Interchange May 2019
Vol. 47, Issue 5
PMI has returned
The state’s evaluation system has new features
Letters A quick note of thanks for the folks working at Drivers Services at 1520 Etchepare Circle. The service and their courtesy has been great.
Thank you, Dan
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
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John Kemner Fleming Island, FL
Thank you, Driver Services
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My wife and I own a home in Wyoming, and travel frequently on your state highways. Though we cannot thank a particular employee, we just wanted to thank your agency for the job you do maintaining the state’s rest areas. Almost without exception we find the highway rest stops to be clean, stocked and well-maintained. This can make a big difference on a long drive. You are setting the example I wish other states would follow. Thank you again for your hard work on behalf of your citizens and visitors.
Vol. 47, Issue 5
ease Re c Pl
Wyoming rest areas are well-maintained oases on state highways
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WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee
Editor:
Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors:
WHP Total number of employees: As of April 2, 2019
1,923
One month ago
1,914
One year ago
1,898
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Total number of highway fatalities: As of April 9, 2019
Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
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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One year ago
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A WYDOT PUBLICATION
Contents
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Features 11 Two new Commissioners sworn in Dolezal and Filer recently appointed
13 Work zone safety in spotlight Portable rumble strips to help keep workers safe
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14 WYDOT gears up for summer 2019 construction season underway
16 Performance Management Instrument Evaluation system returns with a few changes
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Also in this issue By the Numbers.......................................................................2 Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................5 Aeronautics..............................................................................18 Training.....................................................................................19 District news...........................................................................21 Awards..................................................................................... 24 Passings................................................................................... 25 Break Time.............................................................................. 27
On the cover:
Wide open spaces. US 287 near Jefffrey City. Photo: Rick Carpenter
Kindly recycle this publication after reading. May 2019
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5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Mark Gordon Governor
K. Luke Reiner Director
District 1 Lee Filer 1215 Medley Loop Cheyenne, WY 82007 307-421-9554 District 2 Jim Espy P.O. Box 146 Savery, WY 82332 307-710-0440 District 3 Jon Dolezal 1037 Summit Street Evanston, WY 82930 307-679-5156 District 4 Rick Newton 35 Shady Lane Buffalo, WY 82834 307-684-9000 District 5 Louie Pfrangle 527 Sunset Drive Worland, WY 82401 307-431-1281 District 6 Mike Larson P.O. Box 864 Lusk, WY 82225 307-340-0993 District 7 Phil Schmidt 3911 Otter Casper, WY 82604 307-262-8099 mail to: Sandra J. Scott Commission Secretary 5300 Bishop Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340 307-777-4007 (Fax) 307-777-4289
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District Briefs Commission awards $33 million in highway contracts in March CHEYENNE – Construction crews will realign 4.8 miles of road as part of the second phase of the Garner Lake Road project to help accommodate traffic in the Gillette area. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Simon Contractors, of Cheyenne, an $11 million contract for the work. The commission awarded that and 10 other contracts totaling $33 million at its recent meeting. For the second phase of Garner Lake Road, crews will realign County Road 38N in Campbell County. The new road will be parallel to the existing road and will connect with Northern Drive and phase one of the project. During phase one, crews extended Garner Lake Road to WYO 59 to provide another northern access into Gillette. The contract completion date for the second phase is of July 31, 2020. Other contracts the commission awarded included paving, bridge rehabilitation, traffic signal and rumble strip work. Northern Improvement Company, of Fargo, South Dakota, was the low bidder on an $8.5 million contract for bridge work on Interstate 25 between Casper and Kaycee in Natrona County. Crews will rehabilitate four bridges, extend the median guardrail and pave about 7.8 miles of road. The contract completion date is June 30, 2020. Croell Inc., of Sundance, won a $4 million contract for bridge work on US 18/20 between Orin Junction and Lost Springs in Converse County. Crews will replace the deck and pave 6 miles of road. The contract completion date is June 30, 2020. The commission awarded McGarvinMoberly Construction Co., of Worland, a $2.6 million contract for a pavement project on 5 miles of WYO 120 between
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Meeteetse and Cody in Park County. The work includes a 1-inch level followed by a 2-inch overlay and a chip seal. The contract completion date is June 30, 2020. Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, was the low bidder on a $2.3 million pavement and sidewalk contract on US 14 between Shell and Burgess Junction in Big Horn County. Crews will make federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades to sidewalks and pave about 4.5 miles of road. The contract completion date us June 30, 2020. The commission also awarded contracts for: • $1.3 million to McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. for a 3-mile pavement project and slope work on WYO 31 between Manderson and Hyattville in Big Horn County by Oct. 31, 2019; • $1.1 million to Croell Inc. for a 5-mile pavement project on WYO 91 west of Douglas in Converse County by Oct. 31, 2019; • $779,269 to Dietzler Construction Corp., of Yoder, for bridge replacement project over Horse Creek on County Road CN7-47A in Goshen County by June 30, 2020; • $467,762 to Modern Electric Co., of Casper, for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Boxelder and Garner Lake in Gillette by Oct. 31, 2019; • $459,750 to Surface Preparation Tech, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, for rumble strip projects at various locations statewide by Aug. 31, 2019; and • $232,484 to Casper Electric Inc., of Casper, for a fiber optic cable work for traffic signals in Cheyenne by Oct. 31, 2019.
Road work to begin on I-80 near Herrick Lane LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began a project to resurface an 8-mile section of I-80 in Albany County and repair bridges at the Herrick Lane interchange (Exit 297). Crews with Simon Contractors began work on April 29. Work began on the
structures at the Herrick Lane interchange first. Later, crews resurfaced both directions of I-80 from milepost 291.5 to milepost 299.5. The $10.9 million project is currently scheduled for two years, with work ending for this season in October. Drivers should be prepared for lane closures while work takes place.
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WYDOT, city, county, continue to discuss improvements to US 30 CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, the city of Cheyenne, and Laramie County have continued to work together in recent months to identify short-term improvements that can be made to US 30 in east Cheyenne. These improvements are in response to residents’ concerns about the area and are intended to further safety by modifying roadway features and changing driver behavior. On May 6 construction will begin on the previously-announced offset right turn lane at eastbound US 30 and southbound Whitney Road. Once built, the lane will shift vehicles turning right onto Whitney Road away from US 30, providing drivers turning from Whitney Road better sight distance looking west. In addition, WYDOT will now be constructing a similar offset right turn lane on the north side of US 30 to accommodate traffic turning from westbound US 30 to northbound Whitney Road. Besides the turn lanes, WYDOT will be making other modifications to the US 30 corridor over the next several months, including: • Installing 48-inch stop signs with flashing red beacons on Van Buren Avenue and Hayes Avenue, • Repainting stop bars at US 30 intersections to make those brighter, and • Adding overhead flashing beacon lights at US 30 and Whitney and US 30 and Dell Range. The light will flash red for side road traffic and yellow for mainline traffic. Briefs continued on page 6 May 2019
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Road work underway on I-80 in Rawlins
Briefs continued from page 5 WYDOT and local officials understand the concerns residents have with safety on the US 30 corridor from Pershing Boulevard east to Dell Range Boulevard. The new improvements are being added in anticipation of ongoing development in east Cheyenne. “We are making these improvements in light of current and near-term traffic conditions,” District Engineer Tom DeHoff said. “These changes follow nationally-accepted best practices and are backed up by the traffic data we’ve collected along the corridor.” Speed limits will be lowered to 45 mph during construction. Officers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office, and the Cheyenne Police Department have been out along the entire corridor from College Drive to Archer in recent weeks and will continue to provide enforcement. Fines will be higher in the work zone. WYDOT conducted a speed analysis last year at the request of local residents. Based on traffic flow and well established safety considerations, the study supported leaving the existing limit in place. WYDOT will continue to monitor and evaluate the existing speed limit. WYDOT also conducted an analysis for traffic signals along US 30, but intersections do not meet warrants for those signals at this time. In 2022, a Laramie County project will reconstruct the intersection of US 30 and Dell Range Boulevard. The new intersection will be moved to the west and a traffic signal will be installed. In 2024, WYDOT plans to widen US 30 to five lanes from Pershing Boulevard to Railroad Road near Archer. The US 30/ Whitney Road intersection will also be signalized at that time, based on current projections.
