Interchange May 2021
Vol. 49, Iss. 5
WYDOT officials urge motorists to be careful in work zones Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.
MIke Whisenhunt, with Cheyenne Highway Maintenance, addresses the group gathered at the Work Zone Safety Awareness event on April 27 with (from left) Employee Safety Program Manager Todd DePorter, WHP
By Aimee Inama They could be someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, husband, wife or other loved one. They head out each day to work alongside the road to help make the state’s infrastructure the best it can be. They are construction crews, utility workers, Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers and other vital workers who work in work zones throughout the state. With April 26 through 30 National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, Wyoming Department of Transportation
Col. Kebin Haller and WYDOT Director Luke Reiner listening on. The event was held at the WYDOT/WHP memorial found in the northwest corner of the main parking lot at the Headquarters campus.
officials held a press conference on April 27 to bring awareness about work zone safety and to urge the traveling public to slow down, obey posted signs and pay attention. State departments of transportation throughout the nation hold the event each spring to bring attention to work safety and mobility issues in work zones. The first national event was held in Springfield, Virginia in April 2000. This year’s event was called, “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.” “Our work zones play a vital role in
the preservation and enhancement of our state’s infrastructure,” said K. Luke Reiner, WYDOT director. “WYDOT crews and our and our partners in the road and bridge construction industry work in those areas to ensure our road systems and other key infrastructure and utilities are the best they can be. We need to make sure those workers are safe and get home to their families.” Officials provided state and national statistics on the impacts of crashes in work zones. In Wyoming, an average of Continued on page 3
Contents
Interchange Vol. 49, Issue 5
Features
Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.
1 Work Zone Safety Awareness week WYDOT, WHP gather at the on campus memorial at Headquarters
12 Customer satisfaction survey results WYDOT improves in several areas
13 WYDOT Officials hold springtime Town Hall meetings Information about state of the agency passed along to employees
Staff WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
Also in this issue District briefs..................................................................................................3
Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee
By the Numbers..............................................................................................7
Editor:
Employee Safety........................................................................................... 14
Contributors:
Training......................................................................................................... 15 Travel & Tourism...........................................................................................16 Letters........................................................................................................... 17 Game & Fish.................................................................................................. 17 District news.................................................................................................20 Passings........................................................................................................25
Carlie Van Winkle Aimee Inama Carlie Van Winkle Jordan Achs Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol
Photography: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs
Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.
Break Time....................................................................................................27
Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
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A WYDOT PUBLICATION
District Briefs
Continued from front cover
• Obey posted signs and speed limits. • Watch for workers. • Watch for sudden vehicle stops. Construction vehicles can be coming in and out of work zones. • Be cautious around large vehicles. Larger vehicles have slower reaction times. n
Headquarters
Transportation Commission awards $49.4 million in contracts in April
Photo: WYDOT
245 crashes occurred in work zones each year. In 2020 alone, there were 251 crashes, which resulted in two fatalities and 61 injuries. “We are urging the traveling public to pay attention and put down the distractions,” said Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller. “As a driver of a vehicle, your first and only priority is to drive. No matter if it’s a work zone or not, your focus should always be on the road at all times.” On the national level, statistics have shown that many of the crashes in Director Luke Reiner addressing the group work zones involved gathered at the news conference on April 27. rear-end collisions, commercial motor vehicles and speeding. Nearly one quarter of all fatal work zone crashes involved rear-end collisions. In 2019, there were a total of 842 fatalities in work zones. “It is estimated that every 5.4 minutes there’s another work zone crash,” said Todd Deporter, program manager for WYDOT’s Employee Safety program. “That means by the time we’re done (at the press conference) there will be about four work zone crashes that will have happened in the country.” Mike Whisenhunt, WYDOT Maintenance worker on Interstate 80 and chairman of the WYDOT Road Safety Committee, said the department has made strides in safety in work zones but there is always more that can be done. Some of the items the committee is looking into is a 45 mph speed limit for all work zones and early warning signs for the traveling public. “I think we are well on our way on progressing and moving forward on work zone safety,” Whisenhunt said. “As part of the safety committee we’re always working on the well-being of the Wyoming community, both WYDOT and the public. We’d like for everybody to stay safe, be safe and make it home to their families.” WYDOT officials offer several strategies for people to stay safe and protect others in work zones. They include: • Stay alert and learn about construction zones along the route. Visit WYDOT’s 511 website at wyoroad.info to get construction zone updates.
