February 2016 Interchange by WYDOT

Interchange February 2016

GIS/ITS Program

Applying technology to transportation

Letters

Thanks, WYDOT plow drivers! Just a note of thanks to the many plow drivers in the state of Wyoming. I was in need of getting from Cheyenne to Sheridan and back to Casper on Sunday, Dec. 27. I didn’t see a plow on any of the highways but then realized that they must have taken a must-needed break. The entire trip, the roads were fantastic with no problems, no ice, no snow and in great condition. A hearty thank you to the state’s great road maintenance people. My 90-year-old mother also thanks you. She needed to get back home and with your help she did. Thank you again. Safe travels and Happy New Year to the plow drivers.

Patrick D. Dowling

Total number of employees: as of Jan. 7, 2016

1,976

Interchange Thanks WYDOT family I just wanted to give a big thank you for all the donated sick time, texts, calls, and daily jokes coming from all over the state of Wyoming while I was off work all last summer with double rotator cuff and torn bicep surgery. Also, I really appreciated the help from all the office staff and the calls from them asking how I was doing and updating me on things. I’m truly blessed to have so many friends and people from the state who care.

Thank you! Clay Seals

Motor Vehicle Services ‘wows’ once again I visited WYDOT in Cheyenne on Jan. 13 to set up a new IRP account and IFTA registrations. I spoke with Melinda (Harmon), Julia (Ray) and Vickie (Klein) during the course of setting up our accounts. What could have been a very intimidating process was made very smooth and painless by these three ladies. I am sending my appreciation and gratitude to WYDOT. I sincerely hope you can recognize Melinda, Julia, and Vicki for their excellent customer service skills and knowledge of the programs they are assigned.

Thank you, Melanie Serres Enermech Mechanical Services, Inc.

Vol. 44, Issue 2

Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, or sending email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor: Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Bruce Burrows Dave Kingham Carlie Van Winkle Ross Doman Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Ronda Holwell Cody Beers Sgt. David Wagener

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

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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.

One month ago

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February 2016

DOT publication

Contents

Features 8 Trooper vacancies drop Two academy classes running concurrently

9 Casper West Belt Loop finalized Road now open to traffic

10 GIS/ITS Program Inside 511 Travel, Wyoroad.info and webcams

13 Wyoming 511 phone app launch set New iOS/Android app to aid in travel planning

Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 By the Numbers.................................................................. 2, 7 District briefs.............................................................................4 Noteworthy..............................................................................14 TechNotes................................................................................15

Training.....................................................................................15 District news...........................................................................16 Extra Mile Awards................................................................. 20 Passings....................................................................................21 WTDEA......................................................................................21 Break Time.............................................................................. 23 On the cover:

Employees of the TMC intently monitor screens showing current weather and road conditions. Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. February 2016

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District Briefs Transportation commission awards $18 million in highway contracts

Cheyenne – Projects to add passing lanes to WYO 59 and replace the U.S. 85 bridge in Lusk were among the nine contracts for a total of $18.8 million awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its January meeting in Cheyenne. Hedquist Construction of Mills submitted the low bid of $6.5 million to add seven passing lanes to WYO 59 between Bill and Wright. Four of the passing lanes will be for northbound traffic and three for southbound. The project will be paid for with revenue from the 10-cent-fueltax increase, and the contract completion date is Oct. 31. Cheyenne’s Reiman Corp. and Subsidiary was the low bidder at $2.3 million to replace the U.S. 85 railroad overpass bridge that collapsed due to flooding in Lusk in June. The new bridge will be built on the same alignment as the damaged bridge, so the temporary bridge currently carrying traffic there will have to be removed and traffic routed on a detour around the site using the same Lusk streets used before the temporary bridge was completed. The project is scheduled to be done by Sept. 30. H-K Contractors of Idaho Falls won a $2.4 million contract for a pavement overlay, chip seal and other improvements to 7 miles of WYO 32, from about 9 miles southwest of Lovell to its junction with WYO 295. In addition to the new pavement, the work will include bridge deck repairs, flattening of slopes beside the highway to improve safety and extension of drainage pipes under the highway. The contract completion date is June 30, 2017. Worland’s McGarvin-Moberly Construction won a $2.3 million contract to grind off deteriorating pavement and replace it with a new layer of pavement on 9.5 miles of WYO 24 from about 5 miles south of Hulett to about 3 miles north of town. The work will be paid for

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February 2016

with 10-cent-fuel-tax revenue, and will include repairs to the bridge over the Belle Fourche River, and improvements to sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, and it includes requirements that traffic be restored to normal during the Hulett Rodeo, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Bike MS: Wyoming’s Bighorn Country Classic. Cheyenne’s Simon Contractors and Subsidiaries was the low bidder at $2 million to reconstruct West Allison Road between Walterscheid Boulevard and South Greeley Highway (U.S. 85) in Cheyenne. The road section is just east of South High School, so work will not begin until after the end of school this spring, and is expected to be done before school begins in the fall. The contract completion date is Oct. 31. S&S Builders of Gillette won a $1.4 million contract for repairs to the bridges at the railroad crossing on I-80 about 10 miles west of Cheyenne, and the southbound I-25 bridge over I-80 in Cheyenne. Work will be done on the approach slabs, expansion joints and bridge decks, and each will get a new layer of concrete. The work is scheduled to be done by Oct. 31. Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. of Watsonville, Calif. was the low bidder at $1.3 million for pavement preservation work on about 13 miles of I-80 immediately east of Rock Springs. The microsurfacing is expected to take about three weeks to complete and the contract requires it to be done by Sept. 30. Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: o $632,000 to Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley for replacing and repairing siphons where irrigation ditches pass under U.S. 20 in the Lucerne area and WYO 30 west of Basin by May 31; and o $101,000 to Wyoming Demolition of

Sheridan to remove buildings on Harney and Third streets in Laramie by April 30 in preparation for the Harney Street Viaduct project.