RAWLINS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began a project to repair concrete slabs and rehabilitate bridges on Interstate 80 in Rawlins. The specific project area is between mileposts 210 to 216 and will improve the interstate surface. Crews began work on April 22. The project is expected to last until the end of October. During construction, I-80 will be reduced to one lane in each direction in Rawlins. Drivers should use caution in the work area and obey posted speed limits. Lane closures will change during the summer as crews switch from one lane to the other. Reiman Corp. is the contractor for the $4.6 million project.
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Road work began April 22 on WYO 230
Photo: WYDOT
LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began a project to resurface an 11-mile section of WYO 230 and repair a bridge structure in Albany County on April 22. Work is between milepost 22, which is near Sodergreen Lake, and milepost 33, which is at the top of the canyon west of Woods Landing. The bridge structure to be repaired is at milepost 22.34 and crosses the Pioneer Canal. Crews with Worland-based McGarvinMoberly Construction Co. are the contractors working on the bridge. During construction, one direction of traffic will be allowed across the bridge at a time. Temporary traffic signals will allow drivers across the bridge. In May, crews will begin working on the resurfacing part of the project during daylight hours. Drivers should expect delays while the work zone is active. The entire $4.5 million project should be mostly complete by June.
The new offset right-turn lane is being built at eastbound US 30 and Whitney Road in Cheyenne.
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WYDOT offers added Driver Services hours in Baggs BAGGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will offer Driver Services hours on May 2 at the Baggs Public Library to accommodate motorists who
were unable to get licenses in April. Typically, WYDOT has hours at the library the first Thursday of every other month. April 4 was the last time WYDOT was at Baggs. However, due to a technical issue, WYDOT employees were not able to administer the computerized tests. As a result, WYDOT Driver Services administered driving tests and handled other services at the library on May 2. WYDOT uses space at the library because it doesn’t have a permanent office in Baggs. To accommodate those customers, WYDOT will offer hours on May 2 instead of waiting until June. WYDOT will also still have the regular hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Baggs on June 6. WYDOT had to close the Rawlins Driver Services Office on May 2 so the employees could staff the Baggs location. Whenever the Baggs location is open, the Rawlins office is closed because those same employees work both locations. “The technical issues we had last month inconvenienced many of our customers, so we wanted to make this right and offer another day,” said Misty Dobson, WYDOT Driver Services program manager. “We also want to let the community know that we have taken steps to ensure this won’t happen again.” In the future if there are technical issues and people can’t take the computerized tests, WYDOT will have paper copies available.
Pursuit comes to an end west of Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Two New Mexico residents are in custody following a pursuit which took place April 2. The pursuit began east of Laramie on Interstate 80. A 35-year-old resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop on Interstate 80. Albany County deputies attempted to stop a dark green Acura near milepost 319 on I-80 for a registration violation. The driver of the Acura failed to stop and fled from the deputy. The vehicle was pursued east on Interstate 80 and entered Laramie County. Around milepost 342 on I-80, Wyoming Highway Patrol took lead in the pursuit. Troopers from the Cheyenne area responded and were able to successfully deploy spike strips west of Cheyenne. Around milepost 357, the driver of the
Snow removal on WYO 22 caused delays
winter season. This season, the snow was 12-feet deep in some areas. The crews used a bulldozer to break up the snow into windrows and then had the Kodiak rotary remove the snow from the road.
Acura drove off the roadway and into the barrow ditch. The suspect vehicle continued east in the barrow ditch for a short distance before attempting to re-enter the eastbound lanes of I-80. As the suspect attempted to re-enter to the interstate, her car collided with a patrol vehicle. The driver of the Acura put the car in reverse and struck another patrol vehicle before coming to a stop. The driver and passenger were taken into custody without further incident. Troopers located suspected stolen property inside the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 35-year-old New Mexico resident Nicole Anne Montano. Montano was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, reckless driving, fleeing to elude and other traffic-related offenses. The passenger of the vehicle has been identified as 33-year-old Albuquerque, New Mexico resident Thien Uong. It was learned Uong had active warrants for his arrest out of Nebraska and Kansas. He also was charged with possession of stolen property. Montano and Uong were both booked into the Laramie County Detention Center. Two troopers were treated at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and released with minor injuries. Albany County Sheriff ’s Office assisted the patrol with this event.
Photo: WYDOT
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Shirley Rim Maintenance crew member Ray Gault drives the rotary plow on March 27 in efforts to clear WYO 77 for the summer season.
Photo: WHP
Bridge work underway on WYO 387 WRIGHT – Bridge work began on WYO 387 between Wright and Edgerton March 27 as part of a larger project rehabilitating approximately 17 miles of the highway this year. The project includes milling, leveling and a 2-inch overlay on the highway between mileposts 115 and 132, located between Pine Tree Junction (WYO 50) and the junction with WYO 192. Two bridges, located at mileposts 116 and 118, will receive new expansion joints, deck seal and rebuilt approach slabs. Currently, traffic is reduced to one lane on each of the bridges, with the northbound lanes currently closed. Once the bridge work is completed, crews will begin the milling and paving work. The project will last through September.
South Belt Loop Access closed from Dewar
WHP deployed spike strips to stop the fleeing Acura along I-80.
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Photo: WYDOT
WYO 77 reopens for the season SHIRLEY RIM – The hard-working Shirley Rim crew succeeded in reopening WYO 77 for the season on April 5. A cut through a hill along the highway causes drifting and the roadway fills in with snow. This is one of the factors in closing WYO 77 for the
JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began digging out ditches on WYO 22 Teton Pass near milepost 11 on April 17 with a rotary plow and other equipment. Crews worked in the Twin Slides area, digging out and blowing snow out of the ditches alongside the road. “We need to dig out the snow there to give rocks a place to land if they come down,” said WYDOT foreman Bruce Daigle said. The work took place under traffic conditions and delays were expected. Traffic was reduced to an alternating single lane during most of the work.
A temporary stoplight has been installed along WYO 387.
ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed access to the South Belt Loop from Dewar Drive on April 24 for roughly a month. The closure was due to the installation of a pipe to alleviate drainage issues. During this time, drivers will see lane reductions on Dewar Drive, restrictions on turning movements and possible delays and congestion. Crews will also be working signal upgrades and sidewalk ADA upgrades in three intersections in town. Local traffic will see intermittent temporary lane closures at the intersection of Center Street, Elk Street and Dewar Drive, as well as at Grant Street and Center Street. “We know it is inconvenient, but we will have to close access to the belt loop for a short period of time,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said. Work on the South Belt Loop and Dewar Drive will be followed by similar work on Grant Street and Center Street. Drivers will also see similar lane reductions and restricted turning movements in this area as well. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Center Street as crews work on the ADA and signal upgrades. This work should also last roughly a month. Briefs continued on page 8 May 2019
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Maintenance crews then punched a hole through the snow slide and proceeded to move stopped traffic through. They continued to the Calf of the Wood, another nearby slide path, and continued with their avalanche mitigation measures. They were able to bring down some snow and debris that reached the adjacent ditch. While they were working to clean up the snow and debris, the Cow of the Wood came down a third time, but the snow and debris only reached the fog line of the road. The roadway was opened back up to full traffic at about 3:45 p.m. A notification was sent out to the 511 alert system notifying travelers to “be prepared to stop and expect delays.” WYDOT’s avalanche team will be monitoring the Hoback Canyon, Snake River Canyon and Teton Pass closely as warming temperatures and more rain is forecasted for the valley.
Briefs continued from page 7 The completion date for this project is Oct. 31. The project was awarded to Casper Electric Inc. in January.
Construction underway on US 191 north of Daniel Junction
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
PINEDALE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has begun working on several bridges on US 189/191 north of Daniel Junction. WYDOT, along with contract crews from Lewis & Lewis Inc., have set up traffic control at two bridge locations at Warren Bridge (milepost 120.20) and North Beaver Creek Bridge (milepost 127.45). Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by a timed traffic light. The work will include pavement surfacing, bridge rehabilitation and miscellaneous work on 8.5 miles of US 189/191 beginning at milepost 120. Paving and work on an additional bridge will take place in June. The completion date for this work is Oct. 1.
