Interchange January 2018
WyoLink
Improving emergency communications
Interchange
Vol. 46, Issue 1
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. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by sending an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos
Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee
Editor:
Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Ronda Holwell Cody Beers Sgt. Kyle McKay
Photography: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol Public Affairs
Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.
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A WYDOT PUBLICATION
Contents
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Features 8 Transportation Summit Officials discuss future of transportation in rural states
9 WyoLink
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Improving emergency communications
12 Contracts and Estimates Ensure projects move forward
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Also in this issue District briefs.............................................................................4 Noteworthy..............................................................................14 Aeronautics..............................................................................16 Civil Rights...............................................................................16 By the Numbers.....................................................................17 Extra Mile Awards..................................................................17 TechNotes................................................................................18 Wellness...................................................................................18 Training.....................................................................................19 District news.......................................................................... 20 Letters...................................................................................... 22 Passings................................................................................... 23 WTDEA..................................................................................... 24 Outdoors................................................................................. 26 Break Time...............................................................................31
On the cover:
The WyoLink Aspen Mountain radio site in Sweetwater County covered with ice. Photo: WYDOT
Kindly recycle this publication after reading. January 2018
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District Briefs Commission awards $31 million in highway contracts in December
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will make safety improvements to a 3-mile section of Interstate 25 near Glendo. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Oftedal Construction Inc., of Casper, an $11.2 million contract for a road-grading, widening and overlay project between Dwyer Junction and Glendo during its meeting in December. The commission awarded that and four other contracts totaling $31 million. Crews will grade the shoulders and slopes to widen the road. The shoulder area will be flatter, making it safer for motorists. Crews will perform the work on the northbound and southbound lanes. WYDOT will divert traffic into one set of directional lanes while crews work on the other lanes. Traffic will be down to one lane in each direction, head-to-head while crews are working. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019. The other contracts the commission awarded included road resurfacing, bridge repairs and traffic signal installation. Croell Inc., of Sundance, won two, $7.6 million contracts for road resurfacing and bridge repairs on interstates 80 and 90. Crews will work on 7 miles of the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-80 between Elk Mountain and Laramie in Albany and Carbon counties. The work includes pavement resurfacing and repairs to eight bridges on that section of I-80. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2019. For the I-90 contract, crews will work on 11 miles of road in the eastbound and westbound lanes between Buffalo and Gillette in Johnson County. Crews will resurface the road and
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make minor repairs to 14 bridges in that area. The contract completion date is June 30, 2019. Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne, was the low bidder on a bridge rehabilitation project on I-80 in southeast Wyoming. Crews will make repairs to 10 bridges that are within 10 miles of each other. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2019. The commission awarded Casper Electric Inc., of Casper, a $278,290 contract to install lights in several areas in northeast Wyoming. The lights will only be in use during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally to help with traffic control. During the rest of the year, WYDOT will remove the light heads.The contract completion date is July 31, 2018.
Be cautious when driving near snowplows CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation urges motorists to be extra alert for snowplows that will be out maintaining the roads when there’s ice and snow. Motorists collided with two WYDOT snowplows recently in December during two separate snowstorms. The most recent incident happened on Thursday, Dec. 14 on Interstate 25 about 15 miles north of Cheyenne. The collision caused damage to the box that holds the sand. The plow truck was out of service for half a day. The first incident happened on Monday, Dec. 4 near Rock Springs when a motorist collided with the rear end of a WYDOT snowplow on Interstate 80. The WYDOT plow truck was clearing the left lane of westbound I-80, and was traveling about 25 mph. That collision also caused damages to the sander box. The plow truck was out of commission for a day. No injuries resulted from either collision. The two incidents in December bring the total snowplow truck collisions up to four for 2017. From 2012 to 2016, an average of 5.6 snowplow trucks were involved in collisions annually, WYDOT figures showed. “We want motorists to be safe when they’re heading out to their destinations so we always want them to drive cautious-
ly,” said Mark Gillett, assistant chief engineer – Operations. “But they also need to be extra cautious during the winter months when there’s ice and snow. They need to be alert for slow moving snowplows, which are out clearing the roads and making travel safe for all motorists.” Snowplows travel at 25 to 45 mph, depending on conditions. Motorists should stay a safe distance behind the plows until it’s safe to pass. “A 12-foot plow can create a pretty good fog of snow,” Gillett said. “If a motorist is coming up behind a cloud of snow, they shouldn’t just drive into it because there may be a snowplow in there. If motorists see something like that they need to stay back. They should wait until they can see the truck and then cautiously pass if they need to.” If a plow and vehicle collide, there could be injuries to both drivers. A collision can also damage the plow, which can then reduce the number of WYDOT plows out on the roads clearing snow and ice. “We’re urging motorists to be patient when driving in wintry conditions,” Gillett said. “Our snowplow drivers are out there working hard to clear the roads and make them safe for motorists to get to their destinations.”
Cheyenne area “Shop With A Cop” CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office and the Cheyenne Police Department joined forces again this year for the Cheyenne area “Shop With A Cop” event on Dec. 20. Approximately 30 elementary students from the Laramie County School Districts were picked up from their respective schools by an officer and taken to the southeast Cheyenne Walmart by a patrol vehicle. Each student was able to shop with an officer and spend $100 as they wished. The students spent money buying gifts for their family members as well as a little something for themselves. The event provides these children with a little merrier holiday season as well as provides them with a positive experience with law enforcement. Any additional funds received above and beyond what is needed for the “Shop With A Cop” event
15th Street bridge reopened Dec. 12
The “Shop With A Cop” event allows Laramie County youngsters to shop with WHP, Cheyenne Police officers and Laramie County Sheriff officers to purchase holiday gifts for family members.
LARAMIE – Repairs to the 15th Street bridge over I-80 was completed and the bridge reopened to two-way traffic on Dec. 12. The remaining work below the bridge continued for a week after the opening after which the damage repair was considered complete. The 15th Street bridge was struck by a tractor trailer on May 21. The truck destroyed one of the bridge support columns on the north side and damaged another. In September, the Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $380,432 contract to Reiman Corp. for repair work to the bridge. The repair involved pouring new concrete support columns to replace those damaged in the crash. WYDOT is seeking reimbursement for the damage from the truck’s insurance provider. Separate from the damage repair, WYDOT plans to conduct regular maintenance work on the bridge in the late spring or early summer. That work will take about three to four weeks, during which time the bridge will close to all traffic.
CHEYENNE – Laramie County Road 228 (Fisher Canyon Road/Roger Canyon Road) was closed at the BNSF railroad crossing on Dec. 19 for crews to repair the crossing. Through traffic was not be allowed over the crossing, and drivers were advised to seek an alternate route. The closure lasted one day and reopened once the work was complete. The affected crossing is located just west of Horse Creek Road (WYO 211).
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Photo: Matt Murphy
Fisher Canyon Road (Road 228) closed for crossing repairs
comparable to other variable speed limit signs around the state, including those between Cheyenne and Laramie. “It’s a huge difference,” said Donna Olivares-Braisted, the technical operations principal for District 1. “They are brighter. They’re easier to see. It’s great.” The signs were installed as part of a $542,000 project that wrapped up a few weeks ago. Cache Valley Electric Co. was the contractor. The old scroll-type signs were among the first variable speed limit signs installed in Wyoming. However, as time went on, the signs did not respond as well, particularly in colder temperatures. “There were too many points of failure,” Olivares-Braisted said, referencing the mechanical components of the old signs. “With the new LED signs we have, there aren’t as many points of failure.” When the old signs would not perform as intended, WYDOT personnel had to travel and manually reset the signs. Thus, the better performance of the new signs is expected to save the state money by not requiring that frequency of service calls. The new signs will also be easier for drivers to see. “I think it’ll be a clearer message to the traveling public,” Olivares-Braisted said. Variable speed limits allow WYDOT to change speed limits on certain sections of road to respond to weather and road conditions. They are currently found on I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie, Laramie and Walcott Junction, Rock Springs and Green River, and the Fort Bridger area and Evanston. They are also on WYO 28 in the South Pass area and I-25 in the Casper area.
Laramie’s 15th Street bridge reopened for two-way traffic on Dec. 12.
