Safety

project on US 85 near Chalk Bluff Road in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on a safety project along US Highway 85 in Cheyenne.

A southbound left turn lane was installed between mileposts 3.11 and 3.31 for motorists to turn east onto Chalk Bluff Road.

Work includes minor grading to widen US 85, then milling and a hot plant mix overlay. The road surface will then be striped appropriately for the new left turn lane. A 16-foot width restriction is in place during the project.

Motorists should expect possible delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and lowered speed limits.

Work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2023.

Detours for Curtis Street Bridge replacement in Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began paving Pierce Street May 1 in preparation for the upcoming Curtis Street Bridge replacement detour.

The Curtis Street Bridge will be replaced this summer causing a higher volume of traffic detoured along Pierce Street in Laramie. In preparation for the detour, crews began applying an overlay on the road to accommodate the increased traffic, including commercial traffic.

Along with paving Pierce Street, crews also paved the crossovers in the Interstate 80 marginal. During the bridge demolition, starting May 16, traffic was shifted on I-80 to allow crews to work.

The aging Curtis St. Bridge is roughly 60 years old and will be replaced with a more modern structure able to handle traffic volumes into the future. The new bridge will also accommodate foot and bicycle traffic with an added multi-use path.

Motorists encountered delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and lowered speed limits.

District 3

New signal at Front Street, I-80 off-ramp now active

EVANSTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc., turned on the new, permanent signal at the Interstate 80 eastbound off-ramp onto Front Street in Evanston on May 24. The signal will be fully active until Labor Day, Sept. 4.

During the summer season, the signal will be fully actuated with red-yellowgreen operations. In the off season, the signal will remain in flash operations, with a flashing red for the off-ramp interstate traffic and flashing yellow for Front Street traffic.

Although the signal is active, construction work is still underway as crews finish concrete work on the sidewalks and ADA ramps, as well as other miscellaneous work.

In the past, WYDOT had used a temporary signal to address summertime congestion issues at the off-ramp until the permanent signal was construct- ed. Previous investigation by WYDOT showed an issue with summer weekend/ holiday traffic backing up onto the interstate, especially recreational trailers and motorhomes, trying to turn left off the off-ramp.

WYDOT technicians will be on-call and monitoring the intersection all summer. The project completion date is set for Oct. 31, 2023.

Snake River bridge inspection caused delays

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Collins Engineering, Inc., inspected the Snake River Bridge on WYO 22 on the nights of May 22-23. Work took place overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.

To perform the work, crews used an under bridge inspection truck, sometimes called a snooper truck, pick-up trucks and other equipment on the bridge deck. Work trucks filled a single lane, reducing traffic to one lane over the bridge. Motorists were flagged across the bridge in alternating directions. Motorists encountered delays of up to 15 minutes.

Even though the bridge is scheduled for removal in the summer of 2024, the federal government requires regular inspections on the bridge until its replacement. This work is not associated with the Snake River Bridge construction project and the contractor is not involved in the inspection.

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nance to the avalanche infrastructure in the Hoback Canyon on May 8. The work caused delays for traffic of up to 15 minutes at a time.

Crews used helicopters in the Stinking Springs area of Hoback Canyon to do maintenance on the avalanche infrastructure O’Bellx units. These units use explosions to trigger smaller, controlled avalanches to prevent dangerous, uncontrolled conditions. The O’Bellx units are remotely operated by computer and are installed and removed by helicopter.

For the safety of the traveling public and the safety of WYDOT crews, the road was briefly closed and free of moving traffic for helicopter operations to collect the equipment for summer maintenance. Motorists only saw brief delays as the helicopter carried the O’Bellx units down the mountain. Roadside flaggers controlled traffic for the operation.

Pothole patching on WYO 22, Snake River bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation performed roadway pothole patching operations on the WYO 22 Snake River Bridge May 1011. The patching work is unrelated to the current project underway at the bridge and intersection, but the contractor is aware of the work. Crews are hopeful that the patching efforts will improve conditions on the bridge while the area is under construction this summer.