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will replace two bridges on Interstate 25 in Casper that are in need of repairs. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $29.7 million contract to Ames Construction Inc., of Burnsville, Minnesota, for work on the Casper Marginal in Natrona County. The commission awarded that and seven other contracts totaling $49.4 million at its recent meeting. For the Casper Marginal work, crews will remove the two structures and replace it with one structure. Traffic currently moves in two lanes in both directions and the new structure will also accommodate that traffic pattern. The only difference is one structure will be put in the same footprint instead of two separate structures. While crews are completing the work, detours will be in place in each direction. Additionally, crews will be performing storm sewer work, making barrier upgrades and making light enhancements. The contract completion date is June 30, 2023. Besides the Casper Marginal work, the other contracts the commission awarded included pavement resurfacing work, chip seal work and signage replacement. Kilgore Companies (Lewis & Lewis, of Rock Springs) was the low bidder on a $6.1 million contract for a box culvert and paving project on about 10 miles of WYO 89 between Border Junction and the Idaho state line in Lincoln County. Crews will replace eight box culverts and then perform a coldin-place recycling procedure, which will consist of crews milling off the top 3 inches of pavement, adding oil and cement to the material and then putting it back down on the ground. The road is in need of repairs and the procedure will get rid of cracks and deterioration in the surface below so it will extend the life of the pavement. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2022. The commission awarded McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, a $5 million contract for pavement and bridge work on US 287 and WYO 28 between Muddy Gap and Lander in Fremont County. Crews will pave 10 miles of road to improve the surface and will redo the approach slabs and make repairs to the bridge decks on two bridges in the area. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. was also the low bidder on a $4.4 million pavement and bridge rehabilitation project on US 85 between Cheyenne and Torrington in Laramie County. Crews will perform a mill, overlay and chip seal on about 10 Briefs continued on page 4
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Briefs continued from page 3 miles of road surface. They will also make repairs to a bridge by installing a new deck and approach slabs. While crews are working, traffic will be down to one lane with a traffic signal controlling traffic in the area. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022. Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $2.1 million to Bituminous Paving Inc., of Ortonville, Minnesota, for a chip seal contract at various locations in Albany, Carbon and Laramie counties by Aug. 31, 2021; • $748,630 and $576,170 to S&L Industrial, of Cowley, for two rumble strip projects at various locations statewide by Oct. 31, 2021; and • $649,645 to S&L Industrial for a sign project at various locations on I-25 in Converse and Platte counties by Oct. 31, 2021.
District 1
Bridge and pavement work to begin on I-80 west of Laramie LARAMIE – Weather permitting, crews with Simon Contractors and WYDOT began work May 3 on a bridge and pavement project on I-80 west of Laramie. Traffic can expect potential delays from Quealy Dome to Cooper Cove, or mileposts 291.5-282.7. Lane closures and reduced speed limits are likely, and a 13-foot width restriction was in place through the project area. Crews are completing bridge rehabilitation work on six structures and paving both eastbound and westbound lanes. This section of interstate will also receive a wearing course, which helps preserve the new pavement and provides extra traction. This project also includes installing new road closure gates on the Herrick Lane interchange on-ramps. Motorists through the interchange, located at milepost 297, can expect construction activity in the area and potential delays. In any work zone, motorists should obey all posted signs and flaggers while avoiding distractions like cell phones.
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Work is expected to be complete in spring 2022. All project scheduling is subject to change, including due to inclement weather or material or equipment availability.