Variable speed limit signs upgraded along section of I-80 LARAMIE – Travelers on Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins may have noticed new variable speed limit signs come online over the last few months. The new LED signs replace the old “scroll” type signs and will be more visible and reliable than the old version. They are
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
will go toward providing school lunches for children in need in Laramie county. In 2016, there were 31 students from 29 Laramie County schools who were able to go shopping with 36 law enforcement officers. Through the generosity of the public, Walmart employees and officers pitching in money from their own pockets, the students were able to shop, spending more than $4,000. Most of the children purchased groceries and necessary items for their families rather than spending it all on themselves. An additional $3,000 was raised and given to the local school districts to provide lunches for students who were not able to afford it and who may not qualify for the federally-funded programs.
The new, more visible and reliable LED variable speed limit signs are replacing the old scroll-type signs along I-80.
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WYDOT is continuing to add more web cameras as funding is available. “The demand from the public is very high,” Meyer said. The public can view the camera online under the camera list at http://wyoroad. info or on a layer on the Wyoming Travel Information Map at http://map.wyoroad. info. Web cameras are also available on the Wyoming 511 app for iOS and Android.
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New web camera installed in Sybille Canyon LARAMIE – A new web camera has been installed in Sybille Canyon, allowing the public to see real-time road conditions on WYO 34. The camera is located on WYO 34 at milepost 24.7, which is just inside the Albany County line about halfway between US 30/287 and Interstate 25. While WYDOT has been installing more web cameras along the state’s roadways, this camera is unique because it sends images strictly by satellite instead of by radio or cellular communications like most other cameras. Use of satellite communication is necessary due to the geographic challenges of Sybille Canyon. “It is our only camera that communicates with satellite currently,” said Daleynn Meyer, who works in WYDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program. “There is no other way to communicate with it in that area.” The camera will help travelers see road conditions ahead of their trip and may also be beneficial to students and others traveling to and from the University of Wyoming.
Organizations collaborate to reduce wildlife collisions JACKSON – WYDOT reduced the speed limit on Broadway (US 89) from the Flat Creek Bridge through the Karns Meadow area. The existing 35 mph speed limit begins west of the Y intersection and reduces to 30 mph just past Budge Drive. This reduced speed limit will extend through the Karns Meadow area to the existing 25 mph sign near milepost 154. The new reduced signage was installed on Nov. 27.
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Driving tips to avoid collisions with wildlife
Photo: WYDOT
The new WYO 34 web camera communicates via satellite due to the geographic challenges in Sybille Canyon.
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In addition to the new speed limit, WYDOT replaced current wildlife warning signs with newer designs and the town of Jackson added electronic speed signs at the beginning and end of the speed limit area. The speed limit changes are in response to a collaborative effort between WYDOT, Teton County, the town of Jackson and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation to reduce wildlife collisions and improve driver safety county-wide. The speed change is part of a comprehensive approach to addressing wildlife collisions which include an educational campaign and potentially new signing or changing current signs to draw attention to potential wildlife in the area. “The area near Karns Meadow on West Broadway is a known wildlife vehicle collision hot spot within the urban town limits. The town and county, including local law enforcement and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, have been actively engaged in the process of coming up with acceptable solutions to address wildlife vehicle collisions. This issue has been approached professionally and with genuine concern. Enhanced signage and the implementation of radar speed signs is also being considered at this site,” WYDOT
• Slow down. • Pay attention to the road. • Scan the sides of the roads for wildlife. • Be alert to areas of high vegetation and steep banks. • Wildlife tend to cross roads more often at dawn, dusk and nighttime. • If you see one elk, deer or moose, you are likely to see more. • If you see an animal on the road, expect the unexpected. They do not
instinctively know how to react to vehicles. Give the animal time and room to move off the road. Do not try to out-run it. • Wildlife warning signs are there for a reason. Take note. • Extend your following distance through wildlife areas. Do not follow the car in front of you too closely. • Drive responsibly and defensively.
New technology installed along I-90 SHERIDAN – Five new road weather information system (RWIS) stations and three new web cameras were installed along I-90 at the end of November. In addition to the electronic variable speed limit (VSL) signs that were already installed and are now in operation on I-90 near Piney Creek between Sheridan and Buffalo, WYDOT also installed five new RWIS stations and three new web cams. RWIS stations are automatic weather stations which measure real-time atmospheric parameters, pavement conditions, water level conditions, visibility, and average pace and speed of traffic. The information from the RWIS stations send real time electronic data to WYDOT’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) in Cheyenne. The information is used to create real-time road weather information in a format that is easily interpreted. That data is used by road operators and maintenance to support decision making. The stations are needed to support new VSL systems on I-90. The combination of average vehicle speed (pace speed) combined with wind speed, road surface temperature, relative humidity and visibility are used in the event of inclement weather to set the speed limit on the variable speed limit signs. The signs and RWIS advanced technology allows WYDOT’s TMC in Cheyenne to tailor the speed limit to match road conditions on highway sections as short as two miles in length. The posted speed limit can be changed immediately after a reduction is
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recommended by WYDOT maintenance personnel or Highway Patrol troopers in the Sheridan/Johnson County areas with the support of the new stations. Inclement weather events such as fog, ground blizzard, slush, rain and strong wind affect roads by impacting pavement conditions, vehicle performance, visibility and driver’s behavior. Road-user characteristics and behavior are among the most important elements influencing the driving task. “This is really going to help the traveling public and our maintenance crews in that area,” said Rich Hall, Area Maintenance Crew Supervisor for Sheridan and Johnson County. “Reducing speeds will help tremendously in preventing road closures due to crashes that can be avoided if drivers just slow down for conditions.” The Piney Creek section is the first section of Interstate 90 in Wyoming to be served by variable speed limit technology. In addition to the five new RWIS stations WYDOT has more than 25 other RWIS stations in the northeast corner or Wyoming. Three additional web cameras were also installed along this section of I-90 to aid the traveling public. The new web cameras are located at milepost 35 (Pompey Creek), milepost 41.33 (Johnson/ Sheridan County Line) and milepost 45 (Kearney Divide). These three new web cameras will be available to the traveling public within the next month. WYDOT currently has approximately 60 web cameras in District 4, the northeast corner of Wyoming. The web cameras and the atmospheric sensors can be accessed by going to www.wyoroad.info.
the rock wall prior to winter near the Fremont-Hot Springs county line. “Leaving the rock in place would be a safety issue heading into next spring, according to WYDOT geologists, with the normal freeze/thaw cycle and expected normal rockfall due to melting snow and spring moisture,” said WYDOT resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. The work zone where the rock was removed is located above the highway at milepost 117.2 inside Wind River Canyon, roughly 16 miles south of Thermopolis or about a mile north of the Wind River Canyon tunnels. Tharp said work began Dec. 4 with drilling and preparation of the site for blasting with explosives. Citizens were informed of the Dec. 6 closure in a number of ways, including the use of digital message signs near Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley was the prime contractor on the more than $600,000 effort to clean up from falling rock and mud slides this past spring inside the Wind River Canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Contract completion was Dec. 15. n
Highway closed to remove large rock in Wind River Canyon THERMOPOLIS – A two-hour closure of US 20/WYO 789 on Dec. 6 in Wind River Canyon was to help a contractor successfully and safely bring a large rock off the canyon wall to the edge of the highway. WYDOT geologists determined the large rock needed to be removed from
Photo: WYDOT
District Engineer Keith Compton said. WYDOT is asking local drivers and commuters to take note of the new speed limit, be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions at night. WYDOT also urges motorists to avoid distracted driving. Do not operate your motor vehicle while talking on your cell phone, eating or engaging in any other activity that would take your eyes and mind off the road.
A large boulder at the Fremont-Hot Springs county line was safely removed from a high wall above US 20/WYO 789 in the Wind River Canyon on Dec. 6.