Drivers encountered isolated, single lane closures with alternating traffic controlled by flaggers during work hours.

Work underway on I-80 near Little America

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Kilgore Companies, LLC, doing business as Lewis & Lewis, Inc. began paving work on Interstate 80 from mileposts 65-77 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes near Little America. The work encompasses the Granger Junction Interchange to US 30, the Little America Interchange and the Westvaco Interchange to WYO 372.

Work includes adding plant mix pavement on I-80, as well as paving operations on the interchanges and the Westvaco crossroad.

“This work is necessary to provide the structural strength to the road to fully support heavy truck traffic. Our previous work in the area identified more extensive structural deficiencies that we had to address,” WYDOT resident engineer Clint Lockman said.

Traffic was narrowed to a single lane in each direction.

“Yield signs are there for your safety, please obey the signs so traffic can flow continuously and we can avoid having to put up stop signs instead for ramp traffic,” Lockman added.

The project was awarded last July and is scheduled for completion Oct. 31 this year.

Green River signal work at Riverview will cause delays

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Casper Electric, continued work along Uinta Drive near River View Drive as part of the signal and intersection upgrade project. On May 8 access to Uinta Drive from River View Drive was reduced to a single lane in each direction for concrete work.

Traffic wishing to access Uinta Drive from the River View area were encouraged to detour onto Wilkes Drive and then Roosevelt Drive near the Harley Davidson store. Signs were placed along River View to inform drivers of the alternate route. Locals were still be able to access businesses in the area.

Work included sidewalk, curb and gutter reconstruction and drivers were advised to expect periodic daily lane closures and intermittent traffic control during working hours.

Local traffic was advised to avoid the area if possible.

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District 4

US 16 CatchNET runaway truck system retrofit underway

BUFFALO – The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded S&S Builders, of Cheyenne, a $1.4 million contract to retrofit the runaway truck system on US 16 west of Buffalo at milepost 85.40.

Work began the week of May 29 and is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2023.

While work is being completed on this project, the truck arrestor, also known as the CatchNET system, will be closed to traffic.

A truck arrester catch-net cable system is a series of 8-10 cable nets that span across a long, narrow ramp adjacent to the highway used to stop runaway vehicles. They are typically installed on mountain passes or highway routes with a steep grade of 6 percent or more.

Due to advancements in the cable system design, a retrofit would increase safety to the traveling public that may have to utilize the system in the future.

Motorists will encounter reduced speed limits, flagging operations, and periodic one-way traffic near and through the work zone.

Summer paving underway in northeast Wyoming

SHERIDAN – Wyoming Department of Transportation northeast Wyoming maintenance crews have begun yearly paving operations on various roads in Crook, Weston, Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan counties.

Paving operations began the week of May 15 in Crook and Weston Counties and will move west to Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan counties throughout the summer. Paving operations are expected to be completed by mid-August.

This particular paving operation is performed by WYDOT Maintenance crews and is meant to repair existing roadways that may have been damaged due to snow removal, winter frost heaving, excessive ruts and cracking. The average lifespan of the top few inches of a paved highway is ten to fifteen years and depends on the type and volume of traffic.

Summer paving operations are a critical component to fulfilling the mission of WYDOT – to provide a safe and effective transportation system – WYDOT District 4 maintenance dedicates about 20,000 hours each summer maintaining roadway surface conditions.

In order to complete paving operations crews need to close travel lanes, set up detours and employ flagging operations directing traffic out of the work lane as it is being completed. These road sections could be a few hundred feet or up to 1 mile.

WYDOT extends two-way left turn lane to US 14 east of Sheridan

SHERIDAN – Due to the increased number of left turns east of Sheridan on US 14, the Wyoming Department of Transportation extended a two-way center turn lane.

The turn lane was extended for 0.75 mile between Dry Ranch Road and Wilson Lane.

A recent traffic study was completed due to concerns from the traveling public regarding safety in this area. The results indicated a warrant to make the change.

