110.8 million in visitor spending to Wyoming, and an estimated $259 million to the five-state region.

“International Roundup is more than just a trade show, it’s a chance to turn partnerships into friendships,” said Amanda Sewell, destination experience coordinator at Visit Casper. “Buyers and sellers of foreign countries get to come together, in person, for the greater purpose of tourism, in the hope of enhancing the economic growth of our countries and communities.”

Casper was slated to host the event in 2020, and again in 2021, but had to postpone hosting the event both years due to border closures surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a unique opportunity to host this event,” said James Scoon, global partnerships director with the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “Communities get to showcase their charm and hospitality to the world, in a tangible way, that ends up elevating the entire state and region as an international travel destination. There is no better way to sell a community than in-person experiences. It is the ultimate marketing opportunity.”

The exclusive IRU event is a unique opportunity for regional suppliers to meet one-on-one with international tour operators from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Benelux Union, France, Italy, Australia and Nordic countries to conduct business negotiations that would otherwise be generated only through substantial individual investment and an exhaustive number of around-theworld trips.

Registration for the 2024 IRU will open in October and is available to any Wyoming tourism partner that is interested in increasing international visitation to their business. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the international trends from in-market representatives and the tour operators in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to register early to confirm their spot at this exclusive event.

District Briefs

Welcome

Katherine Ascough, Bridge-Hydraulics.

Promotions and Transfers

Ron Minjarez, Bridge-Engineering Design.

Service Awards

William Wilson, Highway Development-Engineering Services – 40 years; Paul Bustos, Office Services-Printing – 35 years;

John Goyen, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 25 years;

Christine Grant, Budget – 20 years;

Steven Lund, Motor Vehicle Services-Plate Production – 20 years;

Lois Neckel, GIS/ITS – 15 years; Jennifer Naatz, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title – 10 years; and Marshall Newlin, Bridge-Engineering Design – 10 years.

Retirements

Joshua Hardee retired as a lieutenant from the Highway Patrol in June after 17 years of service. Since 2016, he served as an explosives detection K-9 handler for the Highway Patrol’s Capitol Protection unit, Troop O. He also spent time as a narcotic K-9 handler in Casper. He started with WYDOT in 2006 as a trooper in Midwest. He received an associate’s degree in business administration from Casper College.

Camelia Kidd, Driver services quality control supervisor, retired in June with 33 years of service to the state.

Originally from Missouri, Kidd graduated from Laramie County Community College. She spent part of her career with the Department of Revenue and WYDOT’s Motor Vehicle Services program before landing at Driver Services.

District 1

Service Awards

Jesse Jenkins, Cheyenne Maintenance – 10 years; Andres Martinez, Patrol-Rawlins – 10 years; and James Elliott, District 1 Maintenance Staff – 5 years.

One sweet farewell to long-time District 1 HR Representative

By Andrea Staley

On June 6, our dear HR Representative in District 1, Ellen Teigen, retired. After 33 illustrious years, she has hung up her cap and is on to new adventures with her family and friends.

Having started at the old Wyoming Highway Department as a data controller in Laramie, she moved to HR in 1996. Many changes have happened throughout Teigen’s career, but one thing remained –her passion for her work. She consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to understanding the needs and aspirations of the employees of D1.

Teigen’s wealth of knowledge and experience made a profound impact on each employee she came into contact with. Through her dedication to each employee that worked for D1, she was able to foster an environment of open communication, compassion and genuine commitment to the well-being of all.

While we will miss her dearly, she is looking forward to her days now filled with camping, spending time with family and friends, and especially that extra time with her granddaughter.

Thank you so much Ellen, from everyone in District 1!

Adolph Narvais, Facilities Management-Grounds – 20 years;

Robyn Eifert, Procurement Services-Buying – 15 years;

HR Representative Ellen Teigen holding up beautifully iced cupcakes with a crowned paper likeness of her on each of them at her retirement party in June.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Wilson

Eifert

Goyen

Naatz

Hardee

Grant

Bustos

Neckel

Martinez Elliott

Jenkins

District 2

Retirements

Scott Hokanson, highway maintenance specialist II in Kaycee, retired in June with 27 years of service to the state.

Born in Newcastle, Hokanson received an associate’s degree from Sheridan College and a bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College.

Ricky Schultz, highway maintenance technician in Wheatland, retired in June with 17 years of service to the state.

Schultz graduated from Wheatland High School.

Bruce Simmons, Senior Construction and Field Survey technician in Torrington, retired in June with 46 years of service to the state.

He started with WYDOT as a rodman and spent part of his career with the survey crew in Casper as well as the Casper field lab in the summers of 1977 and 1978 as well as from June 1979 to 1980.