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Officials discuss future of transportation in rural states during summit
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT’s GIS/ITS program manager Vince Garcia and GIS/ ITS project manager Ali Ragan gave a presentation on WYDOT’s involvement with the Connected Vehicle Pilot Program. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) selected By Stephanie Harsha, District 3 Wyoming as one of three locations to deploy advanced dedicated The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with short-range communication (DSRC) technology to improve partners from the Federal Highway Administration, The Wyosafety and mobility. ming Contractor’s Association, American Association of State Garcia and Ragan said the program will focus on: forward Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Wyoming collisions, distress notifications and sending alerts and advisories. County Commissioners Association, the Wyoming Transporta“With this technology, we will be able to give motorists tion Department Employee Association and WyHy Credit Union advanced warning of a situation ahead of them before they even recently hosted its first ever Summit on the Future of Transencounter it,” said Garcia. “This new technology is designed to portation in Rural States on Dec. 7. The event took place at the give motorists more information so they can make better and Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper. more informed decisions about their travel plans while they’re The event brought together transportation officials, lawmaktraveling. This technology helps WYDOT provide a safe, high ers and policy experts from Wyoming as well as from surroundquality and efficient transportation system.” ing states. The event also highlighted the 100th anniversary of Other speakers included Col. the Wyoming Highway DepartKebin Haller of the Wyoming ment. Highway Patrol, who spoke about WYDOT Director William technology and how it drives “Bill” Panos welcomed guests transportation safety; and Amy and explained the purpose of the Surdam of WYDOT’s Aeronausummit was to “have a conversatics program, who spoke about tion about transportation” and the future of local aviation and to shed light on both the legacy rural commercial air service in and history of transportation in Wyoming. Wyoming. William Swelbar, a research John DeVierno, attorney, engineer in the Massachusetts opened the discussion with a Institute of Technology’s Internapresentation on policy issues factional Center for Air Transportaing transportation infrastructure. tion and a member of the U.S. DeVierno’s past work includes Department of Transportation’s presentations to Congress and Working Group on Improving federal agencies as well as advis- William Swelbar from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology InterAir Service to Small Communinational Center for Air Transportation speaks to the group about air ing clients as they formulate service to small communities on Dec. 7. ties also gave a presentation on and implement approaches to the issues facing rural airports successfully address legislative, and air service. regulatory and program issues. DeVierno talked about leveragWyoming’s State Treasurer Mark Gordon addressed the group ing needs and economical necessity, advancing projects more later that evening as the keynote speaker. Gordon commented efficiently, program structures and how funding is distributed on on the history of technology in Wyoming’s infrastructure, Wyoa formula as opposed to competitively. ming’s opportunities in investing in transportation and the state’s “Transportation infrastructure needs are real,” DeVierno emoverall future in attracting long term investments. phasized during his presentation. “Wyoming has a stability factor,” Gordon said. He added, DeVierno’s comments were followed by a presentation by saying that Wyoming is fortunate to be able to finance its own Brian Cawley of the Federal Highway Administration. Cawley infrastructure. gave a brief history of the needs, construction, management and “Wyoming’s energy future is pretty good,” Gordon said. funding of roadways in the United States. He also spoke of new Panos said he hoped the event would carry on in the followways to deliver projects, new developing technologies and new ing years, opening up a dialog about transportation issues facing ways of funding transportation. rural states. “We are in a time of change and great opportunity,” Cawley “The summit provided an excellent opportunity for officials said. to get together and discuss the issues facing rural states like ours,” Cawley said keeping an open dialog with policy makers was Panos said. “We need to continue to work together and with our critical to staying relevant and complimented WYDOT for hostfederal partners to ensure we move transportation issues foring the summit, adding events like these were a step in the right ward. Having excellent infrastructure is vital to a state’s economy, direction. Cawley also mentioned engaging in national conversaand Wyoming is no different. We want to ensure our infrastructions about transportation and sharing knowledge with other ture is top-notch, so we can continue to grow our economy and transportation entities were also ways to stay relevant. provide a safe transportation system for our citizens.” n
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IMPROVES EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
Photo: WYDOT
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By J.L. O’Brien he Great American Eclipse increased the traffic and population in Wyoming by more than 200,000 people, what has been described by many as a once-in-alifetime event. Thanks to the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s emergency communication system – WyoLink – highway patrol, police, sheriffs, firefighters, emergency medical services and other first responders were able to communicate and coordinate efficiently and effectively throughout the event. WYDOT is leading the effort to provide a single, sustainable emergency communication network for the state of Wyoming. This interoperable system means federal, state, county, city and town emergency services all have the opportunity to be on a statewide integrated emergency communication network. WYDOT WyoLink Support Manager Nathan Smolinski said the eclipse was a unique opportunity to see how the emergency communication system would perform under a high level of Smolinski strain. “It exceeded our expectations,” Smolinski said, adding that WyoLink was used by multiple agencies Continued on page 10
The “Lone Tree” radio site provides coverage in northern Converse County.
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Photos: WYDOT
Continued from page 9 across the state. The expansive system serves 475 agencies and departments, including 19,000 radios. Smolinski said communication systems became a primary concern to emergency services managers after Sept. 11, 2001. At that time communication systems were not interoperable or integrated, and agencies couldn’t communicate effectively together. The agencies didn’t have what is defined as “mission-critical,” voice connectivity. Those requirements include audio quality, reliability, emergency alerting, group call ability (one-to-many), direct talk, push-to-talk and user identification. WyoLink went live in 2006 in response to this need. WYDOT Telecommunications Program Manager Troy Babbitt said there were technology growing pains on the WyoLink system years ago, but now the system is very reliable as well as expanding. Director Bill Panos said the department has been focusing on providing the three pillars upon which the expansion of the emergency communications network needs in governance, finance and technology. The network had needed attention for some time, but the department’s personnel have made short work of improving the emergency communication network, he said. “A 10-year capital expansion problem was fixed in 10 months.” Panos said. He added there is still work to be done, but the department is near getting the network to where it needs to be with the
Left: WYDOT Telecom technicians held tower rescue training at the Rock Springs shop. Above: Buildings are needed to house WyoLink equipment.
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reorganization included a reduction in state representation and strengthened local representation and influence. Additionally, WYDOT hired Chief Technology Officer Pat Lewis to lead WyoLink and improve communication with the governor’s office, local government officials and the Communications Commission. Looking forward to the future, the state will likely benefit from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). FirstNet is implementing a high-security wireless broadband communication network – the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). Gov. Matt Mead opted in to FirstNet in July. By opting in to the program, the network will be provided to the state of Wyoming at no cost for the first 25 years. AT&T was awarded the FirstNet contract and will build and operate the network with $7 billion provided through the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act” of 2012, according to information on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) website. FirstNet is an independent authority within NTIA. The network will enhance emergency communication in rural areas, create jobs and usher in a new wave of innovation for first responders, according to a news release from FirstNet on July 11. Babbitt and Smolinski said Wyoming will still need WyoLink because FirstNet is currently a data delivery system, not a voice system, and it will take time and investment before FirstNet can deliver the needed services across the state. n
A WYDOT Telecom technician working on a WyoLink Tower.
Photos: WYDOT
assistance of local government throughout the state. Babbitt said the biggest development over the last 10 months has been securing funding to build 16 new towers. These new sites will expand coverage in areas of need and provide enhanced coverage where gaps exist. WyoLink currently has 75 towers. The $12.5-million contract, won competitively by Motorola Inc., will expand the number of towers to 91 over the next three years. The original towers were built along the major roadways in Wyoming and not necessarily around communities. Where the original emphasis of the system was “tower-to-vehicle,” the majority of the 16 new towers will increase, “tower-to-person”, “vehicle-to-person” and “in-building” coverage. The towers will likely be built in three phases during that time. The new towers are being planned with local communities and in the following areas: • Evanston • Jackson • Rock Springs • Buffalo • Alcova • Newcastle • Bondurant • North Goshen County/Lusk • Sundance • Greybull/Basin • Ten Sleep • North Bighorn County • Orin Junction • Wright Legislation in 2017 reorganized the Communications Commission, which oversees WyoLink. The responsibilities of the Communications Commission were transferred from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to WYDOT and the commission was reduced from 17 to 11 commissioners. The
The “Muddy Gap” radio site provides coverage in northwest Carbon County.
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Photo: Rick Carpenter
Contracts and Estimates
ensure projects move forward By Aimee Inama When it comes to projecting costs for upcoming construction contracts, the Contracts and Estimates program has it down to almost the exact penny. Over the past year, the engineer’s estimate and the actual low bid amount was off by a mere 0.3 percent, showing that Contracts and Estimates knows exactly how much a project will cost before it even starts. “In 2017, we let 98 projects totaling $273.6 million,” said Doug Jensen, Contracts and Estimates engineer. “One of our main jobs is developing the engineer’s estimate, which determines what a project should cost. The 0.3 percent difference we’ve seen in 2017 shows us that the figures we come up with are in line Jensen with industry standards.” When WYDOT has a project it wants to complete, it goes through several programs including Contracts and Estimates, which plays a vital role in the road construction planning process. Not only is the program responsible for calculating project cost estimates, it also schedules projects for advertisement, holds bid openings and places projects under contract after the Transportation Commission awards the contract.