Speed limit increased to 70 mph on three Wyoming highways Cheyenne – The speed limit increased to 70 mph on sections of U.S. 85 and WYO 120 in January. Much of U.S. 85 from just east of its interchange with I-25 (Exit 17) north of Cheyenne to Newcastle was posted with the 70 mph limit on Jan. 15. Highway segments adjacent to communities will retain their current speed limit. WYO 120 from about 18 miles north of Cody to the Montana border got the higher limit on Jan. 25. WYO 130 from I-80 south to Saratoga was expected to get the 70 mph limit in early February. The three highway sections are the first to get the higher speed limit approved for two-lane rural highways by the Legislature last year. They were among 1,546 miles of highway a subsequent study showed had the best potential for safely handling 70 mph traffic. “Before any speed limit can be changed, state law requires that a comprehensive engineering study and traffic investigation must be completed,” WYDOT Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick said. “That study for these three highways found it safe and reasonable to increase the limit to 70 mph on these sections.” Among the factors the study evaluated were the terrain the highways pass through, their crash histories, current travel speeds, traffic volumes and the percentage of heavy trucks, alignment and sight distances, the number and locations of at-grade intersections and the amount of agricultural and recreational use the routes experience. Current travel speeds on the three highways were found to be in the 70 mph range. The new speed limit is not expected to result in significantly higher travel speeds, Fredrick said, and Highway Patrol enforcement efforts will seek to prevent any such increases. WYDOT will monitor speeds, crashes and traffic flows on the highways and reevaluate the speed limit increase annually. WYDOT continues to study about 1,314 miles of highways for their potential to safely handle 70 mph speeds, including U.S. 20-26 between Casper and Shoshoni, U.S. 287 between Lander and Rawlins,

A new 70 mph sign

Zero fatal crashes reported during the new year holiday weekend Cheyenne – The Wyoming Highway Patrol did not investigate a single fatal crash through the extended New Year’s holiday weekend Dec. 31 through Jan. 3. There were three crashes involving four fatalities during this same time period a year ago. One of the three crashes was alcohol related. The rest were related to inclement weather and speed. WHP Col. Kebin Haller is crediting the lack of fatalities to motorists making good decisions before getting behind the wheel, as well as the increase in law enforcement presence to identify drivers not making good decisions. Patrol is reporting 20 agency impaired driving arrests statewide through the weekend, compared to 13 during the same time period during last year’s holiday. The public contributed with the highway safety efforts by calling in 36 REDDI Reports of suspected impaired drivers to WHP Dispatch. WHP investigated eight crashes involving injury during the four-day weekend. Two of those eight involved a possible impaired driver. Just 40 property damage only crashes also investigated during the extended holiday. The sixth event handled by WHP Dispatch in 2016 was a DUI arrest in Sublette County. The Patrol’s anti-impaired driving and

highway safety social media campaign, #DoNotGetHashtaggedByWHP, posted 23 times during the holiday weekend reaching 424,205 people with 8,631 likes, 1,029 shares and 376 comments on the WHP Facebook page. Posts ranged from good Samaritans saving lives, tips on how to get home safely, DUI arrests and one post that was shared from a grateful motorist when a Trooper helped change their tire near Green River in frigid temperatures. Two of the DUI arrests over the weekend told the arresting Trooper that they were the designated drivers of their group. Patrol reminds motorists that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Patrol also reminds motorists that lack of seat belt use continues to be one of the highest contributing factors in highway deaths in Wyoming. There were 76 fatalities in 2015 who were not buckled up. Buckling up continues to be your best chance of surviving a crash in 2016.

Near-miss during DUI arrest by second impaired driver Cheyenne – On Jan. 21 on I-80 westbound, approximately 10 miles west of Cheyenne, a 2012 Nissan veered across the fog line nearly striking several troopers and Patrol cars. Before a trooper could catch up to the Nissan, it crashed into the ditch at milepost 350. The troopers were at the side of the highway handling an impaired driving stop involving a 54-yearold driver from Hermosa Beach, Calif. That driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, open container and speeding and was taken to the Laramie County Detention Center in Cheyenne.

The 25-year-old driver of the errant Nissan from Fort Collins, Colo. was arrested after being evaluated at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for potential injury from crashing into the ditch. The driver was charged with impaired driving and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center.

Patrol car struck east of Cheyenne Cheyenne – A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper was investigating a commercial truck rollover crash and assisting other motorists roadside when his patrol car was struck by an out of control vehicle. A pickup traveling too fast for the icecovered interstate lost control and crashed into the patrol car. The crash occurred the afternoon of Jan. 8. The trooper was out of his patrol car assisting a motorist stuck in the ditch on I-80 east of Cheyenne. No injuries were sustained during the crash. Even with six other law enforcement vehicles, WYDOT trucks and tow trucks on scene conducting traffic control of the scene after the crash, motorists were still traveling through the crash scene at 65 mph to 70 mph on the ice. Secondary crashes into primary crash scenes are major hazards first responders face in adverse weather conditions.

Photo: WHP

Photo: Rick Carpenter

WYO 220 between Casper and Muddy Gap, U.S. 191 from Rock Springs to Pinedale and U.S. 14-16-20 east of Cody. Highway sections that would require significant improvements to safely accommodate the higher speed limit will be considered in a future study.

This Dodge patrol car sustained damage when it was crashed into on an icy I-80 by an out of control pickup. No injuries were reported.

Post-holiday traffic stop leads to seizure of marijuana Laramie - Nineteen pounds of marijuana was seized by troopers after a traffic stop for speeding on Dec. 30. A 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan was stopped for the violation on eastbound I-80 just west of Laramie. Through the course of the stop, the trooper established reasonable suspicion that something else was going on other than the speeding violation. That reasonable suspicion put WHP K-9 Frosty into action. Frosty alerted to a controlled substance present in the Volkswagen. Troopers Briefs continued on page 6 February 2016

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searched the car and located 19 pounds of marijuana, less than one gram of suspected cocaine and more than $1,300 in cash. The driver, a 24 year old resident of Waterford, N.Y. and the passenger, a 25 year old resident of Clifton Park, N.Y. were taken into custody. They were taken to the Albany County Detention Center in Laramie and charged with felony possession of marijuana, felony possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor possession of the suspected cocaine. The marijuana is believed to have originated in Reno, Nev., and was destined for the Albany, N.Y. area with an estimated street value of around $80,000.

WYDOT warns against snow in roads Rock Springs – In light of recent winter snow storms, WYDOT reminded landowners and residents of the dangers of pushing snow into highways and roadways. Pushing accumulated and shoveled snow out onto highways and roadways creates an obstruction on the road, which is a violation of the law. According to state statute 35-10-401, anyone who obstructs a public road or highway, common street or alley, public bridge or navigable river in a way that makes it inconvenient or dangerous to pass is breaking the law. Each violation is punishable by a fine of up to $100 and a jail sentence of up to three months. The accumulated snow build up also can cause damages to signs, signposts, guardrails, and permitted utilities, as well as the fencing along the highway, and create blowing drifts that add to hazardous road conditions. However, the most dangerous hazard is directly related to traffic. “Imagine hitting a large pile of snow at 60 miles an hour in your car,” District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas commented. “It’s just plain dangerous.” WYDOT recommends that landowners dispose of snow accumulation on their own properties in order to prevent any obstruction that may cause an accident.