The work near Daniel Junction will include pavement resurfacing on 8.5 miles of US 189/191.
Avalanche closes US 189/191 in Hoback Canyon JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation avalanche and maintenance crews responded to natural slide activity on US 189/191 Hoback Canyon April 4. At roughly 1 p.m., WYDOT crews dispatched to a natural avalanche at the Cow of the Woods in Hoback Canyon. The slide did reach the roadway. Crews then initiated some avalanche mitigation work on the Cow of the Wood slide path and brought down a controlled slide over the initial slide that extended over both lanes that was roughly 16 feet high at its crown.
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Crews work on clearing the Cow of the Woods avalanche.
WYDOT work will affect traffic in and around Rock Springs ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will be working in several areas around town the next few months. Crews will be doing work on signal and sidewalk ADA upgrades in three intersections in town. Local traffic will see intermittent temporary lane closures at the intersection of Center Street, Elk Street and Dewar Drive, as well as at Grant Street and Center Street and the South Belt Loop and Dewar Drive beginning next week. In mid-April, crews restricted access to the South Belt Loop from Dewar Drive to work on some drainage issues in the turning lane. During this time, drivers could see lane reductions on Dewar Drive, restrictions on turning movements and
possible delays and congestion. The work should last roughly a month. “We will have to close access to the belt loop for a short period of time to install a storm sewer pipe to address the drainage issue,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said. Crews will then move work to Grant Street and Center Street. Drivers will also see similar lane reductions and restricted turning movements in this area as well. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Center Street as crews work on the ADA and signal upgrades. The work should also last roughly a month. The completion date for this project is Oct. 31, 2019. The project was awarded to Casper Electric Inc. in January. Drivers will also see work on the Interstate 80 eastbound bridge over Springs Drive and the railroad tracks near exit 104. Work was completed last year on the westbound bridge. The bridge approach slab is being removed and replaced. Both bridges had some road damage in the form of a large buckle, or bump. Eastbound drivers will see a reduction to one lane and reduced speeds, but traffic disruption should be minimal. The completion date is also Oct. 31. WYDOT and contract crews from Lewis & Lewis Inc. will be initiating work on 10 miles of Interstate 80 near Point of Rocks in the westbound lanes from milepost 120-130. However, crews will be doing some spot paving in the eastbound lanes to patch-up rough areas before switching the westbound traffic on to the eastbound lanes. Work is tentatively scheduled for next week.
I-90, I-25 Interchange rehab work underway BUFFALO – WYDOT is overseeing the rehabilitation of bridge decks, concrete roadway and ramps on the I-90 and I-25 interchanges this summer. Work is underway on the bridges on the east and westbound lanes of I-90 at Exit 58, US 16 Interchange in Buffalo. Contractors will finish rehabilitation work on the bridge decks prior to resurfacing them. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane
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at the bridges, with reduced speeds of 45 mph and flagging operations. In addition to the bridge work, four ramps will be repaired. Several concrete slabs on the ramps need replacing and the work will require the ramps to be closed for approximately 30 days each. Detours will be put in place during those closures. The sequence of ramp closures began in mid-April starting with the eastbound off ramp at Exit 58 of I-90. The remaining three ramps are closing as follows: • Exit 300, I-25 northbound ramp to I-90 eastbound – mid-May;
30 miles west of Riverton between Diversion Dam and Pilot Butte Reservoir. Rock was hauled to the project site from gravel pits near Lander and Dubois, and the riverbank was rebuilt using material hauled from a state-leased gravel pit several miles east of the work site. Contract completion date is June 30.
Prime contractor on the $973,000 project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co. in July 2018. The project involves 0.61 miles of US 20/WYO 789 about five miles north of Thermopolis. Project work includes grading, draining, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt pavement surfacing, placement of 400 feet of asphalt pavement curb for drainage, fencing and other work between mileposts 137.14 and 137.67. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.
• Exit 58, I-90 westbound off ramp – early June; and
North Federal project construction moves to area near Walmart RIVERTON – Construction of three new accesses at Walmart picked up after April 22 on the $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project in Riverton. Additional exit lanes are being built at each of the three accesses into Walmart. Other project work includes reconstruction of the Webbwood Road/North Federal Boulevard intersection, and sanitary sewer installation between Sunset Drive and Webbwood Road.
Erosion repair project concluded west of Riverton near the Big Wind River bridge
• Exit 56B, I-90 westbound to I-25 southbound – early August. The detour route for all closures will be via I-25, Hart Street and US 16. This project has an expected completion date of Oct. 31.
Left-turn lane, mailbox turnout project resumes north of Thermopolis THERMOPOLIS – Construction of a left-turn lane and mailbox turnouts resumed the week of April 22 north of Thermopolis on US 20/WYO 789. When complete, the project is expected to improve highway safety through the busy rural area in Hot Springs County.
Photo: WYDOT
RIVERTON – A $1.15 million erosion repair project wrapped up April 22 adjacent to the Big Wind River bridge west of Riverton on US 26. Kilroy LLC, of Afton, was the prime contractor. The Wyoming Transportation Commssion awarded the contract to Kilroy this past December. More than 15,500 cubic yards of pitrun rocks and dirt were placed along the north side of the Big Wind River riverbank, along with more than 6,000 cubic yards of rocks, to combat future river erosion at the Big Wind River bridge.
Asphalt pavement milling in front of the Riverton Walmart in mid-April on the North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
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Traffic moving along US 20/WYO 789 north of Thermopolis.
Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis said the contractor’s work schedule calls for dirt and pipe work this spring, followed by mid-June paving and chip sealing near the end of June.
WYDOT Engineer Cody Johler of Riverton watched over the final hours of reclamation at the erosion project near the Big Wind River bridge west of Riverton on US 26.
“This was a long-term project to keep the river flowing under the bridge,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Cody Johler of Riverton. The project’s scope of work included rebuilding and armoring the river bank upstream from the 500-foot-long bridge, while completing erosion repairs near the bridge on US 26 at milepost 102.81, about
“We appreciate citizens adhering to the 20 mph speed limit and refraining from making left-hand turns within the work zone,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Additional traffic enforcement by Riverton Police Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol is helping to keep the work zone safe.” The $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard (US 26/WYO 789) project bid was awarded to S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette, in September 2017. The northern phase of the project is happening in 2019; it includes improvements between Burger King and Walgreens on North Federal Boulevard. Briefs continued on page 10 May 2019
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LOVELL – A $1.6 million highway rehabilitation project has started directly south of Lovell on US 310. Highway improvements on 5 miles of US 310 directly south of Lovell include widening mailbox turnouts, asphalt pavement milling, and a pavement overlay, said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “During asphalt pavement milling operations, motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes,” Miller said. “Please slow down in the work zone and give the workers a brake.” Scheduled improvements are between mileposts 230 and 235 south of Lovell. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the US 310 project contract to prime contractor Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, in February. Completion date is Oct. 31.
Asphalt pavement rehabilitation project begins near Hyattville BASIN – A $1.3 million highway rehabilitation project is underway on WYO 31 near Hyattville. “Earth work has started, and this project includes shoulder flattening, pipe extensions, and an asphalt pavement leveling and overlay,” said Michael Miller, Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer in Basin. “The contractor is currently working on dirt and pipe extensions. Paving is scheduled for the first part of May.” The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the roadway rehabilitation project to McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, in March. Project completion date is Oct. 31.
GREYBULL – A $2.3 million project pavement rehabilitation project through the community of Shell began the first week of May on US 14. Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor. “Work includes Americans with Disabilities Act improvements through Shell, including an asphalt pavement leveling and overlay,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “Mountain Construction’s schedule calls for the beginning of dirt, pipe and sidewalk removal work first, with paving scheduled about the end of May.” The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project contract to Mountain Construction Co. in March. Project completion date is June 30, 2020.