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The program produces a variety of documents including bid summaries, performance bonds, construction contracts, material agreements, invitations for bids, project letting schedules, legal newspaper notices and bid tabulations. “Our main priority is letting contracts for road construction projects,” Jensen said. “The contract bidding process is a vital function of our office.” Jensen is the program manager and has a staff of six, which brings extensive years of experience to the program. They include Chris Pivik, assistant program manager; Ladonna Hurd, contract specialist; Matt Simpson, senior staff technician; Mark Janicek, senior staff technician; Troy Grandpre, senior staff technician (estimator) and Chica Thomas, records and data management specialist. “Every person in my office has a vital part in Contracts and Estimates,” Jensen said. “My team has a lot of institutional knowledge. I’m fortunate to have such an experienced team that is so knowledgeable and can help guide this department.” The cost estimating can begin early in a project design, but that depends on the type of project. For example, an overlay may not require years of design work, which means an estimate usually isn’t done until the final design plan phase. The figures from Contracts and Estimates are in current dollars. If a project isn’t let for a few years, an agreed upon inflation
All projects are estimated through the Contracts and Estimates program, including this bridge project in Pine Bluffs.
Contracts and Estimates hold the bid openings in different parts of the state to give the local contractors and WYDOT employees in the different parts of the state a chance to attend. “Part of the federal requirements is that we hold bid openings publicly,” Jensen said. “We read each bid publicly and we look for irregularities.” Jensen then makes a recommendation to Keith Fulton, assistant chief engineer for Engineering and Planning, who then makes a recommendation to the Transportation Commission at each monthly meeting. The commission can then accept or reject a bid, but that action typically depends on the costs. The commission typically rejects a bid if it exceeds the engineer’s estimate by 20 percent or more, unless there are compelling reasons for the award that weren’t known during the time of the estimate. After the commission awards the contracts, Contracts and Estimates send out the Contract Documents to the contractor. After the contractor signs it and sends it back, WYDOT and the state Attorney General’s Office reviews the paperwork. WYDOT then sends an official document called a Notice to Proceed to the contractor and District office. After that, the contractor then can start the work. n Photo: WYDOT
factor is added for each year until the letting. As a project design moves forward, cost estimates are updated to show changes in prices and items on the bid. Project Development plays a vital role in the design phase by determining what types and how much of a particular construction materials are needed for a certain project. Project Development also can perform preliminary estimates thanks to the Integrated Project Development software provided by Contracts and Estimates. Once WYDOT issues a Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) for a contract, that starts the contract development process in the Contracts and Estimates program. The estimate performed at that time is provided to several WYDOT programs and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to start the obligation of funds for that particular project. When the plans come to Jensen’s program, his staff reviews them, obtains any clearances for advertisement, prepares the bidding software for the contractors to use and makes an initial estimate. They take into consideration several variables such as location, terrain, bid history and proximity of construction material sources when determining unit process for each bid item. Jensen’s estimators then come up with the PS&E estimate. Jensen reviews that PS&E estimate and the plan documents, makes changes and then develops the official engineer’s estimate, which is then used in the bid letting. Contracts and Estimates advertises each project and follows federal requirements throughout the process. Most months, Contracts and Estimates holds bid openings in different parts of the state. The contracts let during each month are part of a bid letting schedule Contracts and Estimates plans for the fiscal year. “It’s a 12-month living document,” Jensen said. “When one project comes off, another one comes on it. This helps us coordinate the letting schedule and what months we’re going to let projects. We coordinate that with Planning, Project Development and the district offices.”
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Facing page: The contracts and estimates team. From left; Troy Grandpre, Chica Thomas, Chris Pivik, Matt Simpson, Doug Jensen, Ladonna Hurd and Mark Janicek.
At a recent bid letting at the Little America Hotel and Conference Center in Cheyenne, the Contracts and Estimates team met with prospective contractors for state highway projects.
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Noteworthy
Muehler received her seat-belt survivor certificate from Karla Borders of Injury Prevention Resources and Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Eli Miller of Riverton.
Photo: WYDOT
By Cody Beers, District 5 Kierra Muehler of Riverton is a seat belt survivor. Muehler had plans Sept. 24 to attend a leadership retreat with friends in Lander. The Central Wyoming College student climbed in her car, buckled her seat belt, set her cell phone on the seat beside her and left her home on the north edge of Riverton. "The next thing I remember is being hit with the airbag and hanging upside down in my car," Muehler said. "I was told that I somehow unbuckled my seat belt and climbed out of the back window of my car. The next thing I remember I was in an ambulance with my mom heading to the hospital." Wyoming Highway Patrol Eli Miller said Muehler's vehicle was traveling south on Wyoming 789 when a deer walked into the roadway. "The driver panicked and turned the car to the right. The car over-corrected and began to slide out of control," Miller wrote in his report. "The driver missed the deer. The vehicle slid off the road to the right, rolling driver's side first. The vehicle rolled over and came to a stop on its top." Miller's crash report verifies that Muehler was wearing her seat belt. Muehler was taken by ambulance to SageWest Health Care in Riverton. She was treated and released several hours later with an assortment of bumps and bruises. Muehler remembers speaking to the investigating officers. "They were very surprised I made it out of the car alive, let alone without any broken bones," she said. "I know the main reason for me being alive today is the fact that I was wearing my seat belt." Muehler said she always wears her seat belt; "My parents always made sure I was wearing my seat belt when I was little, and it just became a habit for me. It's the first thing I do when I get in my car." Passengers who ride with Muehler are required to wear their seat belts, too. "A lot of my friends get annoyed when I tell them to put on their seat belts. They know I won't move the car unless they are wearing them," she said. "Wearing your seat belt is so important. Looking at the pictures of my car and seeing how it was after it flipped makes me so grateful to have been wearing my seat belt," she said.
Photo: WYDOT
Seat belt likely saved Riverton College student’s life
Muehler believes she survived the crash she was involved in on Sept. 24 because she wore her seat belt.
Muehler said she knows people who don't wear their seat belts because they believe they won't ever be involved in a crash. "You never know when it's going to happen, so you should always try to be prepared,” she said. “Taking five seconds to put on your seat belt can end up saving your life.” Northwest Wyoming's seat belt survivor recognition program is sponsored by Injury Prevention Resources, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming Department of Transportation. n
Don’t be a flake! Buckle up every day this winter season! 14
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Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
By Cody Beers, District 5 Three government agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Transportation, joined the nonprofit Friends of a Legacy (FOAL) in October to make fence more friendly for migrating pronghorn antelope. The Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, FOAL and WYDOT altered Workers from the Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office, about three miles of barbed-wire fence along WYO 32 east of Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Friends of a Legacy (FOAL) and WYDOT altered about three miles of barbed-wire fence along Wyoming Cody on Oct. 14. Highway 32 east of Cody on Saturday, Oct. 14. The newly-altered fence The bottom strand of the barbed wire was replaced with is more friendly to migrating pronghorn antelope. smooth, wildlife-friendly wire, and the bottom wire on the fence Peaks Wild Horse Herd Management Area, which is why FOAL was raised to 16 inches off the ground to allow pronghorn – – which supports the McCullough Peaks herd – was a natural which need space to crawl under fences – to pass easily under it. partner on the work. The group provided several volunteers for “Last year, thousands of pronghorn were stacked up along this the project. fence, unable to cross,” said BLM Wildlife Biologist Destin Har“FOAL supports the preservation of rell in a BLM news release. Harrell organized wildlife migration routes, especially when the work day. “Thanks to the commitment of allowing pronghorn to migrate through the FOAL, WYDOT and Game and Fish to makwild horse herd management area, which ing BLM fences more wildlife-friendly, the extends the grazing resources for those migrating Carter Mountain pronghorn herd animals that cannot migrate,” said FOAL now has better access to its crucial winter Executive Director Marion Morrison. “This range and an improved chance of surviving project was a win-win for BLM, FOAL, the harsh winters,” he said. wild horses of the McCullough Peaks and WYDOT area maintenance supervisor the pronghorn.” Robin Nichols added: “We are happy to work Game and Fish shared the concerns with the BLM and Wyoming Game and Fish about man-made obstacles and hazards on this project. It will hopefully facilitate the impeding the Carter Mountain pronghorn wildlife migration through this area in as safe herd’s winter migration. a manner as possible. We’re always open to Wyoming Game and Fish Associate forming partnerships to serve the public. It Wildlife Biologist Leslie Schreiber said the was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed being out Basin maintenance worker Craig Brown department was “excited” to help with the working with the group.” project. Prior to the work day, WYDOT got a head worked alongside others in October to improve right-of-way fencing for migrating “By working together, we eliminated an start on the project by rolling up barbed wire pronghorn antelope. obstacle to open up about 100 square miles and pulling staples, which allowed for quick of habitat for wintering pronghorn,” Schreiber said. work stretching and tacking smooth wire when all the partners For more information about the fencing project, contact Harcame together. rell at (307) 578-5900. n The fence was replaced on the eastern edge of the McCullough
Photo: WYDOT
Friendly fencing installed near Cody for migrating wildlife
Three government agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, joined the nonprofit Friends of a Legacy (FOAL) in October to make fence more friendly for migrating pronghorn antelope in the Big Horn Basin. Pictured from WYDOT are Basin area maintenance supervisor Robin Nichols (fifth from right) and Basin maintenance workers Fred Sherburne (fourth from right) and Craig Brown (second from right). Not pictured is WYDOT maintenance engineer Lyle Lamb.