Photo: WHP

Frosty with the 19-pound marijuana bust on eastbound I-80 just west of Laramie. A giant candy cane shaped dog bone was also found in the suspects’ car.

Bridge reconstruction on Bryan Stock Trail in Casper has begun Casper – Work has begun in Casper on Bryan Stock Trail to reconstruct a bridge over the North Platte River. On Jan. 21, Crews with Hedquist Construction began a season-long project to upgrade and expand the bridge, just north of K Street. The four-lane bridge is actually comprised of two separate bridges; the one supporting the southbound lanes will be removed and replaced. The result will be one bridge, featuring four 12-foot lanes, 4-foot shoulders and a 12-foot-wide

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Maintaining public safety is critical when road conditions are already hazardous during winter weather.

Trooper sustains minor injury after patrol car is struck on I-80 Evanston – A Wyoming state trooper suffered minor injuries after his patrol car was struck on I-80 on Christmas Day. The Patrol car was struck approximately 31 miles east of Evanston in snow and ice covered road conditions. Evanston area Trooper Matt Arnell, a 15-year WHP veteran, was assisting a motorist who had slid off into the median at milepost 36 on westbound I-80 when a Hyundai passenger car lost control and crashed into the rear of Arnell’s car. Arnell witnessed the out of control Hyundai coming at him and was able to prepare for the collision while seated inside of his 2012 Dodge Charger Patrol car. The collision pushed the Patrol car into the north ditch. The Hyundai stopped in the middle of the westbound lanes of I-80. After the collision, Arnell was able to check on the driver of the Hyundai, a 20-year old Midvale, Utah resident, and assisted in getting her out of the vehicle while pushing the Hyundai out of westbound interstate traffic. Arnell was evaluated at Evanston Regional Hospital for injury and was released that same day. In 2015, eight WHP patrol cars were struck in similar crashes while Troopers were in the performance of their duties.

Photo: WHP

sidewalk on its west side. The existing 8-foot-wide sidewalk on the east side of the bridge will remain. The entire bridge will receive new decking and pavement. The Platte River Trails path underneath the bridge will be reconstructed as well with better erosion control and new pavement. Traffic has been reduced to one lane, each direction, during construction. Speeds are 30 mph through the construction zone. The project has a completion date of Oct. 31.

Briefs continued from page 5

Trooper Arnell was uninjured in the crash that left his Dodge Charger in need of replacement.

Afternoon truck fire closes westbound I-90

Crash cleanup complete, guardrail repaired in Wind River Canyon

Buffalo – A section of I-90 was temporarily closed Jan. 9 when a commercial trailer caught fire on the interstate. The incident took place approximately 12 miles north of Buffalo. The 53-year-old driver from Las Vegas, Nev., was driving a 2001 Freightliner commercial truck pulling a trailer westbound on I-90 when a passing motorist motioned to him that some of the tires on the trailer had caught fire. After pulling over, the driver and responding troopers were able to dampen the fire with extinguishers but were unsuccessful in completely smothering the fire. Fire departments from Johnson County responded and the interstate was closed for the safety of motorists and first responders. The firefighters were able to contain the fire to the rear half of the trailer saving the tractor from sustaining any damage. The westbound lanes of I-90 reopened later that afternoon.

Thermopolis – A truck crash 10 miles south of Thermopolis in Wind River Canyon resulted in a reduced speed limit of 30 mph for five days on U.S. 20/WYO 789. “The speed limit returned to 65 mph after signs were removed from the area where the semi-truck crashed. Replacement of the destroyed guardrail was completed by the evening of Jan. 17,” said Clint Huckfeldt, WYDOT area maintenance supervisor. The semi-truck hauling bulk sugar left the road at about 11 p.m. on Jan. 14, crashed through the guardrail and ended up on the edge of the Wind River at the bottom of a steep embankment in an area called “Big Windy”. The driver of the truck was uninjured except for bumps and bruises. The Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated and cited the truck driver

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A truck hauling bulk sugar overturned in Wind River Canyon on Jan. 14.

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Total number of highway fatalities: as of Jan. 26, 2016

Photo: WYDOT

WHP Photo: WHP

The truck fire closed I-90 for nearly three hours while the blaze was contained.

for “driving too fast for conditions.” It was slick and snowing when the crash occurred, and a WYDOT plow truck was working inside the canyon. It took nearly two days to remove the crashed truck and trailers from the river’s edge, and during that time, traffic was delayed for up to an hour at a time. The towing effort was complete by the afternoon of Jan. 16. The following day, K’s Construction of Otto, Wyo., responded to the crash scene and replaced the destroyed 400-500-foot section of guardrail. “We really appreciate the quick response by K’s Construction. They really went above and beyond the call on Sunday to replace the guardrail,” Huckfeldt said. “We appreciate their efforts, as they enhanced highway safety with their quick response.” “Please drive for the road conditions and slow down. That white and black sign translates to the maximum speed allowed by law. It’s OK to drive slower than the speed limit,” said WYDOT Traffic Engineer Randy Merritt. “It’s better to arrive safely at your destination a few minutes late, than not at all.” n

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Students participating in the WHP academy driving class taught at the Wyoming National Guard base in Guernsey.

Trooper vacancies drop from 35 to 14 in span of one month

by Sgt. David Wagener, WHP

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is currently running two academies at the same time, after a very successful applicant testing held in September. The first class, consisting of nine pre-certified officers from across the country, started on Nov. 30. The second class of 11, all civilian hires, began their careers with Patrol on Dec. 28. The decrease in vacancies is being credited to a plan that has been in the works for more than three years. In September 2012, WHP Safety and Training Capt. Derek Mickelson identified a gap in recruiting for the agency and proposed a position in the agency be repurposed with recruiting as one of the primary duties. In July 2014, that plan came to fruition. The recruitment strategy has focused on increasing the information to potential applicants. This was conducted through social media and other Web-based platforms as well as face to face and telephone conversations. Heavy recruiting by all members of Patrol also has had a strong impact on finding quality applicants to fill

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the voids. Another key strategy in filling the vacancies has been maintaining consistent contact with potential applicants by telephone and email. The contact is maintained through a recruiting roster with more than 1,300 potential applicants. Recruiting for trooper vacancies has also spilled over in helping to fill vacancies with WHP Dispatch and port of entry officer positions. Since July 2014, Patrol has tested for

troopers three times and ran five academies to fill the openings. In that time period, 779 applications were processed and 218 applicants showed up to test. Patrol hopes to test again in late spring or early summer to not only fill the remaining vacancies, but initiate a waiting list to fill new vacancies as they surface. The current academy classes will hit the road in early March and late May. n

A patrol recruit being assessed by instructors during a mock traffic stop.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

After experiencing a high number of trooper vacancies for more than a two-year period, the vacancies are now dwindling.