Right-of-way fencing project underway north of Worland WORLAND – More than 72 miles of right-of-way fencing will be replaced in a $1.6 million project currently underway north of Worland alongside US 20. “The work will take place in 10 different locations throughout the Big Horn Basin,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. Other sections of new right-of-way fencing to be built include: WYO 36 (mileposts 0.37 to 3.13), Golf Course Road near Basin; US 14/16/20 (mileposts 100.75 to 99.7), north of Greybull; US 310, (mileposts 249 to 257), from Deaver to the Montana state line; WYO 120 (mileposts 109 to 111), north of Cody; US 14/16/20 (mileposts 35.83 to 40.65), between Cody and the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park; WYO 120 (mileposts 80.2 to 81.20), from US 14/16/20 intersection toward Meeteetse; WYO 120 (mileposts 56.5 to 65), Meetee-
tse Rim between Cody and Meeteetse; WYO 290 (mileposts 6.04 to 8.30), west of Meeteetse; and WYO 170 (mileposts 6 to 9.74), west of Thermopolis. “The contractor plans to work in this order,” Miller said. King Enterprises LLC, of Mills, is the prime contractor. Project completion date is Oct. 31.
WYO 290 project west of Meeteetse underway MEETEETSE – A $2.3 million pavement improvement project west of Meeteetse began on April 1 on WYO 290. “Work is scheduled to begin with milling of existing pavement on April 1, weather permitting,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Slope flattening and guardrail work will start immediately after milling. Paving is tentatively scheduled for mid-May.” The project begins at milepost 6.06, about 6 miles west of Meeteetse, and the project continues 5.2 miles west to the end of the state-maintained section of WYO 290. During guardrail improvements, traffic will be maintained to one-way traffic with a portable traffic signal 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until work is completed. Drivers should prepare for traffic delays of five to 10 minutes during the guardrail improvements. During all other work, motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes with traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot vehicle. Scope of work on the West Wood River project includes milling of the existing pavement surfacing, placement of 1 inch of pavement leveling, placement of 2 inches of pavement, and a chip seal finish. The existing guardrail will be replaced or adjusted as needed. Mail box turnouts will be constructed as needed, and slopes will be flattened as needed. Prime contractor on the MeeteetsePitchfork project is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland. Contract completion date is Oct. 31. n
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click it or ticket. no excuses.
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Asphalt pavement milling starts on US 310 project south of Lovell
US 14 project underway near Shell
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Photo: Rick Carpenter
New Transportation Commissioners Jon Dolezal (center) and Lee Filer being sworn in by the Honorable Thomas Campbell from the Laramie County 1st Judicial District Court.
Two new members join the Wyoming Transportation Commission By Aimee Inama The Wyoming Transportation Commission has two new members who will represent several counties in the state while serving their terms. Gov. Mark Gordon, with the approval of the state Senate, recently appointed Jon Dolezal, of Evanston, and Lee Filer, of Cheyenne, to the commission. Dolezal represents Commission District 3, which includes Uinta, Lincoln, Sublette and Teton counties. Filer represents Commission District 1, which encompasses Goshen, Platte and Laramie counties. Both will serve six-year terms. Dolezal and Filer are part of a seven-member commission, which also includes Chairman Mike Larson, of Lusk; Vice Chairman Rick Newton, of Buffalo; and commissioners Phil Schmidt, of Casper; Jim Espy, of Savery; and Louie Pfrangle, of Worland. Dolezal is the executive vice president and chief credit officer of Uinta Bank in Evanston, Mountain View and Rock Springs. Dolezal was raised and graduated high school in Mountain View, Wyoming. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wyoming. After graduating he worked in banking in Laramie before moving back to southwest Wyoming. He has been involved in numerous volunteer endeavors in recent years, including serving on the Evanston Renewal Board, and he is currently on the Youth Athletic Board with the Evanston Parks and Recreation, and he has coached many youth sports through the years.
Dolezal loves spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of Wyoming. Some of his favorite activities include camping, hunting, snow machining, golfing and fly fishing with his wife and his two sons. Filer works as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad, a position he’s held since 2003. Filer was raised in Cheyenne and attended school there. He served in the Wyoming Air National Guard from 2001-2004, and again from 2010-2016. While in the military, he attended the Community College of the Air Force. In 2019, Filer was appointed to serve on the City of Cheyenne Personnel Commission. He was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2013-2014. While serving in the Legislature, he was a member of the Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, the Journal Committee, and the Select Committee on Archaic Laws. He was appointed by former Gov. Matt Mead to the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2012, and he was chairman in his last year on the council in 2018. Filer also served on the Department of Family Services Advisory Council from 2014-2018. In his free time, Lee enjoys spending time with his wife, Renee’, and his six children. Commission meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. Visit http://www.dot.state.wy.us/meetings for a complete meeting schedule. n
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Work zone safety in the spotlight as construction season begins By Aimee Inama and J.L. O’Brien The Wyoming Department of Transportation will pilot a new program this construction season in its continued effort to provide a safe and efficient transportation system. The department will use rumble strips in work zones on Interstate 80 in the Cheyenne area to make work zones safer for employees and the travelling public. Rumble strips catch driver attention as they enter work zones. “We just thought with all the near misses … we needed to do something different here,” Area Foreman Tony Avila said. “We’re just not getting their attention.” The goal of the pilot program is to see how the rumble strips work with I-80’s truck and traffic volume. If the pilot yields results, the state would expand use of rumble strips on interstate projects on all of interstates 80, 25 and 90. “This will alert the distracted drivers in plenty of time so they can move over,” Avila said. “So they can avoid collisions with our equipment, avoiding injuries to our employees or themselves.” Rumble strips have already been in use on secondary roads in the northern part of the state for 15 years, Avila said. And other
states have successfully used rumble strips on interstates regularly. The rumble strips are simple, temporary three-quarter-inch high pieces of heavy-duty rubber laid on top of the road. It doesn’t need to be mounted, so there is no damage to the road and they can be easily removed. They will stay in place as long as speeds are 65 or lower, so the speed limit will have to lowered where they are in use. There is no cost associated with the pilot as the department is using equipment that has already been purchased for use in the northern part of the state. April 8-12 was National Work Zone Awareness Week, and driver distraction is a concern in construction zones. The number of crashes in work zones spiked in 2018 in Wyoming with 322 crashes. Typically these events still make up more than 200 crashes each year. There have been a total of 1,338 in the past five years in Wyoming. And, more than 30 percent of those crashes led to injuries or fatalities. Construction season in Wyoming can start as early as April but typically gets under way in May. WYDOT will have construction along interstates 80, 25 and 90, and secondary highways. “We want the traveling public and everyone out there to be safe,” said Kevin Erickson, resident engineer in Cheyenne. “Our crews are out there working on the roads in an area where traffic is traveling close by. We want everyone to pay attention and be aware of each other so we don’t have any accidents.” When traveling in work zones, motorists may encounter narrower lanes because crews are working. Those areas also have construction activities, which means motorists need to slow down to protect themselves and the crews who are working. WYDOT also posts safety signs before construction sites to alert motorists of upcoming work. In work zones, motorists may see traffic cones, concrete barriers, flaggers, reduced speed signs and other safety-related measures. “There’s a lot going on, on these construction sites. There’s a lot of equipment, there’s a lot of workers out on the road, there’s flaggers, traffic control people. But we really want to encourage people to stay focused on the road and stay focused on what’s ahead of them.” When traveling in or near work zones, motorists should: • Plan ahead and give themselves extra time to reach their destinations. • Slow down and follow speed limit signs. • Pay attention to other drivers.
Photos: Rick Carpenter
• Don’t drive distracted. • Wear their seat belts. • Visit WYDOT’s 511 website at wyoroad.info for the latest road and travel information. n
Chad Varland, of the Cheyenne Maintenance shop, demonstrated the portable rumble strips recently in the safety of the WYDOT parking lot in Cheyenne. Portable rumble strips can be deployed quickly and easily ahead of work zones to keep workers safe in high traffic situations.
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WYDOT gears up for start of 2019 construction season By Aimee Inama
Construction crews are expected to start work within the next few weeks, with the majority of the work taking place during the spring, summer and fall months. The Wyoming Transportation Commission is expected to award about $290 million in contracts by September. Construction crews will work on about 97 projects in 2019.