The existing pavement width was wide enough to fit a left turn lane. The new configuration will offer an 11-foot travel lane in each direction with a 10-foot center turn lane and 6-foot shoulders on each side. Adding the turn lane provides safer turning movements for left-turning vehicles.

The turn lane was terminated just east of Wilson Lane because the existing pavement width narrows and is not wide enough to extend to Cedar Lane and keep a safe shoulder width.

District Traffic Engineer Michelle Edwards stated the addition of the turn lane and narrower lanes will encourage lower speeds. Vehicle speeds have been a concern in this area for several years.

WYDOT striped this section of US 14 the week of May 1. Motorists were asked to watch for striping operations and to be aware of the new lane configuration.

US 14A between Lovell, Burgess Junction open for season

SHERIDAN – Crews from both Lovell in District 5 and Burgess Junction in District 4 worked to clear the highway for its annual spring opening on May 26.

WYDOT closes this 22-mile stretch of highway annually at the end of November, after fall hunting season, due to heavy snowfall. The high-mountain highway is typically open for the Memorial Day weekend.

District 5

Pavement improvement project starts this week west of Riverton

RIVERTON – A $5.82 million pavement improvement project is underway as of May 24 on US 26/287 near Crowheart.

The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on 12.9 miles of US 26/287 between mileposts 72.13 (about 16 miles southeast of Dubois) and 85.03 (14 miles northwest of Diversion Dam Junction).

Prime contractor on the project is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland.

“The contractor’s schedule calls for asphalt milling with single-lane traffic led through the project by pilot vehicle until about dark,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Motorists will encounter 20-minute traffic delays with stopped conditions and a milled

Total number of employees: As of May 8, 2023

1,770 One month ago 1,782 One year ago 1,781

Total number of highway fatalities: As of May 13, 2023 45 One year ago 32 driving surface.”

More than 36,000 tons of asphalt paving are scheduled to begin June 9, with chip sealing of the highway scheduled after the July 4 holiday.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to McGarvin-Moberly, in May 2022. Contract completion date is Aug. 31, 202

Guardrail replacement project in Ten Sleep Canyon on US 16

BASIN – A Wyoming Department of Transportation project to remove and replace US Highway 16 guardrail began May 12 east of Ten Sleep.

S&L Industrial of Cowley is the prime contractor on the $648,397 project to remove and replace guardrail between mileposts 34.0 and 35.5 in Ten Sleep Canyon, beginning about eight miles east of Ten Sleep.

“The project’s intent is to upgrade the steel posts and meet guardrail height standards for additional safety,” said WYDOT project engineer Andy Freeman of Basin. “The project is anticipated to take about six weeks to complete. Oneway traffic will be maintained during this period and controlled with flaggers, and motorists should expect delays.”

Freeman said a 12-foot width restriction was in place for the guardrail replacement project.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the Ten Sleep Canyon guardrail project to S&L Industrial in November 2022. Contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2023.

Hot-mix patching in Hot Springs, Washakie, Big Horn counties

BASIN – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew began May 15 in Hot Springs County.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work began May 15 on Wyoming Highway 120 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse; May 16 inside Wind River Canyon on US 20/WYO 789; May 17 on US 20/WYO 789 between Kirby and Worland; May 18 and May 22 on WYO 434 south of Ten Sleep; and May 23-25 on WYO 32 north of Burlington.

The WYDOT paving operation consists of a paving crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling the hot asphalt pavement.

“Please obey posted speed limits during the paving operation, and obey flaggers and traffic control for safety’s sake. Drivers should expect short delays,” said WYDOT North District 5 Paving Foreman Shannon Armstrong of Basin.

Road shoulder sealing underway in Big Horn County

BASIN – Fog sealing of highway shoulders began May 8 in northwest Wyoming.

Fog sealing uses quick-drying oil to seal highway shoulders, and is part of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s summer chip-sealing maintenance program.