West Belt Loop opens to traffic

By Jeff Goetz, District 2 Public Involvement Specialist

yoming 257, a.k.a. The West Belt Loop or Casper’s West Belt Loop, opened to traffic the morning of Dec. 31. The roughly 7.5 mile, two-lane highway connects the Shoshoni Bypass and U.S. 20/26 on Casper’s west side to Wyoming 220 in the southwest portion of the city.

Photos: Jeff Goetz

The opening was the culmination of years of planning, design and construction. WYO 257 will allow for greater access and efficiency on the west side, and is likely to reduce the number of through-trucks (those hauling freight not stopping in the Casper area) on highways such as CY Avenue (WYO 22) and Wyoming Boulevard (WYO 258). WYO 257 has one significant intersection at Robertson Road. Traffic on the West Belt Loop has the right of way. Stop signs for Robertson Road traffic are posted at the intersection. For much of the highway, the speed limit is set at 65 mph. One feature of WYO 257 is an overlook and Oregon Trail interpretive area facing Casper Mountain. The overlook is located just north of the North Platte River bridge and offers a new view of Casper Mountain and peaks to the southwest. At its junction with WYO 220, the new road features a westbound onramp to WYO 220 and a northbound off-ramp from WYO 220, coupled with a controlled intersection for all other traffic. At its northern terminus, the new highway intersects with U.S. 20/26 at the Shoshoni Bypass junction just west of Mills. Though the highway is open, not all construction activities have been completed. It’s anticipated there will be minor finish work along the highway this construction season, but any work will be done under traffic and the highway will not be closed. Work on the highway began in 2012. n

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GIS/ITS: USING TECH TO EN WYDOT’s Geographic Information Systems/Intelligent Transportation Systems (GIS/ITS) Program and its accomplishments, bring to mind an oft-heard radio advertising slogan: “long name, amazing results.” GIS/ITS shoulders numerous responsibilities, arguably the most visible and far-reaching in impact being the Wyoming 511 Travel Information Service. A common thread of all GIS/ITS functioning is the incorporation of everexpanding technological capabilities and automation processes into WYDOT operations to enhance safety, mobility and efficiency of the highway system. The program, managed by Vince Garcia Garcia, features three primary functional components. The largest, in terms of scope and staffing, is Operations, which includes the Transportation Management Center (TMC), situated in the basement of the CenturyLink Building in north Cheyenne. The other program components are GIS/ITS Development, which includes all geographic information systems duties, and

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electrical maintenance, which is focused on repair and maintenance of the numerous ITS devices such as a plethora of Web cameras, dynamic message signs and automated weather sensors deployed by WYDOT over the years. The development staff offices are also located in the Century Link Building, while the electrical maintenance employees are located in the field districts. GIS/ITS is one of WYDOT’s youngest programs, in existence since only the fall of 2003, when Garcia was tapped to lead the fledgling group. He had served the previous eight years as Information Technology program manager and started GIS/ITS with an initial staff of himself and four employees drawn from the Information Technology and Traffic programs. Definition: GIS – A geographic information system (GIS) is used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data.

The staff of all three GIS/ITS components collaborate extensively, both internally, and externally with other WYDOT programs and also non-WYDOT partners. The number of GIS/ ITS employees now ranges between a low of about 38 and high of 45, reflecting the seasonal change in TMC workload which peaks during the winter months, when the demand for traveler

Photo: Rick Carpenter

TMC employees are surrounded by computers and large televisionsized screens to keep up-to-date with emerging weather and road conditions or hazards.

HANCE SAFETY, EFFICIENCY by Bruce Burrows

improve communication flow and information sharing between WHP and WYDOT maintenance, particularly when it comes to weather and crash-related road closures,” Garcia said. Functions of the TMC include dispatching for WYDOT field personnel located throughout the state, and monitoring road and weather conditions, gathering first-hand observations from snowplow drivers, supplemented by ITS devices such as Web cameras, automated weather reporting stations and speed monitors. Other responsibilities for TMC operators include control and coordination of roadside devices including variable speed limit signs, dynamic message signs, automated road closure gates and highway advisory radios; as well as receiving and relaying road and weather reports from volunteers participating in the Enhanced Citizen-Assisted Reporting program. “Wherever possible, we integrate as much automation as we can into our processes. This helps us keep up with Web cameras are on duty 24/7, relaying imdemand for timely ages from across the state back to the TMC. Photo: Rick Carpenter

information ramps up considerably. Several years prior to creation of GIS/ITS, the concept of a TMC for Wyoming was being developed. Discussions began during the late 1990s, when WYDOT was developing an initial strategic plan for the agency’s emerging ITS capabilities. Initially, the ITS Strategic Plan called for limited-scale “transportation operations centers” in each of WYDOT’s five field districts. A driving force was the increasing inventory of automated roadside equipment, such as Web cameras and electronic message signs, combined with continually growing public expectation that WYDOT provide timely and accurate traveler information, in a coordinated manner. The concept evolved into that of a single transportation management center in Cheyenne, due to the availability of ready technical support and infrastructure, plus the presence of a dependable and diverse workforce and the opportunity to co-locate with Highway Patrol dispatch. Another goal was achieving greater operational consistency across district lines. By the fall of 2008, the TMC was a reality. “Co-locating with Patrol dispatch made sense. For the first time, we brought operations and law enforcement dispatching functions together under one roof, realizing the opportunity to

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Demand for travel info greater than ever