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Photo: Rick Carpenter
The Wyoming Department of Transportation will continue with several ongoing projects as well as start new projects in 2019 that will improve road conditions and traffic flow for motorists.
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Interstate projects
On I-80, crews will repair six bridges and repave 10 miles of road between Rock Springs and Rawlins in Sweetwater County. For the bridge work, crews will make repairs to four of the bridges and replace two of them. The contract completion date is October 2020. The cost of the project is $16.8 million. In Albany County, crews will repave 8 miles on I-80 near Laramie and also make repairs to two bridges. The project will cost $10.8 million and the contract completion date is October 2020. On I-25, crews will continue improvement work on 3 miles near Glendo. Crews have been grading, widening and adding an overlay to the road to make it safer. Crews are expected to complete the $11.2 million project on October 2019. Between the Montana state line and Ranchester on I-90, crews will continue with a $7.6 million contract to repave 5 miles of surface. The contract completion date is October 2019.
Non-Interstate projects
Photo: WYDOT
The northern phase of the North Federal Boulevard project in Riverton is also scheduled to start this year. The project involves reconstructing two miles of WYO 789 (North Federal Boulevard). Besides reconstructing the road, the contract is a joint project with the city of Riverton that also includes sidewalk and ADA upgrades, utility work, storm sewer work, and new street light and new traffic signal installation. The $13.96 million project has a contract completion date of October 2019. Crews will also continue work on Garner Lake Road between Gillette and the Montana state line. Phase two will consist of realigning 4.8 miles of road, parallel and to the east of the current road. During phase one, crews extended Garner Lake Road to WYO 59 to provide another northern access into Gillette. The 11 million project has a contract completion date of July 2020. n
Photo: WYDOT
“WYDOT will continue work on several projects this construction season that will help preserve and modernize the state’s highway system,” said Shelby Carlson, WYDOT chief engineer. “We carefully select projects based on system needs and public input. The projects help meet our mission of providing a safe, high quality and efficient transportation system for travelers.” Motorists traveling the state may encounter work zones, which means they need to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, drive cautiously and avoid distractions. “When motorists encounter highway work zones, they need to follow the reduced speed limits, pay attention to their surroundings and keep a safe distance from other motorists and workers,” Carlson said. “We want to ensure everyone, including workers and the traveling public, are safe.” WYDOT will be working on two large projects this year on US 26/89/189/191 south of the town of Jackson. This corridor was broken into two separate projects – the Jackson South project and the Snake River South project. The Jackson South project, which includes new pavement, additional lanes, turnouts, pathways, accommodations for wildlife and landscaping, as well as various other improvements from milepost 145-149, will wrap up this year. The work is required to be completed by June 30, 2019. The Snake River South project will be let this May and will include the reconstruction of US 26/89/189/191 from mileposts 141-145 with similar improvements. It is anticipated work will begin later in the summer. Accommodations for wildlife include six underpasses for big game and several smaller culverts for small mammals and facilities for fish passage have been included in the corridor improvements for these two projects. More information is available at www.dot.state.wy.us/jacksonsouth. The other projects WYDOT will be working on throughout the state include pavement projects, bridge rehabilitation, slide work and other improvements. The following is a highlight of some of those projects.
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plann ing
g chin oa
Learn about the state’s employee evaluation c system and what has changed rev ie w
performance management instrument
If you haven’t heard, the state has made some changes to the Performance Management Instrument (PMI), which is an annual evaluation system for employees. As state employees, you previously received emails letting you know about the upcoming changes. As a way to help educate everyone on those changes, below are frequently asked questions about the PMI, what changes have been made, when they were made and what it means to you.
What is the PMI? How long have we had the PMI?
PMI stands for Performance Management Instrument. Although the PMI itself dates back to 2011, the concept of performance management has been practiced in the state of Wyoming since the 1970s. State agencies then were tasked with developing their own criteria and forms, which generated a lot of inconsistency throughout the state; some employees didn’t even receive an evaluation. In the 1980’s, the state Legislature required that A&I develop a statewide performance management system. For a period of years, the state went back and forth on criteria and while these processes were viewed as a success, they were also viewed as highly inefficient. In an attempt to promote higher efficiency and make the process more robust, the PMI, as we know it today, was introduced. The PMI process truly should be thought of as a continuous cycle that features open communication between supervisors and employees in three key areas: planning, coaching and reviewing. The new performance evaluation period lasts from April 1 through March 31. Within the cycle, performance is documented using three phases. The first phase is the Planning Phase. During this phase, expectations are identified through the use of setting goals and target ranges. The second phase is the Mid-Year Phase. During this phase formal coaching and feedback is provided. Lastly, the third phase is the Final Evaluation Phase. During this phase performance is reviewed and measured. Both employees and supervisors play an integral part. Performance is ultimately up to the employee, but a supervisor can greatly assist an employee with achieving performance expectations through the proper use of the program and system. The only requirement of employees and supervisors is that they participate during the three phases. However, the instru-
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ment is most effective if employees and supervisors are documenting performance throughout an entire period. There are a number of tools within the system that can assist with this.
Why do we have a PMI?
Performance management is an ongoing, continuous process of communicating and clarifying job responsibilities, priorities and performance expectations to ensure mutual understanding between supervisor and employee. It is a philosophy which values employee development as it focuses on defining standards and documenting performance. The PMI assists supervisors with tackling this initiative as it was developed for a means of guiding a performance evaluation process that clearly defines performance standards, encourages employee development, and serves as a basis for evaluating employee performance. This does not mean that employees will automatically succeed. The PMI process assists supervisors with evaluating this performance so that they may support and recognize employees. Studies have shown that many benefits actually stem from conducting performance evaluations. To list a few, performance management, done well, provides: • Improved communication between supervisor and employee. • Improved individual performance and productivity. • Employee growth and development. • Increased employee morale. • Adaptability and flexibility. • Conversation about priorities. • An opportunity to mitigate poor behaviors. • Fair and honest evaluations.
Why did we decide to make changes to the PMI?
Since inception of the PMI program back in 2011 very few changes have been made. Given the time frame that has elapsed and due to an overwhelming amount of employee feedback over the years, we felt the need to re-evaluate the program to ensure not only that the method and criteria for evaluating performance was still effective, but also to ensure that the program continues to evolve in a positive way.
Who brought forth the changes? Who was involved? What areas did the committee review?
All of the changes to the PMI program were brought forward by the PMI Continuous Improvement Committee. Some members from the original focus group tasked with the development of the PMI were asked back. A majority of the members were new. In total, this group was comprised of employees, supervisors, administrators, directors and human resource officers represented 11 different agencies (Department of Administration & Information, Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Department of Revenue & Taxation, Department of Family Services, Office of State Lands & Investments, Department of Corrections, State Parks & Cultural Resources, Public Service Commission and Wyoming Public Employees Association or WPEA). This committee was divided into three focus groups: 1) Scoring and Design; 2) Administration and Rules; and 3) Training and Communications. The Scoring and Design subgroup’s role was to identify current form issues and implement solutions that would expand the use of the system and create more equitable performance measures. The Administration and Rules subgroup’s role was to identify current procedural issues and implement solutions that would add clarity to the PMI process through the administration of current rules or the proposal of any rule changes. Lastly, the Training and Communications subgroup’s role was to identify current training issues and implement solutions that would enhance training and educate users on any program changes. Meetings began in January 2018.
What has changed for supervisors and employees?