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Aeronautics
greatly exceeded the design life of 20 years. The full depth reconstruction of Runway 4/22 consisted of: • Demolishing and removing the existing pavement section;
New runway constructed at Lander’s Hunt Field
• Adding 6.5 inches of base material; and
• Adding 13.5 inches of subbase, for frost protection;
Photo: WYDOT
• Adding 4 inches of new asphalt surface course. By Jesse Fibula The additional subbase material will help minimize the It’s been 40 years since the City of Lander originally constructchance of frost heaves, while the base material and 4-inch asphalt ed the runway at Hunt Field Airport. After many years of use, section will ensure a long life for the runway. Runway painting and harsh winters, the runway was in desperate need of a full reutilizes striated markings to help sustain the runway during winconstruction. In the spring of 2016 the Federal Aviation Adminter, by allowing the runway asphalt to heat more evenly. istration (FAA) and the Wyoming Department of Transportation The project also included a 32,000-cubic yard earthen emAeronautics Division (WYDOT) presented Lander with the bankment off of the west end of the runway to allow for the new opportunity to address the aging infrastructure of the runway. runway to have a fully compliant runway safety area. Previous Initially, there was hope for a mill and overlay of the runway to preliminary planning efforts had assumed a multi-million dolminimize impact to the airport. However, during geotechnical lar retaining wall would be required to achieve a fully compliinvestigations, it was discovered there was ant safety area, however during the design very little runway strength remaining. Trucks process it was determined that an expenand aircraft parked on the pavement during sive retaining wall would not be required. a hot day caused the runway to deflect under Instead, Armstrong and their geotechnical their weight. With this in mind, a full reconsubconsultants, Rock Solid Solutions and struction of the runway was recommended Inberg-Miller Engineers, developed a design to ensure safety for decades to come. Lander for an engineered earthen embankment that officials, the FAA, and WYDOT worked with cost less than $500,000 to construct. Armstrong Consultants, Inc. (Armstrong) to Runway safety was further improved by design a runway reconstruction that would the removal of approximately 43,000 cubic add lasting value to the Lander community. yards of dirt to clear the runway’s primary It is noteworthy to see a runway project The new Hunt Field runway was completed surface and allow for a future instrument of this magnitude completed within one sea- Nov. 17. approach flight plan. This approach will alson, particularly with the release of Federal low for lower visibility operations into Hunt funding in the spring, and Wyoming’s winter looming in the fall. Field, a critical need for air medical service operations. Through great support from local officials and community memOn November 1st, the FAA performed a final inspection, and bers, Century Companies, the Contractor awarded the project, the reconstruction of Runway 4/22 was officially complete. At the willingness to commit a vast amount of resources to the project, ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 17th, Mayor Del McOand Armstrong’s strategic project phasing, the job was completed mie was quoted saying “I’ve worked construction for 40 years, in 124 contract days. By phasing the project with multiple conbefore I retired from WYDOT, and this project has gone so well, current tasks, construction was successfully finished within an I’ve never experienced that”. Through the hard work of many inimpressive amount of time. dividuals, including Century Companies, and Armstrong, Hunt The previously existing runway was exhibiting several frost Field has a runway that will connect the Lander community with heaves, and the pavement was at the end of its serviceable life. aviation for many years to come. n Having last been constructed in 1976, the previous runway
Civil Rights Highlights Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) The state internal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program ensures fair and equal treatment of a person regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age and disability in all employment practices. The Civil Rights Office is responsible for leadership in the development and implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan and EEO program. Affirmative Action provides the tools to ensure that EEO is available and inclusive of all employees and job applicants, and
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free of discrimination. Affirmative Action is a legal and essential ingredient in all recruitment, career development, and advancement opportunities. WYDOT is dedicated to a workforce representative of the public it serves. Diversity is considered an important strategic business value – taking advantage of innovation, creative thinking, collaboration and problem solving elements to work toward common state and federal transportation attainments. If you have any questions, comments or would like more information about the EEO Program/Affirmative Action plan or any of the other Civil Rights programs, please do not hesitate to contact us. n
Extra Mile
Total number of employees: As of Nov. 30, 2017
1,905
One month ago
1,888
One year ago
1,937
WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of Dec. 20, 2017
121
One year ago
112
AWARDS
Congratulations to our November 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.
Katherine Bradfield Candace Garman Jennifer Sigurdson
Recognition for efforts specific to the 2017 Eclipse: Darren Allbright
Travis Lowry
Nicole Alonzo
Chad Matthews
Kelly Bennion
Doug McGee
Mark Bolin
Dalelynn Meyer
Mike Boughton
Brian Peel
Bill Burt
Ali Ragan
Delena Corning
Shannon Ratliff
Fred Dappen
Trenton Rawlinson
Dale Dawson
Dave Rettinger
Bruce Daigle
Gabriel Reyes
Shawn Dickerson
Suzie Roseberry
Vince Garcia
Tom Schreur
Matt Goetz
Rick Schultz
Craig Graves
Richard Shaw
Jason Green
AJ Shutzmann
Keith Greoneweg
Steve Skiba
A.L. Gruwell
Tom Stoker
Kebin Haller
Donald Swisher
Randy Hartley
Liane Terrill
Jeremy Holkan
James Thomas
Steve Hopkins
Josh Walther
Marvin Hulford
Lance Wedemeyer
Aimee Inama For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov. January 2018
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TechNotes
WYDOT social media group changes name By Aimee Inama WYDOT ALL will now be called ONE WYDOT. After getting early feedback from those who are already members, WYDOT officials decided to change the name to ONE WYDOT. The name change shows the intent behind the new social media environment, which is to bring WYDOT together and share information as one WYDOT family. “Our new social media environment will enable us to share information quickly and help our employees stay informed about the latest WYDOT issues,” said Bill Panos, WYDOT director. “We want our employees to have a place where they can not only get information, but where they can also ask questions. This new social media environment will help us keep the lines of communication open.”