GIS/ITS Development relies on a core group of WYDOT employees who have backgrounds in geography, computer science and information technology. Their efforts are supplemented by contractors and consultants on an as-needed basis. GIS work products are the backbone of several Web-based applications including the Wyoming Travel Information Map, the Wyoming Commercial Vehicle Operators Portal, and the 511 Construction Report. Program staff also support the WYDOT Intranet Viewer for GIS data, a robust graphic-based, scalable function which gives users numerous options for quick and easy access to a wide variety of information. Layers available in the view include administrative boundaries, aeronautics-related data such as airport locations, ITS device (asset) locations, and locations of road projects identified in the State Transportation Improvement Program. Intranet Viewer base maps also provide a linear referencing system (LRS) layer which allows users to select for display of reference markers along state highways and other routes, as well as display of road locations within the state, county and local street jurisdictions, along with road measures broken down by category, identification number and direction. “The LRS is a fundamental component for many WYDOT databases and management systems, including the federally mandated Highway Performance Management System and also the online Interactive Transportation System Map, both overseen by the Planning Program,” Garcia said. GIS/ITS electrical maintenance staff are based in several locations around the state, The 511 Travel Info map, as well as the Transportation System and function across district Map, use layers to allow users to customize the information boundaries, staying busy with they view at one time. the maintenance and repair Below, left and right: Dynamic message signs can be found of various ITS devices. In along or overhead on Wyoming highways and interstates doing so, they maintain close advising travelers of important weather related information or coordination with field district upcoming hazards/closures that may be obstructing the road. personnel as well as Telecommunications, Traffic, and Field Operations Support program staff. The workload continues to increase, with nearly 1,000 devices now in operation, along with associated components. For example, consider that WYDOT’s first Web camera was deployed in 1998 along I-80 at the Summit between Laramie and Cheyenne. Now more than 150 Web cameras are in place, including 70-plus along I-80 alone. n

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Image: WYDOT

Definition: ITS – An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is the use of the latest information technologies, electronic devices and telecommunications to enhance transportation.

The old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, began offering road and travel condition information in the 1960s, and over the ensuing decades, public demand and expectation for the service has grown exponentially. Early versions of the service, prior to the advent of personal computers, were necessarily telephone based. In 1996, WYDOT’s first Web-based travel information service went online, thanks to efforts by employees then located within the Information Technology Program. Phone calls to the 511 system peaked about 2008, with about 1.9 million calls handled that year. The count has declined steadily and averages considerably less than 1 million calls annually. Although the per-call cost has risen, overall expenditures are down by about $170,000 annually, thanks to the reduced phone line usage. Meanwhile, traffic to the wyoroad.info website has continued to grow dramatically. During the most recent full winter season, from Oct. 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015, the website experienced in excess of 700 million hits. During a strong, widespread winter storm, in excess of 15 million web page hits have been recorded within a single 24-hour period. This month, a new traveler information app for smart phones produced by GIS/ITS is being released, and as the use of the app spreads among consumers, it is anticipated that call volumes to the 511 system will be reduced even further. n

Photo: Rick Carpenter

and accurate information, and also reduces burdens on our TMC operators,” Garcia said. “We continue to look at additional options to improve data collection and information reporting systems, and are planning a partnership with Google “Waze,” a mapping and navigation smart phone app which uses online community “crowd sourcing” to provide up-to-the-minute travel and traffic information,” he added.

Garcia – a study in innovation & integration

by Bruce Burrows

Photo: Rick Carpenter

In 1987, fresh out of the University of Wyoming, Vince Garcia joined the old Wyoming Highway Department (now WYDOT), as an entry-level bridge designer. It didn’t take long for agency managers to realize the young engineer’s talent and potential, and within a few years, Garcia had already been promoted to squad leader in Project Development. During the same time frame, WYDOT was rapidly expanding its acquisition and usage of personal computers. Individual agency sections and program began struggling to meet the challenges brought by the proliferation of PCs and the advent of networking, prompting WYDOT in 1994 to establish an Information Technology (IT) Program to formally organize and manage its computer-related and data-management functions. Due largely to his proven expertise and demonstrated vision, Garcia was chosen to lead the process of building the new WYDOT IT Program from the ground up. Starting with himself and one other employee, he began the difficult process of integrating the agency’s disparate IT resources. For the next nine years, Garcia ably guided the IT Program’s rapid development. The task required recruiting the right type of IT professionals, fostering their development and leading by example by emphasizing teamwork and innovation. In 2003, WYDOT was facing a similar situation with the increasing, yet relatively uncoordinated, acquisition and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices. Again, it was time to address the challenge of a fast-changing business environment marked by rapidly evolving technologies. So when WYDOT administrators instituted a new WYDOT program combining ITS with the also emergent geographic information systems (GIS) functions, Garcia was the natural choice to lead the way. During his 12-plus years as GIS/ITS manager, Garcia has guided several notable developments. One early success was the retooling and improvement of road and weather condition reporting through the institution of the state’s 511 Travel Information service. Another success was steering the way for implementation of WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC), which features the integration of dispatching duties for WYDOT field units with 511 functioning, in close coordination with the co-located WHP law enforcement dispatching operation. In contrast to similar facilities in other states, Wyoming’s TMC is focused almost entirely on rural ITS and has emerged as a leader and model in that regard. n

Mobile travel information app for smart phones released by GIS/ITS The new Wyoming 511 smart phone app for road and travel information has been released by WYDOT’s GIS/ITS Program. The release follows a round of testing undertaken by select WYDOT employees during January. The app provides pre-trip and en route travel information and can be used to provide location information to friends, family or emergency responders. It is available for most Android and Apple phones. A map-based feature of the app provides information intended for planning a trip. Users can choose between road condition and highway camera layers. When viewing road conditions, a color-coded system shows pavement conditions and traffic hazards. The highway camera layer provides images from WYDOT’s statewide network of Web cameras. Future releases of the app will add information about road construction and weather sensors, according to GIS/ITS Manager Vince Garcia. The app improves safety for travelers who are already on the road with a “hands free, eyes free” function that provides an audible report about incidents and road conditions. Users hear information, based on direction of travel, for the route they are using, and also about traffic incidents within a user-defined radius. The app uses GPS technology to feed a “Where Am I?” function that identifies the user’s location by route and mile marker as well as latitude and longitude coordinates. The location information is accurate to one-tenth of a mile. No personally identifiable information is collected by WYDOT through the use of the app. Users can download the free app by searching for Wyoming 511 in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. n

February 2016

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Noteworthy

several attempts. Had I not just taken the training, I am not sure if I would have been able to recall the proper steps to take.” Miears credits the top-notch CPR and first aid trainers in Cody for his success. Fred Willert, Jason Aldridge and Kirk Koch were the instructors for the course in the Cody area. According to Employee Safety Program Manager Ron Chavez, any WYDOT employee is welcome to take a CPR class with permission from their supervisor per SEMM 05-03. Some employee positions, like those who are in safety critical positions, are required to take the class annually. “For those employees not in safety critical positions, it is just good business practice to know these valuable skills,” said Chavez when asked about who should attend the course. “The class is typically only six hours long and the curriculum includes first aid, CPR and AED training.” For those employees interested in the first aid/CPR/AED training in their area, please contact the following coordinators for more information on scheduling a class: D1 – Josh Baker; D2 – Wes Shafer; D3 – Jennifer Maze; D4 – Doug McLean; D5 – Carole Blakeman and headquarters employees contact the Employee Safety Office. First aid and CPR certifications are valid for two years. n