He received degrees from Eastern Wyoming College, Casper College and University of Wyoming in civil engineering and farm and ranch management.

In The Community

District 2 and the WTDEA participated in the 2023 Central Wyoming Fair and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo Parade July 11 in Casper. Neon Lights and Cowboy Nights was this year’s parade theme, so what better to convey drunk driving messages that a couple of cowboys who’ve had too much to drink –but aren’t riding!

District 4

Welcome

Levi Irons, Gillette Mechanics.

Service Awards

District 3

Service Awards

Klief Guenther, Patrol-Rock Springs – 25 years;

Bradford White, Patrol-Evanston – 25 years;

Amy Pearson, Driver Services-Evanston – 15 years;

Brad Baxter, Evanston Construction – 10 years;

James Dimele, Patrol-Pinedale – 10 years;

Darin Kaufman, District 3 Traffic Staff – 10 years; and

John Broad, Patrol-Sheridan – 25 years;

Dwayne Hunt, Patrol-Gillette – 25 years;

Dustin Hockett, Sheridan Maintenance – 15 years; and

Gary Klier, Port of Entry-Sheridan – 5 years.

Retirements

Charles Schuler

District 2’s Zach Miller, Kyle Williams, Tracy Firnekas and her son, Church, and Debbie Herbold with her grandkids, Hallee, Gracie, Jackson and Daniel posing near the float entry prior to the parade.

III, a senior heavy mechanic in Gillette, retired in June with four years of service to the state.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

The WYDOT/WTDEA District 2 float in the Neon Lights and Cowboy Nights PRCA Rodeo parade July 11.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Jason Buck, Kemmerer Maintenance – 5 years.

Simmons

Hokanson

Schultz

Guenther

White Baxter

Kaufman Pearson

Dimele

Buck Hunt Klier Schuler

Broad

Irons Hockett

District 5 Service Awards

Kim Kurasz, Dubois Maintenance –25 years; Daniel Hite, Patrol-Cody – 5 years; and Jason Ramsey, Patrol-Lander – 5 years.

Retirements

Mark Redland, highway maintenance technician in Ten Sleep, retired in June with more than 28 years of service to the state. He began his career with WYDOT in November 1994.

Crews with Geovert scale the hillside above US 20/WYO 789 for loose rocks and mud after a $71,880 emergency contract with the Broomfield, Colorado, rock scaling company was launched in late April. Motorists in Wind River Canyon endured traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during the safety-critical project.

WTDEA State Board

12 TH ANNUAL WTDEA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

The 12 winning photographs will be displayed in the 2024 WTDEA Cash Calendar. The contest & voting is open to all active WYDOT employees. One free entry per employee, additional entries are $5. Winners will receive a 2024 WTDEA Cash Calendar, which features a $100 monthly bonus drawing.

Submit your “WYDOT Pets” photos to: dot-wtdea-stateboard@wyo.gov

Deadline for submissions is August 21, 2023.

Proceeds from this calendar benefit the WYDOT Relief Fund

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Hite

Redland

Kurasz

Ramsey

Laramie Driver Services offers relaxing experience

Greetings. I just wanted to drop a dime on someone to express my appreciation for the staff at the Laramie Driver’s License Service office (sic). I recently took my daughter out to apply and test for her permit. The staff was kind and made a pretty anxious 15-year-old feel at ease.

While I have never had a bad experience with any staff person in my 28 years with them, this was the first relaxing experience I’ve had. I again had contact with them when I called to get her driver’s test scheduled for her hardship. The gentleman was kind and efficient.

Please pass along my gratitude for making a long and sometimes painful process much easier. Their positivity means a lot. Kindly, Andrea Senior, via email

Spotless Rest Area

The state rest area at South Pass is amazingly clean and well maintained. Thanks to the caretakers of this facility. Fred Kratz, via email

High praise for WHP Trooper

We are writing this to praise Trooper C.N. Duncan who assisted us when we had a front driver tire blowout while we were driving I-80, west of Wamsutter, on our return trip to Colorado.

My husband is 79 years old and [him] negotiating a tire change in those circumstances would have been perilous. I called 9-1-1 for assistance because we needed the number of a service station. After checking that we were OK, your dispatcher verified that we could pay if a service provider responded and then told me that she would let a Trooper know we needed help. Trooper C.N. Duncan drove up about 40 minutes later. Between my husband (who amazed me with flexibility I did not know he still had) and Trooper Duncan, we were able to drive on to Wamsutter with the spare.

Terry and I would like to make a contribution in Trooper Duncan’s honor either to a social or a victim’s fund. Please let him know that we are truly grateful and are impressed with the quality of the people who work for the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Patricia and Terrence Foley, via email