Wellness Ring in the new year with health; get fit with WYDOT Wellness By Carlie Van Winkle WYDOT employees who find themselves a little behind in deciding upon a New Year’s resolution for 2018 might want to consider joining the WYDOT Wellness program. Now in its 12th year, WYDOT Wellness offers employees the chance to get exercise during the day, without having to burn annual leave time in doing so. The program was implemented in 2006 as a means of incorporating physical activity into daily routine, in the interest of promoting better health and well-being. State government policy gives each state agency freedom in how it structures its own wellness program, including the option of offering an incentive. In WYDOT’s case, the incentive is in the form of administrative leave, or “comp time.” Those who participate on a consistent basis and track their progress earn four hours of administrative leave, if they complete a minimum of 13 hours of exercise each month for six consecutive months. That minimum requirement translates to an average of 30 minutes of exercise per day. WYDOT employees are authorized to use their break times to take a walk or other types of wellness activity. Wellness activities can also be tracked and logged before and after work or on weekends. Three dozen wellness activities are eligible, covering a wide spectrum, from aerobics to Zumba. Walking is far and away the most popular activity type, accounting for roughly half the total exercise time logged. Eligible exercises are those that are primarily recreational and include a significant physical activity component which con-
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ONE WYDOT features information about human resources, information technology, WTDEA, Wyoming Highway Patrol, the districts and other employee news. The community has discussion forums where employees can talk about a variety of topics. One of the discussion areas is the Water Cooler, where employees can post their questions, concerns and comments. One special feature of ONE WYDOT is that employees can also view it on their mobile devices, which means an employee can learn about the department while on the go, providing they’re on a WYDOT network. As with all work-related communication tools, WYDOT is asking employees to please use appropriate language and be kind, polite and respectful. To access ONE WYDOT, employees will need to activate their Google+ accounts if they haven’t already. To activate their Google+ accounts, employees can visit the employees intranet web page at http://employees.dot.state.wy.us/home/news-andinformation/one-wydot.html for instructions. Once they activate their account, employees can email Public Affairs at dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov and request to be added to ONE WYDOT. n tributes to improved fitness. The goal is encouraging employees to adopt active exercise in addition to work done during their everyday lives. Information about the Wellness Program is available on the intranet, under Useful Links & Files. Look for the Files section and find Wellness Frequently Asked Questions.pdf. Employees who are already enrolled can select the Wellness Program tab under Useful Links & Files on the same intranet page to log exercise time and type, and track their status. Those who are interested in joining or simply learning more about the program can also contact the Public Affairs Office for more information. n
Exercise types eligible for WYDOT’s Wellness Program
Aerobics Aquatic Exercise Basketball Bicycling Boxing Calisthenics Circuit Training Cross-country skiing Dancing Downhill skiing Elliptical training Hiking
Inline skating Jogging Karate Mountain biking Pilates Racquetball Rowing Running Snowboarding Snowshoeing Soccer Softball Spinning
Stair climbing Swimming Table Tennis Tai Chi Tennis Volleyball Walking Weight lifting Workout with an exercise band Yoga Zumba
Training
What to expect with the rollout of the new WELL
Photo: Carlie Van Winkle
By James Boyd, Training Services The new Wyoming Employee Learning Library (WELL) is almost here! Here are some upcoming release and training dates to keep in mind (please note that these dates are subject to change barring any setbacks with the system):
Jan. 5 – WELL Testing
There’s still time to be a volunteer to test the WELL. Volunteers are testing the ‘non-production or staging’ site and are asked to provide us feedback on any issues they’re having. As part of this test, supervisors will receive “STAGING SITE” emails when employees register for courses or complete other tasks.
Jan. 19 – Released to WYDOT’s Leadership
WYDOT’s Executive Staff, District Engineers, and Program Managers will be the first to review the WELL allowing them a chance to ask questions and get familiar with the system. Training Services will hold and record a training session on the 19th so these individuals can attend live, or watch at another time.
Jan. 26 – Released to WYDOT’s 1st line Supervisors
As with the 19th, supervisors can attend the live training on the 26th or can watch the recording at another time.
Feb. 5 – New WELL LearnCenter launches to all employees!
On Fridays, starting in February, we will hold short training sessions in the WYDOT Auditorium for all end-users. Our plan is to stream these live so that users can view the demonstrations remotely. There will also be online tutorials in the WELL to help employees become more acclimated to using the system. Finally, Training is scheduling dates with each District to come out and provide end-user training, so please keep a lookout for these dates as we schedule them. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please contact Training Services through dot-training@wyo.gov. n
Training @ a Glance Coming in January: Date Class 1/9/18 1/10/18 1/17/18 1/18/18 1/19/18 1/23/18 1/24/18 1/30/18
Construction Project Management (CPM) and Administration Building Solid Work Ethics in Individuals and Organizations District 4 Roadshow Training - “What’s Your Brand?” Down with Stress! Look & Sound Wonderful Even on the Worst Days Reinforced Concrete Pipe - Part 5 of an 8-part series on Roadway/Street Pipes John Maxwell’s Put Your Dream to the Test The Flexible Leader ATSSA Traffic Control Technician
Coming in February: Date Class 2/1/18 2/5/18 2/8/18 2/13/18 2/13/18 2/14/18 2/14/18 2/22/18 2/28/18 2/28/18
NEW! NEW!
Sheet Piling and Cofferdam Design KNOW WY (New Employee On-boarding) Human Factors – Road user Needs, Capabilities and Limitations Coaching and Counseling Manager’s Role in Succession Planning Formula F: An Effective Framework for Facilitating Feedback Discussions MPC Research – Cell Phone Use Diminishes Self-Awareness of the Adverse Effects of Cell Phone Use on Driving, Introduction to Roadway Lighting Coaching Skills PE Exam Prep for Civil Engineers
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the new WELL.
PMI Competency
Location
Vocational Personal Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness
TLN WYDOT-U Gillette
Personal Effectiveness
TLN
Vocational Personal Effectiveness Leadership Vocational
Webinar TLN WYDOT-U TLN
PMI Competency
Location
Vocational New Employee Orientation Vocational Developing Others Leadership
TLN WYDOT-U TLN TLN TLN
Leadership
WYDOT-U
Vocational Vocational Developing Others Vocational
Webinar TLN WYDOT-U Webinar
Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information. January 2018
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Terri Curry, Motor Vehicle ServicesRegistration/Title; Heather Dungan, GIS/ITS; Caleb Hobbs, Patrol-Safety and Training; Stephanie Moellenberg, Patrol Dispatch; Tomas Perdomo, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey; and Jeramiah Young, Patrol Dispatch Manager.
Debra Ferguson, Environmental Services – 20 years; Thomas Allen, Planning-Counter Shop – 10 years; Della Beasley, Patrol-Records – 10 years; and Enid White, Planning-Programming – 10 years.
Promotions Jacob Brown, Materials-Surfacing; Kayla Foster, Right of Way-Appraisals; Karmen Hillshafer, Right of Way-Negotiations; Brianne Lopez, GIS/ITS; Anne Pettrey, Cheyenne Port of Entry; Taylor Ree, Geology; Sarah Rickgauer, Materials-Pavement Management Systems; Justin Scott, Geology; David Shepard, Telecom-WyoLink.
Stogsdill
Beasley
Davis
White
Retirements Foster
Abbas Alami retired on Nov. 1 after working for WYDOT for 51 years. He worked as a senior design oversight specialist for Highway Development – Project Development.
Ree
Rickgauer
Scott
Service Awards Randy Reynolds, Office ServicesMailroom – 30 years; Kimm Brookshire, Financial ServicesDisbursements – 25 years; Mark Stogsdill, Right of Way-Engineering – 25 years; Jerry Davis, HuBrookshire man Resources – 20 years;
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Charles James retired on Nov. 4 after working for WYDOT for almost 44 years. He worked as a senior design specialist for Highway Development – Project Development.
at the state with a position in the A&I motor pool in mid-1976. He moved to WYDOT in November 1976 when he was hired as a mail room clerk. At his time with this agency, he had also worked in Miller Procurement Services before moving to Patrol.
Congratulations Nicole Alonzo has been selected as the Strategic Performance program manager in Cheyenne effective Nov. 13. Alonzo has worked with the Wyoming Department of Transportation since 2013 and most recently as the Business Project Management supervisor. Alonzo Maria LaBorde has been selected as the auditing manager for the Internal Review program in Cheyenne effective Dec. 1. LaBorde has worked with the Wyoming Department of Transportation since 2000 and most recently as a principal auditor in Internal Review. LaBorde
Alami
Rides
Get those photos in! James
Wayne Miller retired on Dec. 16 with 41 years of service to the state. He worked most recently in Support Service Operations with the Wyoming Highway Patrol in Cheyenne. The Cheyenne native began his career
Deadline:
02/13/18 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
District 1
Welcome
Promotions
Service Awards
Joseph Allen, Cheyenne Mechanics; Michael Freytag, Medicine Bow Maintenance; Trevor Hardy, Rawlins Maintenance; Matts Johansson, Rawlins Maintenance.
Richard Floyd, Telecom-Microwave; Edwin Leyba, Traffic-Signing; and John Winslow, Pine Bluffs Maintenance.
Delsa Sanderson, Laramie Patrol – 10 years; and Kristin Wetherbee, Elk Mountain Patrol – 10 years.
Cradle Call Bryson and Angela Kennedy of Elk Mountain had a baby girl, Brynnly, on Nov. 28. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. She joins big sister Lily, 10. Dad, Bryson, is the Heavy Equipment Operator in Elk Mountain.