First aid/CPR class credited in saving the life of an infant by Carlie Van Winkle If you have attended a first aid and CPR class in your district in the past five years, you have learned the signs of choking, shock, exposure to the elements and quite possibly sang – or hummed along to – a 1977 disco classic by the Bee Gees. “Stayin’ Alive” is the go-to mantra for those responding to a person in need of CPR. (Whether you are a fan of the Bee Gees, or not, the song does has a life-saving tempo.) Trooper Rodney Miears in Cody experienced the life saving benefits of the first aid, CPR and AED training first-hand, shortly following his refresher course. “In the six years that I’ve been with Patrol, I had yet to use the training until the evening of Jan. 16. My wife and I had a shock we would never forget – our 4-month-old son started to choke and was unresponsive,” said Miears. “I knew right away the proper procedure to take and I was able to save my son’s life after

Honorable tribute placed along southbound I-25 north of Wheatland

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WHP

by Carlie Van Winkle A lonely memorial once stood sentinel between mileposts 90 and 91 on southbound I-25 near Wheatland. Today, a sign made by the state sign shop in Cheyenne stands near the marker and U.S. flag that waves in the breeze. Lt. Joey Scimone and his fellow troopers in Division M continue to honor one of their fallen, Patrolman Chris Logsdon, who died in the line of duty Oct. 13, 1998. The memorial for Logsdon, previously had no explanation. Division M wanted to verbalize what the marker was placed for in the form of a reflective sign. Scimone had contacted Sign Shop Manager Mike Calaway to get a sign made to further explain this lone stone marker placed shortly after the untimely death of Logsdon. Calaway and his crew in the sign shop fabricated the sign for Division M in just a matter of days. With permission granted by land owner Robert Clark to erect

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February 2016

the sign, the memorial is now well-marked. Logsdon shall not be forgotten. On Oct. 13, 1998, Logsdon was responding to a REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) report of a motorist driving northbound in the southbound lanes of I-25. He responded by driving south on I-25 to find the vehicle. Upon cresting a hill, the vehicle going the wrong direction in the southbound lanes was directly in front of Logsdon, who took action to avoid a head-on collision. This fateful maneuver caused his Chevy Camaro Patrol car to leave the highway and roll several times through the borrow ditch landing on it’s roof outside the rightof-way fence. Logsdon died at the scene. n

TechNotes

This question is continually heard throughout the halls of WYDOT: “How do I know when to call ETS or WYDOT for help?” The good news is that your avenues to request support have remained unchanged. The preferred way is to contact the IT Help Desk at 777-3995. However you may also contact your local support person directly, or even stop someone in the hall. We are all here to help you, and to further the mission of WYDOT. While you may certainly view us as all working for WYDOT, the breakdown is as follows:

IT Program Manager - WYDOT Applications Support - WYDOT Applications Development - WYDOT Financial Systems - WYDOT Field Support (DCCs) - ETS Networking Support - ETS Server Support - ETS

We are also working with ETS to assist us in areas where we don’t have enough assigned personnel to meet the demand. An example of this is the ETS Network Operations Center (NOC).

Training

Fulfill your training resolutions with WYDOT University by Todd DePorter, Training Services It’s February! Have you already wandered away from your selfobligated New Year’s resolution goals, if you set one? Studies have shown by mid-February most of the resolutions have fallen to the wayside or have been reduced to a shell of the original goal. According to a January 2016 New York Magazine article, “The Reason Your New Year’s Resolution Failed – and the Resolution You Should Have Picked Instead,” only 8 percent of people succeed in meeting their goals. Maybe it’s because it’s hard for many of us to make significant changes at both work and home to meet the newly regimented demand the resolution has on us. I know in the past I’ve found it easy to quickly fall back into the comfort of my normal routines and leverage the empty promise to myself to try harder next year. How can WYDOT University help you keep your resolution of becoming better and developing to your full potential without falling back? One initiative Training Services has taken is to highlight professional education material geared towards helping you keep your personal development goals. We do this on a quarterly basis and this quarter we are promoting the areas of customer service, working with change and generations in the workforce. An assortment of e-learning materials has already been placed in the WeLL and can be found in your personal learning tab. The material is labeled January-March 2016 and all you have to do is

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Who do I call when I need help?

WYDOT is using the ETS NOC to help monitor various devices across the state. When they detect problems on the network they contact the appropriate WYDOT program. The WYDOT program then makes a determination on the correct response. This cooperation has helped IT provide better service to WYDOT. We continue to see changes in how various bits of this work is done, and this may continue for some time. For example the supervision of the DCC personnel recently changed. They went from having one supervisor for all the DCCs to having a supervisor assigned in their district. The good news is that you can continue to request support as you always have, without worrying about agency boundaries. n

click the “Details” or “Enroll” link and then the “Launch” button to access the materials. Is one of your resolutions to read more? We have more than 300 books, CDs and DVDs in our WYDOT professional development library covering subjects from project management to effective listening. The materials can be checked out for up to a month and a full inventory listing is located on our Web page. If you are unable to make it to the library in person, just contact us and we’ll send it to you via inter-office mail. Interested in attending an in-person workshop to improve your professional development efforts? We have more than 70 courses remaining for the fiscal year throughout the state. Many workshops and courses will be held in our newly opened WYDOT University facility in Cheyenne; however, we will be bringing a few to various district offices. Currently, we will be holding “The Speed of Trust Foundations” workshop in Sheridan, Riverton, and Laramie. Additionally, Casper will see a MyersBriggs Type Indicator and Teams workshop in March. Please check our calendar for specific courses, workshops and dates. Resolutions are often hard to keep and we often allow excuses to divert our efforts. Let us help you keep you professional and personal development goals for the New Year. Sign up for a workshop or class today. n

February 2016

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District News Headquarters

Welcome

Vine, Port Of Entry-Cheyenne.