Work resumes on I-80 Winter Freight project RAWLINS – Work resumes on WYDOT’s I-80 Winter Freight project between Rawlins and Laramie. Simon Contractors has already started work building almost 100 new semi-truck parking spaces in both the Fort Steele Rest Area (milepost 228) east of Rawlins and the Quealy Dome truck parking area (milepost 290) west of Laramie for a total of almost 200 new parking spaces. “This additional truck parking is much-needed,” said District 1 Construction Engineer Wes Bybee. “The additional parking areas can help reduce the number of fall-asleep crashes, reduce crashes and operating costs for trucks searching for parking, and offer truck drivers an alternative place to park and wait out poor weather conditions.” The Fort Steele Rest Area, including parking areas, remains closed during construction. Avoid parking on the on- and off-ramps in the Fort Steele interchange. Once the project is complete, the rest area will reopen. Traffic on I-80 began seeing impacts as crews started structure work and began building climbing lanes on I-80. Work impacted the eastbound lanes over Halleck Ridge (milepost 250.5-252.5) west of Elk Mountain and in the westbound lanes between Quealy Dome and Cooper Cove (milepost 281.5-279.5) near the Albany/ Carbon County line. First started last fall, the $20 million project is funded by a federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant and is expected to be complete in October 2022.
Work resumes on I-80 bridge replacement project near Hillsdale CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation resumed work recently on an I-80 bridge replacement project located east of Cheyenne.
Work includes replacing structures at the Hillsdale interchange, as well as milling, paving and other bridge rehabilitation work between mile markers 372-382. This project first started last spring with work in the westbound lanes before pausing for the winter season in the fall. Motorists should watch for lane closures, reduced speed limits and other potential delays while crews work on the interstate crossovers in the next few weeks. Starting in early May, traffic will be moved to a head-to-head configuration in the eastbound lanes while crews finish up the remaining work in the westbound lanes. Obey all posted speed limits and other traffic control in place. Later this summer, traffic will switch to the westbound lanes while crews begin structure and pavement work on the eastbound lanes. Similar to last year, the bridge replacement work will require the temporary closure of County Road 140/Stuckey Road on select nights. More information about those closures will be released as those dates are finalized. Work is expected to be complete by Oct. 31. Project scheduling is subject to change, including due to inclement weather or material or equipment availability.
Driving too fast for road conditions finds driver in pond, he swims to shore LARAMIE – On April 9, a crash occurred near milepost 297 on Interstate 80 west of Laramie and Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) troopers were notified. Troopers were able to determine through the ongoing investigation the commercial tractor-trailer was headed west on I-80 when the driver lost control of the vehicle on an ice-covered road. The tractor and trailer exited the roadway’s right side and collided with a fence and guardrail before coming to a stop in an adjacent pond. The driver sustained minor injuries but was able to swim to shore. The commercial vehicle driver was wearing a seat belt and transported to the Ivinson Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. Driving too fast for road conditions is being investigated as a potential contributing factor.
District 2
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds motorists road conditions can change very quickly, especially around this time of year. Do not drive distracted, and always prepare for the unexpected. Thankfully, the driver was wearing his seatbelt and did not sustain significant injuries with a crash of this nature.
Photo: WYDOT
Construction starts on US 20/26
Texas driver loses control of semi-truck on icy road west of Laramie.
Weight restrictions lifted on WYO 130 structure east of Saratoga SARATOGA – Weight restrictions for legal loads traveling over a WYO 130 structure located east of Saratoga have officially been lifted. Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Reiman Corp. recently finished shoring the bridge, which adds additional support underneath the structure. The bridge is located near milepost 57, close to Carbon County Road 504. Oversized and/or overweight loads will still need to obtain proper permits and permissions from the Wyoming Highway Patrol to cross the structure. Please contact the Overweight Loads Office for more information. (http://www. whp.dot.state.wy.us/home/owl.html) Later this summer, the bridge will be replaced with a culvert. More information about this phase of work and its potential traffic impacts will be released at a later date, but motorists through the area can expect potential delays from construction activity once work starts. Once in place, the culvert will not require any weight restrictions for legal loads.