1) New Evaluation Period - The new evaluation period will run from April 1 - March 31. This period aligns more appropriately with legislative sessions and should merit pay be allocated, the reward can be implemented in a much more timely manner. 2) New Outlook on Goals – Goals will no longer receive their own individual rating. Goals will still be required on the form, but to promote consistency statewide no more than three can now be given. Goals are still crucial piece to the performance puzzle, but rather than receiving their own ratings, credit for goal accomplishments will be dispersed throughout the competencies. 3) New Competencies - The committee decided to split the definition of Personal Effectiveness into two new competencies: Accountability and Professionalism. Accountability will focus on goals and achieving desired results while accepting full responsibility for actions. Professionalism will focus on promoting high standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and behaviors consistent with government standards. This will provide employees with a total of six core competencies. The other big change associated with competencies impacts supervisors only. Supervisors had a third section on the previous form, Conducting Performance Evaluations for Direct Reports. The definitions for Leadership and Developing Others have been revised to include this concept. This means supervisors will have a total of eight core competencies. 4) New Scoring Plan - Perhaps, the biggest change involves scoring. Scores are still distributed on a four-point scale. The change is evident in the overall score. To start, how the overall
score is calculated has been simplified. An employee’s overall score will be calculated by averaging the six core competency ratings whereas a supervisor’s overall score will be calculated by averaging the eight core competency ratings. Next, the new overall scoring ranges have been modified so that a more accurate representation of an employee’s overall performance is displayed. • Now, An employee’s average that falls between 0 and .4 will earn an overall Unsatisfactory rating. • An employee’s average that falls between .5 and 1.4 will earn an overall Growth Necessary rating. • An employee’s average that falls between 1.5 and 2.4 will earn an overall Meets Expectations rating. • An employee’s average that falls between 2.5 and 3.4 will earn an overall Commendable rating. • An employee’s average that falls between 3.5 and 4 will earn an overall Superior rating.
What happened April 1?
The planning phase associated with the new evaluation period will open April 1.
What will employees need to do?
Watch the What’s New video and check out A&I’s new website at https://ai.wyo.gov. As more information becomes available or other changes implemented those will be communicated in the Interchange, on A&I’s website or via email. Once the planning phase opens, collaborate with supervisors to set goals.
What will supervisors need to do?
Watch the What’s New video and check out A&I’s new website. As more information becomes available or other changes implemented those will be communicated through in the Interchange, on A&I’s website or via email. Once the planning phase opens, collaborate with employees to set goals and clarify expectations. In addition, the current PMI supervisor course has also been drastically modified. This course has been streamlined compared to the prior course and is much more interactive. This course incorporates all of the changes to the program and also addresses changes to the system which includes new functionality associated with split screen, feedback central, and goal notes, as well as new tools like 1:1 meetings and development plans. Because of the magnitude of the these changes, this course is required for all supervisors, current and new, to complete one month prior to the start of the Evaluation Phase or Feb. 1, 2020.
Is there a midyear coaching meeting with employees and supervisors? Yes. Meetings will still be required for each phase.
Do employees and supervisors set goals for the year like before?
Yes. Goals are still required and still very much function as they did before, they are just no longer rated directly. Goals provide direction; employees still have to know what it is they are supposed to do or accomplish throughout the period. n
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Wyoming fatalities linked to lack of seat belt use
Since the beginning of 2019, we have lost 38 lives on Wyoming’s roadways, and 17 of those motorists were not wearing a seat belt. This number does not have to be this high. Wear your seat belt, never drive distracted, and slow down for hazardous road conditions. Remember when we lose a life it’s someone’s father, mother, son, daughter or family member who is still expecting them to come home. The responsibility rests solely on each of us to create a safer Wyoming. The Wyoming Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring public safety when traveling on Wyoming’s roadways, but we need everyone’s help to succeed. n
Photo: WYDOT
By Sgt. Jeremy Beck, Wyoming Highway Patrol Have you ever decided to go for a drive with your friends and family and think to yourself, “I’m fine without my seat belt.” “It’s just a quick trip into town.” “It’s not worth the hassle of making sure everyone is buckled up.” “They are all adults, and it is not my responsibility.” This is a thought most of us have experienced. We all think it’s a quick trip and nothing will happen. Would you be surprised if you knew the lack of seat belt use is the leading cause of fatalities so far this year? Would you be surprised if family members told you their son, daughter, husband, or wife who was killed were always safety oriented and wore their seat belts? However, this one day they failed to buckle up. You are probably left with the question, “Why, why this day?” “Troopers continue to educate the public about how much safer they are wearing a seat belt if involved in an injury collision,” said Sgt. Jeremy Beck with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “Seat belts can and do save lives. We see it daily when investigating motor vehicle collisions.” We all know someone who tries to create the argument about it being safer not to wear a seat belt and the anomaly of someone living because they were unbuckled. This is not always true, and the facts prove it.
Aeronautics More Wyoming air service negotiations underway By J.L. O’Brien Members of a previously appointed state legislative group and other air service experts have selected SkyWest Airlines to enter into negotiations for a long-term contract to provide air service to as many as four Wyoming cities. A selection committee consisting of two Wyoming legislators, who served on the Commercial Air Service Improvement Council, two aeronautics commissioners and other air service experts worked with the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Procurement Office in the selection of SkyWest Airlines to enter into negotiations to provide air service to Gillette, Riverton, Rock Springs and Sheridan. The committee found the SkyWest/United Express proposal to be the best choice to continue carrying out the mission and accomplishing the goals of the Commercial Air Service Improvement Plan. Details of the contract and service, which would be branded United Express and operated by SkyWest, will be negotiated next.
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The selection of SkyWest airlines is a significant milestone in the state’s Commercial Air Service Improvement Plan. The plan was developed by the Commercial Air Service Improvement Council, which was formed by the Wyoming legislature in the 2018 legislative session and included 11 community and legislative stakeholders from around the state. The council’s mission was to develop a long-term plan that provides recommendations on how to achieve more efficient, stable, reliable air service in the state of Wyoming. In addition to the plan, the council crafted a request for proposal for airline service to Gillette, Riverton, Rock Springs and Sheridan with the goal of increasing the efficiency of funding spent on air service and creating a structure to successfully retain and grow air service in the future. n
Training By Amy Bale, Training Services Training Services has been part of the WYDOT culture for over 20 years. There have been many changes along the way, including staff and program objectives. We have built WYDOT University (WYDOT-U) to offer a range of classes to the agency, all designed to help employees improve their job-related and interpersonal skills. Still, many people at WYDOT don’t realize that Training Services offers so much more than the occasional training class. We develop training in multiple formats, including live classroom and eLearning; support required training for job classifications; and design structured training paths to enhance employee career development. We help employees meet their training needs in multiple ways.
We also support other WYDOT programs’ training efforts using a thorough discovery process.
Have questions about any of these tools Training Services offers? Contact any Training Services team member, email us at dot-training@wyo.gov, or stop by our WYDOT-University building. n
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Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee and Sgt. Momen Elazizi visited Mrs. Courtney’s kindergarten class on Community Helpers Day at Dildine Elementary School in Cheyenne. McGee and Elazizi spoke about safety and what WYDOT and WHP do to help the community.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
In the Community
Baggs Maintenance Heavy Equipment Operator Tyler Webb showed a WYDOT snow plow to elementary school kids at the Little Snake River Valley School in Baggs. Each of the kids also got a WYDOT coloring book.
Department makes positive impression on kids in the community To Whom It May Concern: My name is Karla Moore and I am a social worker at Sternitzke Consulting. I have a boy’s pro-social skills group on Saturdays. We met the Saturday after the blizzard in March and I was talking to them about how hard your department worked to make sure we could use the roads and get to the places we needed to go. I think it is important that children know even though people get paid for the work they do, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be appreciated. We decided to make some thank you pictures/notes for you to let you know we appreciated your hard work! I am enclosing the pictures/notes from our group. I hope you enjoy them as much as they enjoyed making them for you. Thanks for keeping the roads clean so our community members could get where they needed to be. n
“Dear snowplowers thank you for work(ing) day and night, for snow plowing the (streets) for us.” – from Alex.
Above: The front of the thank you complete with a sad-faced worker saying, “Lots of snow to go.” On the reverse it reads, “Dear snow workers, thank you for sweeping the roads. That’s nice.” ♥ Sylas.
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Jessica Cornell, Financial ServicesDisbursements; Naomia Gardner, PatrolSupport Services Manager; Stacey Kirsch, Financial Services-Disbursements; Brandi Miller, Budget; Matthew Mirowski, GIS/ITS; Carolyn Moore, Highway Development-Project Development; Kenneth Reiner, Administration-Director; Jennifer Shimko, Cheyenne I-25 Port of Entry; and Trisha Young, Patrol-Support Services Manager.