Leyba
Winslow
Sanderson
Wetherbee
District 2
Welcome Larry Murphy, Lusk Maintenance; Richard Noel, Casper Maintenance; Richard Riley, Douglas Maintenance; and Tara Young, Driver Services-Casper.
Service Awards Tom Anglund, Casper Traffic-Striping – 40 years; Edward Tirado, Lusk Maintenance – 10 years; and Lawrence Pavone, Lusk Maintenance – 5 years.
Jassman
Promotions Stacy Jassman, Lusk Port of Entry; and Terry Vollmar, Casper Maintenance. Vollmar
Retirements Douglas Beran retired on Nov. 11 with more than eight years of service to the Wyoming Highway Patrol in Casper. Beran was commis- Beran sioned with the WHP in October 2009 after previously serving 20 years with the Casper Police Department. Beran is originally from Sidney, Neb. and enjoys many outdoor activities.
Anglund
Pavone
District 3
District 4
Welcome
Welcome
Michael Lenz, Alpine Junction Port of Entry; Flint Telford, Evanston Maintenance; Shirley Weerheim, Jackson Maintenance; Andrea Williams, Rock Springs Maintenance; and William Croy Jr., Rock Springs Maintenance.
Leo Carr, Newcastle Maintenance; Jake Kerns, Gillette Maintenance; Joshua Kramlich, Buffalo Maintenance; Cahill Nettles, Sheridan Maintenance; and Brandon Uecker, Sheridan Maintenance.
Service Awards
Promotions
James Hulet, Buffalo Maintenance – 30 years.
Service Awards
Photo: WYDOT
Dustin Bumbaca, Kemmerer Port of Entry. Bumbaca
The Rock Springs crews decorated a striping truck for the 2017 Lighted Parade.
Donald Tucker, Rock Springs Mechanics – 10 years.
Hulet
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District 5
Welcome Andy Titus, Lander Construction.
Service Awards Neil Thomas, Riverton Maintenance – 25 years.
promoted to his present position as district equipment supervisor in November 2003. Hancock also worked outside of WYDOT during his career, in between WYDOT positions. His experience includes work for Gilpatrick Construction
in Riverton and Sims Construction in Lander, employment with Fremont County government, Halliburton Services near LaBarge for Exxon, and Western Nuclear Corp., Energy Fuels, and U.S. Steel, all in Fremont County. For a period of time, he was also self-employed as an automobile, truck and farm equipment mechanic. Hancock, 62, is a Lander Valley High School graduate, and he holds an associate’s degree in auto and diesel technology from the Wyoming Technical Institute. He plans to enjoy the outdoors and his family, especially his grandchildren, in retirement. “I enjoy woodworking and photography, and I’m looking forward to getting back to doing some fishing and maybe a little more hunting,” Hancock says. “I enjoy making things for my family, especially for my grandchildren.”
Letters Troopers thank WYDOT employee for exemplary service On Dec. 7 the Wyoming Highway Patrol Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVO) team was conducting Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) training at Camp Guernsey. During the week long training the three TVI vehicles sustained a significant amount of tire wear as the vehicles were repeatedly spun out on the skid pad. The tires on the vehicles were in need of being replaced in order to allow the TVI training to continue.
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Frank Hancock celebrated his retirement with friends, family and fellow coworkers and a smartly decorated cake at the Basin shop on Dec. 1.
The three TVI vehicles were taken to the WYDOT shop in Wheatland where mechanic Brandon Graves was the only mechanic on duty. Graves welcomed all three vehicles without hesitation and prioritized our vehicles’ maintenance needs. Graves went above and beyond to make sure the vehicles would be able to continue TVI training safely. Without Graves’ dedication and hard work, we would not have been able to continue demonstrating and conducting practical application TVI training to certify troopers.
Thank you, The WHP EVO / TVI Team
Photo: WYDOT
District Equipment Supervisor Frank Hancock retired Dec. Thomas 1 from WYDOT in Basin after 22 years of service to the state of Wyoming. Friends, family and co-workers gathered on Dec. 1 at the Basin WYDOT office for a luncheon/celebration in recognition of Hancock’s career. Hancock, of Lander, first started work for WYDOT in 1994 as an equipment mechanic in Lander. Other WYDOT positions he has held include equipment shop supervisor in Laramie, maintenance technician in Lander and equipment technician/mechanic in Lander. He was
Photo: WYDOT
Retirements
Alan Henrickson retired from Riverton Maintenance on Nov. 18 with more than six years of service to WYDOT.
Henrickson
Well-crafted road has positive outcome for motorist Greetings, I write this letter to you today after experiencing an accident on I-90 heading east to Sundance on Dec. 14. The area in which I lost control of the vehicle features a very steep and deep gully on the right side of the road. I lost control of my vehicle and rammed into the median on the left side of the road and bounced back into the median on the right side with my car subsequently coming to a rest. If not for the well crafted and maintained median on the right side of the road, I am certain I would have been seriously injured or much worse, had my car gone into that gully. Fortunately, thanks very much to your department and the great people in it, I am alive and unharmed. You should take pride in what you do and your fine work. Thank you very much.
William Hoskinson
Passings
purchased approximately 30 new cars and trucks during his lifetime. After moving to Spearfish, he enjoyed helping at the local senior center and spent many afternoons playing “500” and pinochle with his friends. Johnson also enjoyed traveling. He visited every state in the continental U.S. and made many trips to Branson, Mo., to enjoy the entertainment. Funeral services were on Dec. 15 at United Methodist Church in Spearfish. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.
Beryl E. Johnson
Beryl Edward Johnson, 84, of Cheyenne and formerly of Spearfish, S.D., passed away on Dec. 6 at his home in Cheyenne. Johnson was born April 27, 1933, at his parent’s farm near Ethan, S.D. He grew up and attended school there and after high school, served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service to the country, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern State Teachers College at Springfield, S.D., in 1957. Upon graduating college, he went to work for the South Dakota Department of Highways. In 1961, he and his wife moved to Cheyenne, where Johnson was employed with the Wyoming Highway Department. He worked for the department for 27 years before retiring in 1988. In Johnson’s earlier years, he enjoyed woodworking and doing small remodeling jobs. He worked part time finishing basements, shingling houses and remodeling offices. Many small woodworking projects were also completed in his basement workshop. He also enjoyed trading cars. He prided himself in knowing more about the car he was trying to purchase than the car salesperson. He
Aurora Meza Nava Aurora Nava, 77, of Cheyenne died Dec. 3 in Cheyenne. She was born July 1, 1940, in Cheyenne and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Rosary Makers and was active in adoration. She began her career in Dec. 1966 with state at A&I as a keypunch operator. She later transferred to WYDOT where she worked as a keypunch operator, data entry specialist and a computer operator until her retirement in Oct. Nava 1994. Private family services were held. n
K-9 Bonnie
Photo: WYDOT
The Wyoming Highway Patrol announces with a heavy heart the passing of retired K-9 Bonnie. Bonnie became a Wyoming Highway Patrol K-9 in the fall of 2008 and was assigned to narcotic detection in the Cheyenne area. She worked in the Cheyenne area until her retirement in January 2014. Bonnie was retired due to health issues which made it difficult for her to continue her career. Upon retirement, she spent her remaining years in the Big Horn Basin area, primarily in Worland. Bonnie’s former handler was reassigned to Cheyenne and Bonnie was adopted by Dennis Toman and family. K-9 Bonnie with handler Capt. Karl Germain Bonnie remained in the loving care of Toman and his family until her passing on the Nov. 27. Bonnie had an amazing career with the Highway Patrol. While assigned to a temporary duty in Sundance, Bonnie located 482 pounds of marijuana hidden in furniture located in the cargo area of a Penske rental vehicle. This case started a nationwide investigation which lead to several arrests in numerous other states. Another high point in Bonnie’s career came when she assisted a Cheyenne area trooper with the search of a vehicle. She had
alerted to the vehicle indicating illegal narcotics existed within the vehicle. After an exhaustive and non-productive hand search of the vehicle by troopers, Bonnie was redeployed in an effort to pinpoint the narcotics in the vehicle. Bonnie responded getting on to her hind legs and sniffing and alerting to the open tailgate of the vehicle. Troopers further searched the tailgate and discovered more than eleven pounds of ecstasy. This discovery also lead to numerous arrests and a nationwide investigation. Bonnie had numerous other criminal interdictions in her career, but these were two very significant criminal interdictions, which her handler Karl Germain reflected upon fondly. All working dogs are important and make silent contributions to their communities on a daily basis. Bonnie was one of these very special K-9s. Her selfless work helped prevent illegal drugs from entering communities all across the nation. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Bonnie’s former handler, Capt. Karl Germain wish to thank the Toman family for the love and affection they gave to Bonnie in her final years and to the Humane Society of Worland for their generous contribution of providing for Bonnie’s cremation and an urn for her remains. Rest in peace, Bonnie. Job well done! n
“For the wag of a tail and the bark hello, to no other friend would I ever go. To whisper my fears and lick away tears. To run and to jump and twirl around, there’s no better friend that I’ve ever found.” – Karen Monghan
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WTDEA
Office Decorating
WYDOT employees really know how to express their holiday cheer! Thank you to all who helped make WYDOT a ‘Winter Wonderland.’ Each Program had the opportunity to participate in this campus-wide contest. The judges, WTDEA Headquarters President Jason Bogstie; and representatives Tina Phillips and Robyn Eifert viewed the Headquarters decorations and chose winners. Best overall – first place: Financial Services; Santa’s Workshop Second place: Office Services; Whoville
Photo: J.L. O’Brien
Winter Wonderland decorating contest at HQ
Financial Services employees (left to right) Accounts Payable Specialist Kathleen Anderson, Billing Accountant Alex Toalson, General Ledger Accountant DJ Weekly, Revenue Supervisor Barbara MacKenzie, Accounts Payable Specialist Kim Wilson, Accounts Payable Specialist Bret Lamblin, Senior Inventory Accountant Kirk Rohde, Payroll Analyst Laurie Morris, Inventory Accountant Adrienne Andriello, Accounts Payable Supervisor Kimm Brookshire, Payroll Supervisor Mary Thieken, Accounting Manager Mattie Bray, Accounts Payable Specialist Tina Sanchez, Controller/Financial Services Program Manager Rhonda Harsy, Payroll Analyst Nisha Bishop, Accounts Payable Specialist Albert Buss (kneeling) and Cashier Kim Todd (not shown) took first place in the programs portion of the competition with their “Santa’s Workshop” theme.