CASPER – Work is underway on US 20/26 between mileposts 21-30 as part of a project to extend two existing passing lanes and resurface the highway between the two points. Currently, the contractor, JTL Group, is widening shoulders beyond the existing passing lanes, located between mileposts 21-22 and 27-28.5. Watch for flaggers, pilot cars and a speed reduction to 45 mph. The entire project is scheduled to be complete by July 21.
Casper pothole filling CASPER – WYDOT crews began filling potholes. Currently, crews are working on the I-25 ramps through town. Once completed, focus will shift to First Street (US 20/26) in the downtown area.
A Colorado resident in custody following pursuit TORRINGTON – On the evening of April 18 a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a Ford F-150 for speeding 84 mph in a 70 mph zone around milepost 68 on US 85. The driver of the Ford failed to stop and fled north on US 85. Troopers pursued the truck north toward Torrington. The driver increased his speed to more than 100 mph in an attempt to evade law enforcement. The Torrington Police Department was notified of the approaching pursuit and successfully deployed spike strips to deflate the tires of the Ford F-150 south of Torrington. The driver continued to evade law enforcement by driving on the rims of the vehicle. The pursued Ford came to a stop in Torrington after colliding with an Arby’s sign. The driver was taken into custody without further incident. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 29-year-old Denver, Colorado resident Willie F. Zanders. Zanders was charged with fleeing to elude, felony possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), driving on a sus-
pended license, speeding and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony. The Torrington Police Department and Goshen County Sheriff ’s Office assisted with the incident.
Pursuit ends north of Wheatland WHEATLAND – On March 29, around 6:30 a.m., the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) received a complaint of a possible drunk driver on I-25 south of Douglas. WHP troopers located and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop. The driver fled south on I-25 and entered the opposite lanes of travel in an attempt to elude law enforcement. The driver continued south before fleeing east on US 26. Around Dwyer Road, the driver attempted to evade law enforcement by driving through fields south of US 26. Several miles south of US 26, the driver exited his vehicle and fled on foot after becoming stuck in the mud. A trooper on foot in the area attempted to stop the driver, and a struggle ensued. While engaged with the driver to affect an arrest, the driver tried to disarm the trooper but was unsuccessful. The driver was taken into custody a short time later once other units arrived to assist the trooper. Due to this incident’s nature, the Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to assist with this investigation. As with standard practice, the troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation. The Wheatland Police Department and Platte County Sheriff ’s Office assisted the Wyoming Highway Patrol in the event.
District 3
Pothole patching at Wilson Bridge on WYO 22 JACKSON – WYDOT performed pavement patching on the Wilson Bridge on WYO 22 on April 22. Work took place in the afternoon. Work caused delays and lane reductions. Traffic was flagged through one Briefs continued on page 6
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Briefs continued from page 5 alternating lane while the work was completed. Drivers were asked to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.
I-80 work disrupts traffic, width restrictions in place ROCK SPRINGS – WYDOT, along with contract crews from Coldwater Group Inc., was working on the bridge on WYO 374 over I-80 at the La Barge interchange. Traffic was controlled by a temporary signal system and there was a width restriction of 12 feet at this location. Work was also taking place at milepost 97 near Rock Springs. The work occurred in the eastbound lane and a width restriction of 15 feet, 6 inches was in place for trucks. Traffic was reduced to one lane and speeds were reduced through the work zone. WYDOT reminds drivers to obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices and closures. For more information on highway load restrictions, visit: http://www. wyoroad.info/Highway/Restrictions.html.
Work on the Snake River South section will affect river users JACKSON – WYDOT, along with contract crews from Oftedal Construction Inc., began setting girders in the Snake River beginning April 11. The work was scheduled to last roughly a week. The April 11 start date was dependent on the availability of cranes and weather conditions. River users were advised that flaggers were stationed on the river to pull float traffic over during times when the girders were being set. This work may have taken up to an hour as crews installed hundreds of bolts on each end of the girder while the crane held the weight. There were no set times for this river traffic delay. Work paused for the Pole, Pedal, Paddle race. WYDOT and contract crews suspended work in the river so that the competition proceeded unobstructed. WYDOT advised river users that a rapid formed at the bridge due to the work. They asked users to proceed with
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caution and use all safety equipment and practices when accessing the area. When the work platform was removed after April 15, the river returned to its normal flow. In addition, the recent spring weather has affected work on US 26/89/189/191, the Snake River South Section and drivers should expect delays. Delays of up to 20 minutes are possible within the project limits, with the exception of between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. when traffic can flow freely for commuting. WYDOT is asking motorists to plan accordingly, leave early and allow themselves plenty of time to reach their destination.