Promotions and Transfers Marc Correra, Port of EntryCheyenne US 85; Cori Hastings, Maintenance Staff; Janelle Leonard, Planning-Local Government Coordination; Brandon Margetich, GIS/
ITS; Alyssa Meyers, Patrol-Commercial Carrier; Jerry Mullen, Planning-Counter Shop; Robert Rodriguez, Strategic Performance Improvement; Kenneth Schuricht, Right of Way-Negotiations; and Christopher Stewart, Port of EntryCheyenne US 85.
and planning analyst. Debra Sherman retired March 1 after working for WYDOT for 36 years. She worked as a design specialist for Highway DevelopmentProject Development. n
Curry
Service Awards Aarron Curry, Maintenance Staff – 40 years; Kevin Brookshire, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 30 years; Douglas Hatch, Traffic – 30 years; Andrea Allen, Highway DevelopmentProject Development – 20 years; Douglas McGee, Public Affairs – 20 years; Kevin Mickle, Traffic-Sign Shop – 20 years; Harrison Copeland, Port of EntryCheyenne I-25 – 5 years; and Bryan Kent, Patrol-Dispatch – 5 years.
Brookshire
Allen
Mickle
Copeland
McCoy
Sherman
Retirements Correra
Stewart
Kevin McCoy retired on March 5 after working for WYDOT for almost 28 years. He worked in Planning as a senior policy
District 1
Welcome
Service Awards
Daniel Kindsvater, Traffic-Electrical.
Crockett
David Lacy, Port of Entry-Laramie – 35 years; Martin Mayfield, Rawlins Maintenance – 35 years; Brand Fogg, Elk Mountain Maintenance – 30 years; Ralph Tarango, District 1 Maintenance Staff – 30 years; Aaron Kirlin, Laramie Patrol – 10 Lacy
Miazga
Mayfield
Promotions and Transfers Ethan Crockett, Cheyenne Construction; Diego Fronza, Rawlins Construction; and Bryan Miazga, Cheyenne Construction.
Fronza
Fogg
years; Kaycee Shroyer, Elk Mountain Patrol – 10 years; and Shane Carraher, Cheyenne Patrol – 5 years. n
Tarango
Kirlin
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Carraher
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District 2
Welcome Travis Ewing, Douglas Maintenance; and Dylan Schneider, Torrington TrafficStriping.
Service Awards David Green, Casper Construction – 35 years; Randy Reynolds, Casper Mechanics – 30 years; William Hatch, Torrington Construction – 20 years;
Reynolds
District 4
Daniel Anderson, Casper Maintenance – 5 years; and Shawn Cooney, Wheatland Construction – 5 years.
Retirements Frank Luers retired on March 5 from Traffic-Signing after 19 years of service to WYDOT. Luers is a U.S. Army veteran and is active in the BenevoLuers lent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a graduate of Casper College. n
Welcome Seth McKee, Sundance Maintenance; Nathan Morris, Sheridan Maintenance; and James Myers, Buffalo Maintenance.
McKee
Myers
Promotions and Transfers Joseph Bennett, Sheridan TrafficStriping; and Alan Kellogg, Reno Junction Maintenance.
Hatch
District 3
Welcome Travis Fitzgerald, Jackson Construction; Steven King, LaBarge Maintenance; Garrett Kofoed, Rock Springs Maintenance; Tony Larson, Rock Springs Maintenance; John Lee, Afton TrafficStriping; and Aaron Vogt, Kemmerer Port of Entry.
Benjamin Kiel, Pinedale Patrol – 10 years; and Remington Roberts, Evanston Patrol – 5 years.
Service Awards
Kerry Money, Buffalo Construction – 20 years.
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Retirements
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Wayne Tompkins retired on March 2 from Jackson Construction with 19 years of service to the state. Tompkins is a graduate of the State University of New Tompkins York–Syracuse, College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a bachelor's degree in forest engineering. His career at WYDOT has been spent entirely in Jackson. n
Photo: WYDOT
David Chapman, District 3 Shop – 30 years; Gary Lance, Granger Maintenance – 30 years; Raymond Avery, Traffic-Electrical – 20 years;
Kellogg
Service Awards
Promotions and Transfers William Cleveland, Pinedale Maintenance.
Bennett
District Engineer Scott Taylor presented retiree Jim Butts with his certificate and plaque.
Retirements Jim Butts hung up his hard hat for the last time in March. With 35 years of service to WYDOT, working solely in Sundance, Butts has seen a lot of asphalt go down.
District 4, cont.
Rick Dowdy retired on March 6 from District 4 Support with 45 years of service to WYDOT. Forty-five years ago, Dowdy set a goal to spend his entire career working for WYDOT and to retire as the finals officer for District 4. Anyone who knows him, knows once he sets his mind to something, he makes it happen. Dowdy began his career with WYDOT as summer temporary help in Newcastle in 1972. Later that year, he attended trade school and returned to the Newcastle shop in 1974 working in maintenance until transferring to construction six months later. His starting wage was $3.04 per hour. Rick spent his entire career in construction working his
way up including seven promotions before Dowdy mentioned that one of the things achieving his goal of engineering technical he thinks has changed the most – and maybe supervisor finals officer in not for the best – is how 1996. we communicate. In the Times have changed past, it was all face-toover these 45 years. From face or by telephone. learning how to survey Today, it’s all about the with chains and transit and text, the email chain and recording the data in field the chats. The interpersonal aspect of the job has books to what we know fallen to the wayside. today, technology has come For those in District a long way and has made 4, what will be missed the the job easier, but there is most is his knowledge of something to say about the all things District 4. He old school ways. was a history book and One of Dowdy’s favorite recalls something about projects he worked on was every project that was being part of the team that ever completed in the built WYO 450 across the district. Thunder Basin Grassland When asked by from Newcastle to Reno co-workers to describe Junction. He also enjoyed Dowdy in one word it is working with crews from Rick Dowdy at his retirement party on not surprising to hear the District 2 on projects south March 5 in Sheridan. following: stand-up guy, of Mule Creek Junction. He the best, proper, steady, reliable, honest, loyal, saw these joint projects as an opportunity to professional, storyteller and his break room learn from others and helped him develop the skills necessary to achieve his goals. conversations. n Photo: WYDOT
He started his career with WYDOT in 1984 as a highway construction technician and was quickly promoted to the highway construction technician I position in less than a year. Six years later, he became an engineering tech senior and continued to change titles with added responsibilities – all culminating with his final title of senior field survey and construction specialist, given to him in 2013. Butts is looking forward to spending more time on his family ranch.
District 5
Welcome Clinton Adams, Emergency Communications-District 5 Radio Shop; and Lance Schatz, Thermopolis Construction.
Promotions and Transfers Jeramy Pittsley, Worland Patrol; and Gina Preator, District 5 Administration.
Service Awards
Retirements Carole Blakeman retired on March 2 from District 5 Administration in Basin with 11 years of service to WYDOT. Blakeman is a Gillette native who graduated from Hulett High School and then attained a bachelor of science degree in management science from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. She also attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota and
Sheridan College in Sheridan. Blakeman was sent off with a “soup cookoff ” themed retirement party on Feb. 28. Her hobbies include walking, leathercraft, music, cooking, Blakeman canning, gardening, sewing and staying active in her church. She is also director and member of Heaven Bound, a country gospel band. n
Ebersberger
Photo: WYDOT
Lori Ebersberger, Cody Construction – 35 years; Mark Schaeffer, Worland Construction – 35 years; Jeramy Pittsley, Worland Patrol – 10 years; and
Richard Gurney, Lovell Maintenance – 5 years.
Pittsley
Gurney
District 5 Staff stood with District Facility Coordinator Steve Paumer as he received his 35-year service award in April. From left, Equipment Supervisor Daren Wagner, Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb, Paumer, District Engineer Pete Hallsten, Construction Engineer Randy Merritt and Traffic Engineer Jack Hoffman. Not pictured were Public Relations Specialist Cody Beers, District Clerk Kari Davis and Wyoming Highway Patrol Capt. Steven Sanders.