Damon Bowen, Patrol-Safety and Training; Clayton Colman, PatrolSafety and Training; Jacob Gordon, Patrol-Safety and Training; Evan Goudy, Patrol-Safety and Training; Shaun Graham, Patrol-Safety and Training; Ezekiel Hernandez, Facilities ManagementCustodial; Kyle Hicks, Patrol-Safety and Training; Joseph Minick, Patrol-Safety and Training; Brian Sorensen, PatrolSafety and Training; Kristofer White, Patrol-Safety and Training; and Thomas Wilson, Patrol-Safety and Training.

George Sullivan, Traffic – 35 years; Scott Sorensen, Planning-Administration – 30 years; Cara Moore, Patrol Dispatch – 20 years; Keri Bohlmann, Highway Development-Project Development-Utilities – 20 years; Kevin Cox, ITS/GIS – 20 years; Patrick Collins, Patrol Dispatch – 20 years;

Service Awards

Wade Vielhak, Driver Services-Policy and Records – 20 years; Jason Potter, Highway DevelopmentProject Development – 15 years; Joseph Ruess, Bridge-Operations Inspection – 15 years; Anthony Mackey, Bridge-Engineering Design – 10 years; Christopher Munoz, Materials-Bituminous – 10 years; Douglas Wolfe, IT-Engineering Applications – 10 years; and Meadow Ridley, Highway Development-Project Development – 5 years. n

Promotions and Transfers Michael Farrar, Materials-Pavement Management Systems; Ryan Higgins, Bridge-Engineering Design; Richard McKee, Right of Way-Administration; William Ostrander Jr., Bridge-Operations Inspection; and Corey

Higgins

Sullivan

Moore

Potter

Ruess

McKee

Bohlmann

Cox

Mackey

Wolfe

Fulton named WYDOT assistant chief engineer Keith Fulton has become the newest member of WYDOT executive staff following his selection as assistant chief engineer for engineering and planning. He assumed his new duties effective Jan. 15, replacing Gregg Fredrick, who was promoted to WYDOT chief engineer late last year. Fulton moved up after a 5.5-year stint as state bridge engineer. Prior Fulton to that, he was assistant state bridge engineer for nine years. Altogether, he has compiled more than 29 years of service with the state, mostly with WYDOT. A Riverton native, Fulton earned both bachelors and master degrees in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming.

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February 2016

While he was student, he worked for the UW Civil Engineering Department. Fulton first worked for the department as a temporary employee based in Laramie during the summer of 1989. He joined WYDOT on a permanent basis in early 1992 as an engineering analyst in the Bridge Program and he later served as a principal bridge engineer. His professional affiliations include the Wyoming Engineering Society, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures, and the Cheyenne Engineers Club, of which he is currently serving as vice president. During his spare time, Fulton fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. n

District 1

Welcome Kenneth Daszczuk, Rawlins Construction.

Promotions and Transfers Robert Martin, Medicine Bow Maintenance.

Service Awards Carla Brown, Cheyenne Construction – 20 years; Henry Pande, Laramie Port Of Entry – 10 years; Steven Kapus, Chey-

enne Maintenance – 5 years; and Warren Moeller, Cheyenne Maintenance – 5 years.

Cradle Call Congratulations to Cheyenne Construction Technician John Poelma and his wife, Erica, on the birth of their son Jacob Paul. He was born on Dec. 31 at 8:02 p.m., weighed in at 7 pounds, 8.8 ounces and measured 20 inches long. At home, he joins big brother Adam, who just turned 3-years-old. n

Poelma Pande

Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and WeLL.

Coming in February: Date Class 2/2/16 2/2/16 2/3/16 2/9/16 2/10/16 2/10/16 2/16/16 2/17/16 2/17/16 2/18/16 2/18/16 2/22/16 2/22/16 2/23/16 2/23/16 2/23/16 2/24/16 2/24/16 2/25/16

Coming in March: Date Class 3/2/16 3/7/16 3/15/16

PMI Competency

Location

The Balancing Act: Stress and Productivity Personal Effectiveness PE Exam Preparation for Civil Engineers Vocational District 4 Roadshow – Speed of Trust Foundations Leadership Basic Construction Survey Vocational Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Vocational Crucial Conversations Communication 2015 Highway Capacity Manual Overview & Related Software Vocational Seal Coat Workshop Vocational Building Teams Through Problem Solving Judgment & Decision Making MBTI & Teams Developing Others Asphalt Maintenance & Crack Sealing Vocational Webinar: Keyhole Technology for Urban Utility Excavations to Reduce the Impact of Pavement Cuts Vocational “Developing The Leader Within You!” Session 2 – Priorities Leadership “Developing The Leader Within You!” Session 2 – Priorities Leadership Developing Good Judgment Judgment & Decision Making Highway Pipe Installation-Construction Installation & Inspection Vocational “Developing The Leader Within You!” Session 2 – Priorities Leadership Making the Most of Diversity Developing Others Surviving & Thriving in the Workplace Leadership

District 2 Roadshow – MBTI & Teams New Employee Orientation Practical Bridge Scour Analysis, Methods & Countermeasures

TLN Webinar Sheridan TLN TLN WYDOT-U Webinar TLN WYDOT-U WYDOT-U TLN Webinar Cheyenne Sheridan WYDOT-U TLN Riverton WYDOT-U WYDOT-U

PMI Competency

Location

Developing Others Communication Vocational

Casper WYDOT-U TLN

Learning at the WeLL: Check out this quarter’s NEW themes of Navigating Change, Understanding Generations in the Workforce, and Providing Internal & External Customer Service To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to Jim Boyd (777-4791), Kurt Borgaard (777-4792) or Todd DePorter (777-4790). February 2016

Interchange

s S tate E mployee

SERG

etirement Group

Gather with other state retirees monthly.

SERG meets at noon the second Monday of each month at the Cheyenne Holiday Inn. The gatherings include a brief business meeting, social luncheon and an educational program. Contacts for further information:

District 3

Welcome Scott Thomas, Pinedale Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Raymond Avery, Traffic-Electrical; Dan Egan, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Andrew Jackson, Jackson Patrol; and Brian Stacey, Lyman Maintenance.

Service Awards

Jackson

Richard Lewis, Evanston Patrol – 20 years; Matthew Arnell, Evanston Patrol – 15 years; and Janet Hood, Driver Services-Kemmerer/Big Piney/Pinedale – 10 years.

Roger Nelson – 634-1881 Ron Labreque – 632-8240 Donella Marrs – 635-5858

District 2

Promotions and Transfers Marc Russell, Douglas Patrol.

Lewis

Arnell

Service Awards William Auyer, Douglas Construction – 30 years; Mark Ayen, District 2 Construction Staff – 25 years; and Christopher Schell, Casper Patrol – 20 years.