Crack seal work causes delays near Kemmerer, Opal, Daniel ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Highway Improvement Inc. conducted crack sealing work in southwest Wyoming beginning April 8 in Kemmerer. The work was contingent upon weather as roads must be clear of snow and safe for work. Work began in Kemmerer on the US 30 connector road and continued for a few days. Over the next few months, crews will work on US 189 and WYO 354 near Daniel, US 189 near La Barge, WYO 372, and WYO 240 near Opal. Commuters are advised to expect delays up to 20 minutes, so those commuting on this highway are advised to plan accordingly. Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers. Motorists are advised to watch for flaggers and be prepared to stop. Work also took place in the Star Valley area, on US 89 near Smoot and Grover. Crack sealing is used as a defense against pavement deterioration. If done effectively, crack sealing keeps water from entering and weakening the base or subbase of the roadway. Highway Improvement Inc. was awarded the contract last year. The completion date for this district-wide project is May 15.
Pursuit ends in Rock Springs ROCK SPRINGS – On March 29, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) was requested by the Division of Criminal Investigation to stop a vehicle wanted in connection to an ongoing case. WHP troopers located and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop and fled from the trooper. The car entered Blairtown Connection Road before coming to a stop on 5th Avenue West. A short time later, the vehicle began to move forward again and went down an embankment before coming to a stop. The driver, whose identity is being withheld pending the investigation, was found deceased. The Rock Springs Police Department and Sweetwater County Sheriff ’s Office assisted the Wyoming Highway Patrol in the event. Due to this incident’s nature, the Rock Springs Police Department is assisting with this investigation, and further details will be disseminated as they become available.
I-80 road and bridge work affects airport traffic ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from IHC SCOTT Inc. limited access to Interstate 80 from Middle Baxter Road and the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport as part of a project taking place east of Rock Springs on Interstate 80. The first closure took place from April 1 through April 3, and the second will take place June 1 through June 14, tentatively. The crews worked on bridge rehabilitation (April) and will work on concrete paving at the on and off ramps (June) during the closures. For those traveling to the airport from Rock Springs, the airport exit (111) will still be available. Traffic traveling back to Rock Springs or westbound from the airport was detoured by taking Middle Baxter Road to WYO 430 to the South Belt Loop. For those traveling eastbound from the airport, drivers can take the I-80 Service Road to exit 122. The project encompasses work on
Total number of employees: As of April 1, 2021
1,912
One month ago
1,924
One year ago
1,943
WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of April 8, 2021
23
One year ago
17
roughly 13 miles of Interstate 80 beginning at milepost 107 on the east side of Rock Springs. Work includes grading, milling existing asphalt, concrete paving and bridge replacement and rehabilitation. The completion date for this project is set for Nov. 30.
District 4
WYDOT to resurface 13 miles of US 85 south of Newcastle NEWCASTLE – Motorists traveling on US 85 between Mule Creek Junction and Newcastle encountered road construction beginning May 3. The Wyoming Department of Transportation awarded this $6.4 million dollar contract to Northern Improvement Company Inc., of Fargo, North Dakota. Northern Improvement and its subcontractors will perform a mill and overlay with chip seal on approximately 13.47 miles of US 85. The project is located between mileposts 202.38 and 215.85. In addition to paving, they also installed a culvert and resurfaced the Beaver Creek Bridge between mileposts 202.5 and 212.8. Work is expected to be completed by late July.