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Awards Emergency Communications field technicians Eric Bressler and Travis Gallo were nominated for the WYDOT Extra Mile Award for the following event. On Jan. 18 about 1 p.m., the Mansface Wyolink site outside Rock Springs went into site trunking, or loss of communications to the master site. Bressler, stationed at Jackson homebase, was notified and proceeded to make arrangements for a second qualified climber to join him at Aspen Mountain, south of Rock Springs, to remove the ice off a dish that provides communications to the Mansface site. Gallo, who is stationed at Lander homebase, volunteered to assist. Bressler towed the snowcat from Jackson to Rock Springs and met Gallo on site. Around 7 p.m. they unloaded the snowcat and began to climb the mountain to the site. An hour later, they arrived at the site and Bressler climbed the tower in the storm and successfully removed the snow and ice from the dish at 150-feet up. After returning to the ground, the backup power generator in the building stopped running. Gallo and Bressler were able to clear the snow packed in the air intake by the wind to get the
Photo: WYDOT
WyoLink technicians restore communications tower during storm
Emergency Communications Program Manager Troy Babbitt (from left) was present for the Extra Mile Awards given to Eric Bressler by his supervisor, Mark Kelly, and Travis Gallo given by District 5 Supervisor Nathan Smolinski.
generator running until power was restored to the site. By 9 p.m., they had reestablished emergency communications. After traveling back down the mountain and loading the snowcat, Gallo and Bressler were able to make it safely back to a hotel in Rock Springs near midnight. Bressler and Gallo went well above and beyond the call of duty. “The Extra Mile” to restore communications to a Wyolink site that serves several Emergency Communications entities. n
Service Award Recipients
Congratulations to our March recipients!
Lt. Matt Brackin Bryce Gilbert Cort Jones Scott Swallow For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov. 24
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May 2019
Photo: Rick Carpenter
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.
Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (Standing from left) Doug Hatch – 30 years; Robert Alles – 30 years; Ralph Tarango – 30 years; Gary Bohl – 30 years; Brian Peel – 25 years; and Kevin Brookshire – 30 years. (Seated from left) Marty Mayfield – 35 years; Aarron Curry – 40 years; Janice Burlew – 40 years; and Lori Ebersberger – 35 years.
Each year the AAMVA International Driver Examiner Certification (IDEC) Executive Board and Driver Committee recognizes one examiner who has gone above and beyond his or her duties as a driver examiner. This year’s recipients were selected for their exceptional professionalism, integrity, performance and commitment they bring to their job. Luz Craig from the Gillette Drivers Services office is WYDOT’s proud recipient. Annually, the International Driver Examiner Certification (IDEC) Board and AAMVA recognizes outstanding examiners through the IDEC Examiner of the Year award. Each member jurisdiction nominates one examiner for outstanding performance as a driver’s license examiner. Examiners are selected for their excellence in adhering to the principles
Passings
and recommended practices of driver examining (the Examiner’s Code of Ethics) and for a high level of conduct in their profession. Each jurisdiction’s “Examiner of the Year” receives a certificate and a congratulatory letter from the IDEC Executive Board. n
Billie E. Rawlings
Photo: WYDOT
2018 IDEC Outstanding Examiner of the Year Award
Kerri Becker of Gillette Driver Services presents Luz Craig with her 2018 IDEC Outstanding Examiner of the Year award.
Classic? Hot rod? Late model? Two wheeler?
Rides Photo deadline:
05/15/19
Billie Rawlings, 71, died April 15 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rawlings was born on Jan. 31, 1948 and was raised in Wyoming, graduating from Tongue River High School in Dayton. She and her husband Charles “Chic” Rawlings, along with their Rawlings daughters, made their home in Ranchester. The former Sheridan/Dietz co-Supervisor worked for the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in her younger days and returned to the Sheridan Port of Entry in February 1998. Rawlings became a special officer in September 2000 and a level-3 inspector in December 2002. She promoted to lead officer at the Casper Port of Entry and then on to the Supervisor of the Frannie Port of Entry. Once an opening came up in Sheridan, Rawlings transferred back to be the co-supervisor at the Sheridan/Dietz Port of Entry. Rawlings retired from service in November 2011. In June 2017, Rawlings came back to help the Gillette Port of Entry as a temporary employee through December 2017. Rawlings loved painting and crafting of all kinds, but mostly weaving, dyeing her own yarn and jewelry making. She was an amazing instructor and taught her granddaughters to weave, as well as many others who took her classes. She was well known around Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico for her weaving talent. In 2018, Rawlings and her husband achieved a long time dream of moving to New Mexico to be closer to the artisans she had come to enjoy so much. There was no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Sheridan. n
carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov May 2019
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First Home • Upgrading Downsizing • Refinancing
We’re with you From 10 - 30 year terms, to financing up to 100% and a variety of home loan options and support resources.
Make home even sweeter!
CHEYENNE 1715 Stillwater Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82009
CASPER 1521 Centennial Court Casper, WY 82609
WyHy.org/HomeLoans | (800) 442-2392 26
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May 2019
Break Time See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: Air Service
LaBarge
Asphalt
Manderson
Bridges
Moran Junction
Chip seal
Outlook
Competencies
Overlay
Concrete
Planning
Construction
Rock River
Corridor
Rumble Strips
Douglas
Supervisors
Etna
Training
Evaluation
Turnouts
Goals
Washam
Improvements
Answer to the April 2019 Break Time photo search:
S P E L F I A S O T A I E C N Y M K I E S D S U I C N O G E L A S E T U E
W A S H A M I R U B Y M M J T E P A N I C A T T H E Y E B T H Y A N D R S
T L K R I T L I N D R R G P N A V K M N G M C D I S C O V N A R T T H M N
X M A F N N S O D S D I H O R Z H E B D N R O V E R L A Y A S H R S T F I
R E J R T A L M E R X A D E E O C Y R A L A N C B T O C A H L O R T R S E
O K V O G T T L R T D L A G L T V S A G C E C H O S Q H R D O U D L H I N
A A U D O U G L A S A K I N E Y Y E R A O K R S R L N U L T R T A H E L I
M H E Y A B E H A V E U L H L S L C M M E P E A U H O C A E T L O T E V G
N S Y R L I W H E R E D O W E G O N T E A T T W E A C R L S U O R A I E H
Y P M I S L P A R A G R A P H S O F W O N E E L R E T Y U H E O N E T O L
G L T G D L B A D I N E W S M T K T Y H E T P I N D S P E S N K L C E M N
O A E E C I S M O R A N J U N C T I O N N N S S I D E E A I C R G M A E E
E N G I O E T B R S F R A T S A M R R A D A R F A R T D W E L E O K F O T
N N T D N A R U N E R E U W A I M E S O R W X B V M F N D T N A H F N S O
A I F V S R A C L R I K M M C M A L A E W L Z I D S A E E S S E B K O N N
M N O C T T N T H V C O F I B A N A O G S E S T E A E A S P I A A A T I N
D G E E R W G H J I T Y D Q U L D L G R L O W U O C G S H R O H N E R A I
Y D L O I E E I Q C P N R C H D E T B L R E P C O B N A E L N D W I U G E
D V X M T R R N U E I S O N B P R S U S A A B I R D L E V U U T T Y T D E
S O D L X R I G E E O R E G O C S D T I C O M P E T E N C I E S A T R X T
I Z R O C K R I V E R M O A N E O V B R R L S A N O U R A M G I E G A E T
R N N E Z R D A H I N E I U L I N L N U I A X I F U E R M I N O I Z I S W
C Q U D D X P N D D A L M K B T W E I A E P M T G T E T N B S L V U N N E
A T O F A U O O U O J A S E J E A T F M H L S X P N C G P O T N I A I E O
T C O N S T R U C T I O N W O B Y E N T G S Q F N T A S K E U L E I N W N
A L W R N M E G N B Y H T D P U L D I I E F W U A B O L I F C T A N G V T
I S L E T S T I E E S U R Q U I E T L Y O L U I E I D O S L R S S T R E S
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Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24
Address Service Requested
In Wyoming, operating a motor vehicle, ATV, boat, snowmobile, personal watercraft, or motorcycle under the influence of alcohol is a crime. THE average cost of DUI is $10,000.