Third place: WHP Records; Gingerbread Best individual office: Molly Bennett in Bridge; North Pole Best door first place: Compliance and Investigation; Snowglobe Second place: Facilities Management-Building and Grounds; Rudolph in the Dark
The hallways were strung with lights for Office Services’ “Whoville” holiday presentation.
Honorable Mention
Photo: WYDOT
Individual Office Decorating
Molly Bennett of the Bridge Program won the individual office decorating category with her candy cane-striped North Pole milieu.
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Photo: WYDOT
Honorable Mention goes to the I-25 Port of Entry for their “Home Away From Home” theme. n
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT Themed: Bridge Program
The Cheyenne I-25 Port of Entry garnered an honorable mention for their “Home away from home” theme.
Office Decorating, cont.
Photo: J.L. O’Brien
Fun had by all at HQ Family Christmas party
Wyoming Highway Patrol Records and Data Management Clerks (left to right) Antonia Torres, Geetha Murugesu, Mercedes Goepfert, Della Beasley and Amy Ehlman took third place in the programs portion of the competition with their idea for “Gingerbread and Candy Cane Lane.”
Photo: J.L. O’Brien
Best WYDOT Themed Decorating
The annual Headquarters WTDEA Family Christmas party was held on Dec. 2 at Roller City in Cheyenne. More than 140 people purchased tickets to attend. A great time was had by everyone with lots of good food and fun. As always, Santa arrived just in the nick of time to visit and have photos taken with young and old alike. Each of Santa’s visitors received a goody bag and a candy cane. This year, in addition to the usual McDonald’s gift cards, Director Bill Panos and his wife, Michelle, donated two big bags of toys to hand out to the kids at the event. We are so grateful to them for making the family party fun for the kids. WTDEA would like to thank them both for their generosity and for making it a great evening for the kids. n
Employees in the Bridge Program – (left to right) Vickie Hintze, William “Buck” Stevenson, Marshall Newlin, Patrick Rudd, Sarah Meyer, Evan Lucas, Brian Renter, Jonathan Goehring, Molly Bennett, Anmol Pakhale and Brian Anton – also put up several decorations getting into the holiday spirit with the rest of the department.
Photo: WYDOT
Door Decorating
Top honors for door decoration went to Compliance and Investigation Supervisor Lacey Bruckner, left, and Investigator Shannon Ferree, right, for their snow globe.
Mac McMillion, building grounds manager, took second-place honors for door decoration for his “Rudolph in the dark” design. Photo: WYDOT
Photo: J.L. O’Brien
Photo: J.L. O’Brien
Director Bill Panos and wife, Michelle, with Santa at the WTDEA Family Christmas party.
A group of kids receiving gifts at the family Christmas party held on Dec. 2.
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Photos: Lyle Short
Outdoors
Photos: Cody Beers
Torrington Traffic employee Lyle Short and his son, Austin, at the 2017 Tom Harpstreith memorial goose hunt.
Brady Beers, son of District 5 Public Involvement Specialist Cody Beers, harvested this white-tailed buck taken near Greybull along Shell Creek in October.
Photos: Cameron Rissler
Douglas Mechanics employee, Cameron Rissler, was busy this past fall with his many hunts. In 2017, he harvested a whitetail deer, a mule deer, an antelope, an elk and a turkey.
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Photos: Terry Uhrich
Mike Bennett of Buffalo Maintenance poses with his 2017 whitetail buck. He hunted it near Sheridan on Thanksgiving Day.
Photo: Mike Miller
Photo: Mike Bennett
District 2 Equipment Supervisor Terry Uhrich has raised these two hunting dogs with his wife, Lisa. The black dog on the left is Aisha, a 1-yearold German Wirehaired Pointer. On the right is Grover, is a 5-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer.
Chase Cimburek with Rock Springs Construction hunted this black bear in the Gros Ventre Mountains using a Sako A7M rifle chambered in .300 Win Mag. The bear was guarding the carcass of a 4x4 mule deer it had buried. Wyoming Game and Fish estimated the bear was 7 years old.
Photo: Anna Erickson
Photo: Chase Cimburek
Basin resident engineer Mike Miller poses with his 2017 whitetail buck.
Tucker Erickson with a wolf he killed. He is the son of Anna Erickson, Manger Western Ports. Hoback Junction area.
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on a WyHy card!
This offer is good until February 28, 2018 and also applies on purchases and cash advances made with your WyHy card!*
Visit WyHy.org/VISA or contact us to start consolidating and saving on your monthly payments today. *Offer valid for new and existing WyHy Credit Card holders.Visit WyHy.org/VISA or contact the Credit Union for full details.
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ALIVE AT 25 TEACHES:
l Young people are more likely to be hurt or killed in a vehicle crash;
l Inexperience, distractions, and peer pressure cause unique driving hazards;
l Speeding, alcohol, and “party drugs” greatly increase their risk of injury or death;
l As a driver or passenger, they can greatly reduce their risk by taking control;
l Committing to changing their driving behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense.
The course:
Proven effective, Alive at 25 is a highly interactive four-hour program which encourages young drivers between the ages of 14* and 24 to take responsibility for their driving behavior. Skill practices and on-the-spot defensive driving techniques help change bravado to confidence. Alive at 25 instructors use personal examples and even humor to get their point across. They use workbook exercises, interactive media segments, group discussions, role-playing and short lectures to help young drivers develop convictions and strategies that will keep them safer on the road. *14-year-olds are eligible for the the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Alive at 25 program only if he/she is eligible for a “hardship” driver’s license.
Thank you to all of the businesses in Wyoming that support the Alive at 25 program.
YOMIN W HWAY PATROG HIG
L
REGISTER Students AT
www.aliveat25.us January 2018
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January 2018
Break Time NWSO TIFRD HAIHYGW NIDYW SIKGIN CYI DOAR LOWPIGN FARFITC Answer to the December 2017 Break Time word search:
LTHAPSA NRNEENEGIGI ADRIOLAR A greeting for January:
Unscramble each of the clue words. Take the letters that appear in boxes and unscramble them for the final message.
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1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list
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Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip
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Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24