Ranchester bridge public meeting held April 27 SHERIDAN – WYDOT held a public meeting for the Ranchester railroad bridge replacement project scheduled to be let for bidding in August. The public was invited to join WYDOT on April 27 to review final design plans, potential schedule and detour plans. This $7.4 million project will replace the existing bridge over the BNSF railroad located on the east end of the town of Ranchester with a new structure. The existing structure, originally built in 1947, is structurally deficient and in poor condition. This bridge has a low load rating that cannot be improved with minor upgrades or improvements. In order for the bridge to meet current load ratings, a replacement of the structure is necessary. The new bridge will be raised and widened to accommodate BNSF specifications. The road and bridge will be realigned to the south to reduce the curve. The bridge structure will also include a 7-foot, 7-inch sidewalk with a pedestrian safety fence on the west side and 9-foot curbs on both sides and a 36foot roadway. In addition to replacing the bridge, the existing roadway section from the I-90 overpass to the US 14/Coffeen Street intersection will be rehabilitated using the crack and seat techniques with an asphalt overlay. The crack and seat technique is a method by which contractors break down the existing concrete pavement into oneand-a-half to 2-foot pieces and firmly seats the pieces into the subgrade prior to overlaying with asphalt. This structure is a heavily used mainline route for the railroad and it was determined that an at-grade crossing would be insufficient as a detour route due to the anticipated delays and the lack of adequate hold area for traffic. The bridge will be constructed in two stages. In Stage I, traffic will remain on the mainline while the eastbound lane is being constructed. During Stage II, traffic will shift to the newly constructed eastbound lane with one lane, head to head traffic for both east and west bound traffic with a traffic signal at either end of Briefs continued on page 8
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by June 30 weather allowing. Motorists will encounter lane closures, reduced speed limits, width restrictions of 13-feet, flagging operations and heavy truck traffic while traveling this stretch of I-90.
Briefs continued from page 7 the project. During Stage II, traffic will be directed through the construction area using pilot cars and flagging operations.
District 5
Photo: WYDOT
Big Horn County fencing project kicks off
Ranchester Bridge spanning over BNSF tracks
WYDOT completed paving of I-90 between Sheridan and Buffalo SHERIDAN – Motorists traveling east from Sheridan to Buffalo encountered milling and paving operations beginning at milepost 33 at the Meade Creek exit and ending at milepost 45 just past the Piney Creek exit. Traffic control was in place April 22. Simon Contractors began milling the driving lane of the eastbound lane of I-90 just west of the Piney Creek exit and proceeded up the hill. Once that section was complete, they relocated to the eastbound lane between mileposts 33 and 37 near Meade Creek. Traffic control was in place directing traffic to the temporary travel line while milling and paving was completed. Speed limits through the active work zone was posted at 45 mph. Once the mill and overlay is complete, Simon Contractors will come back and apply an epoxy overlay on the bridge decks and a wearing course on both the east and westbound lanes. The wearing course is a three-quarter inch layer of a coarser, porous asphalt that is applied to provide added traction, wicking and extends the life of the pavement. The epoxy overlay also adds traction and moisture wicking to the bridge decks, thus reducing the chance of icing. Simon expects to complete this project
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BASIN – More than 28.5 miles of state right-of-way fencing was removed and replaced in Big Horn County beginning the last week of April. Highline Fencing LLC, of Powell, is the prime contractor on the $617,000. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021. The Big Horn County locations include: • Between Manderson and Basin (on the south end of Basin), mileposts 194.20 to 195.74 on US 16/20; • Between Garland and Byron (just east of the Park County/Big Horn County line into Byron), mileposts 34.38 to 38.43 on US 14A; • Between Lovell and Burgess Junction (from the intersection of US 14A and US 310 in Lovell to the causeway), mileposts 46.71 to 55.39. “The contractor started on the Lovellto-Burgess Junction section on April 28, weather permitting,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 45 mph in the work zone.”