Russell

Auyer

Ayen

Schell

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February 2016

Retirements Donna Earl was born Donna L. Tripp and began working for the Wyoming Highway Department in May of 1979 in Granger. Earl began working in Maintenance as one of the first female snowplow Earl drivers in the state. In 1985, she left the department to care for her daughter, Jessie Louise, but would return a year later as a radio operator in Rock Springs. In 1990, Earl moved from the radio to construction on Leslie Ranta’s Rock Springs crew. She was then promoted to

her current position as a District Maintenance Technician. Earl contributed more than 35 years with the department and was a big part of the District 3 family. “Donna’s work ethic, communication skills and teamwork abilities were second to none. It was a privilege to work with her. She set the bar high and lead by example,” District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas said. In addition to her exceptional work ethic and skills, Earl had a great sense of humor. Her laughter was contagious and infectious. “We worked together so long, you could say I am missing the other half of my brain,” District Construction Technician Becky Hager said. At her going away party, Earl said she had been waiting 35 years to be fired, but never was. As the story goes, her thensupervisor Jay Meeks was told to fire her by then District Engineer Alfred DeBernardi after a minor backing incident early in her career. Meeks responded by telling DeBernardi he would have to come out to Granger to fire her himself. Neither gentleman ever approached Earl and she continued to wait for her marching papers until her retirement. Earl and her husband, Bob, have moved to Mesquite, Nev., where they’ll avoid the wind and snow, and spend time with her daughter and grandson, Avery. She is and will always be a memorable character and integral part of the District 3 family. n

District 4

Welcome Mark Houchin, Newcastle Maintenance; and George Kanatzar, Reno Junction Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Bruce Knudsvig, Gillette Port Of Entry.

Knudsvig

Service Awards Michael Bush, Gillette Construction – 30 years;

Motsick

Bush

Hendrickson

David Motsick, Sheridan Patrol – 15 years; and Susan Hendrickson, Sheridan Port of Entry – 10 years.

Retirements Lt. Marty Noonan retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol on Jan. 4, but his career in law enforcement is far from over. Noonan began his career in 1978 as a dispatcher with the Laramie County Sher- Noonan iff ’s Office. Two years later Noonan joined the Carbon County Sheriff ’s Office. In May 1982, he enlisted for four years with the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged. Noonan then joined the Wyoming Highway Patrol and was initially stationed in Wright. He departed Patrol in 1995, signing on with the Campbell County Sheriff ’s Office, where he was a bomb

technician and resident deputy in Wright. In 2001, he returned to the WHP and was again stationed in Wright. He was promoted to lieutenant five years later, and moved to Rock Springs serving in Division E. In 2008, Noonan transferred to Division Q overseeing Crook and Weston Counties in northeast Wyoming until his retirement. His dedication to law enforcement and his community will continue as chief of police in Sundance. Noonan enjoyed a great relationship with county sheriffs, courts, WYDOT and the communities he served during his time with Patrol. n

District 5

Welcome

Service Awards

Shannon Armstrong, Basin Construction; and Craig Brown, Basin Maintenance.

Clinton Huckfeldt, Thermopolis Maintenance – 15 years; Lew Fausett, Basin TrafficStriping – 15 years; Bryant Collins, Lander Construction – 10 years; and Tamra Perkins, Lander Construction – 10 years.

Promotions and Transfers

Photo: Heidi Hunt

Marilyn Greenway, Driver ServicesCody/Lovell.

Huckfeldt

Fausett

Collins

Perkins

Thermopolis Bobcat girls basketball team called on WYDOT to help them send a message to opponents that the lane is closed this season. WYDOT provided the hard hats, sign and barricade for this photo.

February 2016

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Classic? Hot rod? Convertible? Snowmobile?

Awards

Get those photos in!

Congratulations to our January 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.

Emily Ahearn Audrey Hobbs

Rides

Diane Nyffler

submission deadline:

02/12/16

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Laura Schei Michael Vandenberg For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Janet Farrar at janet.farrar@wyo.gov.

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

Service Award Recipients

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (back row from left) Eric Puente, Marv Hulford, Tony Niswender, Mike Bush and Eddie Smith. (Front row from left) Scott Sorensen, Christy Stone, Lynn Spence, Leroy Everitt and Pat Persson.

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February 2016

Passings Les Case

Les Case, who served as a Wyoming highway patrolman and later as safety officer for the old Wyoming Highway Department (WHD), Case died Jan. 6. He was 88. Case was with the Patrol between 1956 and 1963, with duty stations in Cheyenne, Rock Springs and Wheatland. He left WHP to become WHD’s safety officer based in Cheyenne. Case resigned from WHD in 1970 to become the executive director of the Wyoming State (Public) Employees Association, and he subsequently worked for the Wyoming Deferred Compensation program. Case was a native Worland, where he graduated from high school. During World War II, he served as a radar operator on a U.S. Navy ship. A memorial service was conducted Jan. 23 in Cheyenne. n

WTDEA

New officers for State Board and headquarters chapter The 2016 State Board representatives have been selected. The new and returning representatives are: Ryan Sorenson – District 2, president; Dennis Santora – District 1, secretary; Audrey Hobbs – Headquarters, treasurer; Robyn Eifert – Headquarters; Luke Eigenberger – District 1; Wade Wintermote – District 2; Dorothy Kizzire and Leroy Knight – District 3; John Farr and Stefan Petersen – District 5. State Board strives to promote a positive environment through interaction among employees, administration and the public. They annually sponsor scholarship awards for students and participate in community events. State Board meets quarterly in various locations around the state. Headquarters chapter met in their first official meeting on Jan. 14 and announced their 2016 officers. The representatives are: Robyn Eifert, president; Jason Bogstie, vice president; Pam Fredrick, treasurer; and Tina Phillips, secretary. These positions join the more than 30 representatives for the headquarters chapter. Headquarters WTDEA sponsors several annual activities that members and nonmembers benefit from. Some of the events are: GAP Program (members only); chili cook-off; discount tickets for skiing or amusement park admission; blood drives; flu shots; donation drives for area shelters and the VA hospital; and raffles throughout the year. Yearly dues are only $12 – less than a cup of coffee each month. n

Snowboarding? Ice Fishing? Gone Hunting? Get those photos in!

HANG UP. BUCKLE UP. HEADS UP.

DRIVE NOW TEXT LATER

Outdoors deadline:

03/11/16

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov February 2016

Interchange

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Interchange

February 2016

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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) E-mail Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list

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February 2016

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

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

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