Fog sealing began May 8 between Greybull and Lovell on US 310 (mileposts 225.45 to 230.00), May 8 on US 310 west of Lovell (mileposts 237.42 to 238.28), May 8 on WYO 37 (mileposts 0 to 9.0), May 8 on US 310 east of Lovell (mileposts 235 to 236), May 9 at the junction of US 310 and WYO 114 near Deaver (mileposts 29.5 to 40.6), May 10 on WYO 295 near Powell (mileposts 0 to 12), and May 11-15 on WYO 290 west of Meeteetse (mileposts 0 to 6).

“We’re asking people to avoid driving, running or bicycling on the fog-sealed highway shoulders for 24 hours,” said WYDOT fog sealing foreman Tyd Erickson of Meeteetse. “These roadways will be chip sealed later this summer.”

WYDOT’s summer maintenance chip sealing work, which includes fog sealing, is a cost-effective way of maintaining and extending the life of highways in Wyoming.

Lander public meeting, focuses on 2023 projects

LANDER – A pair of 2023 highway projects were the focus of a May 18 public informational meeting at Lander City Hall.

Lander residents and motorists were encouraged to attend the public meeting.

Avail Valley Construction-WY, LLC, of

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Afton is the prime contractor on the $2.9 million WYO 789 Lander-Hudson State School Section project on the north edge of Lander, and Avail is also the prime contractor on the $4.95 million US 287/ WYO 789 Muddy Gap-Lander/Lyons Valley Section south of Lander.

Both projects carry contract completion dates of Oct. 31, 2023.

The work north of Lander on WYO 789 includes asphalt pavement surfacing, traffic control, sidewalk, curb and gutter, milling, grading and other work on 1.4 miles of WYO 789 beginning at milepost 80.97 – the traffic signal at the intersection of US 287 and WYO 789.

The work south of Lander includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, bridge rehabilitation, chip sealing, sidewalk, curb and gutter, milling, grading and other work on 5.8 miles of US 287/WYO 789 between Lander and Rawlins Junction.

“The prime contractor will be at the meeting to discuss the work schedule for these projects in 2023. There will be disruptions to traffic movements during the highway improvement projects, including some delays,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Erik Smith of Lander.

Pavement improvement project resumes west of Riverton

RIVERTON – A $5.85 million pavement improvement project is again underway as of May 8 on US 26 between Riverton and Pilot Butte Reservoir west of Riverton.

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

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

The contractor’s paving crew placed 14,699 tons of asphalt pavement on US 26 last fall, beginning at the highway’s intersection with Eight Mile Road. Another 18,251 tons of asphalt pavement remains to be placed between US 26 milepost 119.5 (five miles east of Kinnear) and milepost 112.98, just east of Pilot Butte Reservoir.

“The contractor’s schedule called for asphalt milling beginning Monday, May 8, with single-lane traffic led through the project by pilot vehicle until about dark,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Douglas Etsinger of Riverton. Motorists were advised to expect 20-minute traffic delays with stopped conditions and a milled driving surface.

Paving of approaches, chip sealing, shoulder work, placement of delineator posts and signs, and other work will be completed after paving.

“To pave, the contractor must wait until the temperature meets WYDOT temperature specifications, 40 degrees and rising, so working days may be shorter than typical paving projects that occur during the summer,” Scheidemantel said.

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

Delays expected as work resumes on US 14/16/20 west of Cody

CODY – Corrective actions to pavement placed last summer is underway on 10.25 miles of US 14/16/20 directly east of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

The $5.4 million pavement improvement project, west of Cody, is in its final stages, and remaining work prior to the June 30 contract completion date includes installation of asphalt curb in select locations and chip sealing of the newly-paved highway.

“By contract, all work is required to be completed by June 30,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Any motorist delays should be short.”

The project is located west of Cody between Yellowstone National Park and

Cody from milepost 0.00 (Yellowstone’s east entrance) and extending east 10.25 miles to milepost 10.25 (Fishhawk Trailhead).

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

Mid-May start on US 26/287 highway/bridge improvements

RIVERTON – A US 26/287 asphalt pavement overlay and bridge rehabilitation on the Buffalo Fork of the Snake River bridge are the focus of a $5.52 million project west of Togwotee Pass in Teton County.

“Subcontractor Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne planned to start with structure rehabilitation on the Buffalo Fork bridge on May 16,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Engineer Baylor Beers of Riverton. “Motorists should expect a one-lane closure that will be controlled by portable traffic signals, and delays of up to 10 minutes.”

Prime contractor is Avail Valley Construction-WY, LLC, of Afton.

Rehabilitation of the Buffalo Fork bridge is expected to continue through the end of August.

Avail Valley Construction is scheduled to begin paving the 5.33-mile project in mid-September. Chip sealing is scheduled in June 2024.

The scope of road and bridge improvements include asphalt pavement surfacing, bridge rehabilitation, milling, chip sealing and other work between mileposts 2.2 (Grand Teton National Park boundary) to milepost 7.53.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Avail Valley Construction-WY, LLC, on Dec. 15, 2022. Contract completion date is June 30, 2024.

US 14A safety warning sign replaced east of Lovell

LOVELL – Removal and replacement of a safety warning sign on US Highway 14A took place May 1 east of Lovell.

The $128,000 project replaced the existing, non-functional digital sign with a new, modern sign.

“This project will involve replacing the sign, installing a modern breakaway support, and incorporating revised messaging,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Andy Freeman of Basin.

The electronic sign warns motorists of sharp curves on US 14A. “The new sign will incorporate speed sensing and display a ‘slow down’ message to drivers exceeding the speed limit,” Freeman said.

The sign is located at milepost 68.50, about 22 miles east of Lovell on US 14A.

Prime contractor on the sign replacement project is Casper Electric of Casper.

from Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance workers.

The emergency rock-scaling effort is expected to include 12-hour work days, with work happening up to seven days a week. Cleanup of the slide is expected to take at least two to three weeks to complete.

Rocks and mud flowed from the hillside March 26, crossing US 20/WYO 789, and causing a near closure in the hilly area of the highway where it’s difficult to see oncoming traffic from the north or south.

“Expedited work on this slide is necessary because of the danger to the motorists caused by this active slide area,” said WYDOT Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb of Basin. “This danger is increasing, especially with ongoing spring storms in the area.”

Under traffic control, Lamb said Geovert employees were performing the rock scaling work to move debris downhill to US 20/WYO 789.

“WYDOT maintenance workers will provide the traffic control, cleanup of scaled rock and other required work,” Lamb said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we clean up another slide in Wind River Canyon.” south of Worland on Wyoming Highway 431.

The pavement overlay on WYO 431, also known as Gooseberry Creek Road, began May 1 at the intersection of WYO 431 and US 20/WYO 789 between Worland and Thermopolis, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Engineer Lance Schatz of Thermopolis.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland is the prime contractor.

“Milling and base work began May 1. The work is on WYO 431, but will impact US 20/WYO 789 since we will be working at the intersection,” Schatz said. “Work is scheduled for a couple of weeks, and then work will pause until the contractor returns to chip seal the new pavement.”

The project’s scope of work includes asphalt pavement surfacing, seeding/erosion control, traffic control, chip sealing and other on about five miles of Gooseberry Creek Road beginning at milepost 0.00.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the WYO 431 pavement improvement work to McGarvin-Moberly and contract completion date is June 30, 2024.

Bridge work on Little Popo Agie River bridge in Hudson; Cody bridge work to begin in June

CODY – A pair of bridges are the focus of more than $2.7 million in repairs and rehabilitation during the coming months in Hudson and Cody.

The

WYDOT, Colorado company set to clean up rock slide in Wind River Canyon

BASIN – A $71,880 emergency project with a Colorado rock-scaling company began May 2 to stabilize an active slide just inside the south end of Wind River Canyon near Boysen Dam.

Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes are expected.

Rock scaling and cleanup are part of the effort being undertaken by Geovert of Broomfield, Colorado, with assistance

WYO 431/Gooseberry

Creek Road pavement improvements

WORLAND – More than $2 million in pavement improvements are underway

Work on the Little Popo Agie River bridge in Hudson began May 1, with placement of traffic control. Milling and curb removal on half of the bridge deck occurred May 2.

The Hudson bridge is located at milepost 90.59 on Wyoming Highway 789 in Hudson.

Motorists encountered delays of up to 10 minutes; traffic movements were controlled with the use of portable traffic signals on each end of the Hudson bridge.

The work schedule issued by prime contractor S&S Builders, LLC, showed completion of work on the Hudson bridge by mid-July.

Work on the Shoshone River bridge in

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Cody is slated to begin in early June; the bridge work is expected to continue into October. Delays are expected.

The Cody bridge is located at milepost 100.53 on Wyoming Highway 120 on the north edge of Cody.

The scope of work on each bridge includes improvements and repairs, such as grading, milling asphalt and concrete, asphalt and concrete surfacing, bridge rehabilitation, guardrail installation and other work.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation awarded the bridge rehabilitation project to S&S Builders, LLC, of Gillette, on Dec. 15, 2022. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2023.

Tunnel lighting project underway west of Cody

CODY – Removal and replacement of the existing lighting system inside the big tunnel west of Cody on US14/16/20 is underway.

Casper Electric is the prime contractor on the $5.184 million lighting replacement project inside the big tunnel west of Cody. Casper Electric’s work includes removal and replacement of the existing tunnel lighting system.

“The new system will consist of LED lighting that is more energy efficient.

There will also be a tunnel warning system installed to notify motorists of pedestrians and/or bicyclists in the tunnels,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

Project work began May 1 with night work six days a week, in a 153-calendar-day window. During the 153-day project, motorists encounter one-way traffic movements with a pilot vehicle and flaggers during working hours and cumulative delays of up to 10 minutes. Traffic was returned to two-way traffic with no delay during non-working hours.

The lighting project begins at milepost 45 (west end of the big tunnel), extending 1 mile (east end of the short tunnels) toward Cody at milepost 46.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

“WYDOT’s decision to upgrade the big tunnel’s lighting system is based on the need to upgrade a deteriorating system that is 20-plus years old,” Frost said. “The existing fixtures have not been available for replacement for a number of years, and decreasing levels of light are contributing to an unsafe driving environment.”

Spring burning? Plan ahead, avoid burning in state rights-of-way

RIVERTON – As temperatures begin to warm and the winter snows melt, many ranchers and farmers head outside to begin their annual agricultural burns.

Each year, as the spring burning season gets into full swing, at least a few of these burns get out of control. This year, the National Weather Service and WYDOT are encouraging people to stay safe and “Learn Before You Burn!”

“Frequently our calm mornings turn windy during the afternoon,” said Lance

VandenBoogart of the Riverton NWS office. “Having an up-to-date wind speed and direction forecast can help you know where any fire is likely to move, and assess any nearby risks.”

VandenBoogart said federal and state land management agencies routinely obtain weather forecasts from the NWS, and citizens should do the same. The Riverton NWS office can be contacted 24 hours a day by phone at 1-800-211-1448. Area-specific forecasts are also available online at weather.gov/forecastpoints or at mobile.weather.gov

Highway conditions and remote weather information are available at wyoroad.info.

Citizens conducting a field burn are not only responsible for what happens on their own property, they may also be held criminally and civilly liable from damages to federal and state property. This includes, but is not limited to, right-of-way fencing, according to WYDOT District 5 Engineer Pete Hallsten of Basin.

“From WYDOT’s perspective, the safety of the traveling public, workers and volunteers in the rights-of-way is first and foremost in decisions made regarding activity on or along the state highway system,” said Hallsten. “The situation of burning highway rights-of-way generates safety concerns for the traveling public by the potential of limited visibility caused by low-hanging smoke and damage to fences, signs, sign posts, guardrail and permitted utilities. Damage to any of these items may increase the potential for a crash or otherwise jeopardize the safety of the highway user.”

Landowners, conservation districts, and others who plan to conduct prescribed burning activities are strongly encouraged to check the latest weather forecast and informing local government officials of burn plans as well.