Slide repair project resumes on WYO 296 near Cody CODY – Reconstruction of 0.2 miles of WYO 296 as part of a $5.8 million slide repair project near the 8,070-foot summit of Dead Indian Pass began May 3 northwest of Cody. Condon Johnson and Associates Inc., of Kent, Washington, is the prime contractor. “Work is tentatively slated to resume on May 3, weather permitting, “ said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Work
will consist of completion of building dirt grade, placement of crushed gravel base, paving, installation of guardrail, and reclamation.” The slide repair project on 0.2 miles of WYO 296 at milepost 32.50 (about 15 miles west of WYO 120) involved installation of 119 39-inch-diameter drilled shafts to stabilize the slide area. Frost said the contractor’s schedule calls for about three weeks of work, with favorable weather, to complete the project. “Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during working hours,” Frost said. “Portable traffic signals and a single-lane road will be in place during non-working hours with traffic delays of up to five minutes.” The 0.2 miles of rebuilt WYO 296 will be chip sealed in June.
Waltman Rest Area closes May 10 for parking lot improvements SHOSHONI – Improvements at the Waltman Rest Area between Shoshoni and Casper on US 20/26 require a twoweek closure. The May 10 to May 24 closure of the Waltman Rest Area is part of the $5.8 million passing lanes construction/rest area repair project, east of Moneta (milepost 76) and to Waltman (milepost 51.6). Major work began April 29 with sidewalk removal and replacement at the Waltman Rest Area. Parking lot asphalt pavement milling is scheduled for May 10, with paving scheduled about May 20-21. Project work includes removal of surfacing, grading, leveling and repaving of the rest area parking lot, and repairs of the rest area sidewalks. “The rest area will remain open at the beginning of electrical repairs, which started last week, said Kaia Tharp, Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer in Thermopolis. Construction on the new US 20/26 passing lanes resumed May 3, between mileposts 51.6 to 52.7 (passing lane 1), mileposts 54.8 to 56.0 (passing lane 2), mileposts 57.1 to 58.3 (passing lane 3), mileposts 61.6 to 62.8 (passing lane 4), mileposts 64.9 to 66.4 (passing lane 5), mileposts 68.5 to 69.7 (passing lane 6),
and mileposts 74.5 to 76.0 (passing lane 7). Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, is the prime contractor on the US 20/26 passing lane construction/rest area repair project.
Highway shoulder fog sealing underway in May LANDER – Fog sealing of highway shoulders is scheduled to begin next week near Lander on US 287/WYO 789, WYO 132 (Blue Sky Highway) and on WYO 131 (Sinks Canyon Road). 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. “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. “All work is dependent upon favorable weather.” Fog sealing is scheduled: • Monday, May 3, on US287/WY789 (mileposts 54.43 to 59.58), southeast of Lander; • Tuesday, May 4, on WY132 (Blue Sky Highway mileposts 7 to 15.19), north of Ethete; • Wednesday, May 5, on WY131 (Sinks Canyon Road mileposts 1.75 to 9.00, southwest of Lander. “These roadways will be chip-sealed later this summer,” Erickson said. WYDOT’s summer chip-sealing work, which includes fog sealing, is one of the most cost-effective ways to effectively maintain highways in Wyoming.
Big Horn County fencing project underway BASIN – More than 28.5 miles of state right-of-way fencing will be removed and replaced in Big Horn County beginning this week. Highline Fencing LLC, of Powell, is the prime contractor on the $617,000. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021. The Big Horn County locations include: • Between Manderson and Basin (on the south end of Basin), mileposts
194.20 to 195.74 on US16/20; • Between Garland and Byron (just east of the Park County/Big Horn County line into Byron), mileposts 34.38 to 38.43 on US14A; • Between Lovell and Burgess Junction (from the intersection of US14A and US310 in Lovell to the causeway), mileposts 46.71 to 55.39. “The contractor is scheduled to start on the Lovell-to-Burgess Junction section on Wednesday, April 28, weather permitting,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists can expect a reduced speed limit of 45 mph in the work zone.”
Bridge rehabilitation/ pavement overlay underway east of Ten Sleep TEN SLEEP – A $3.2 million bridge rehabilitation/asphalt paving project began April 26 east of Ten Sleep on US 16. Croell Inc., of Sundance, is the prime contractor on the 7.3-mile project, which begins at the east edge of the town of Ten Sleep (milepost 26.76) and extends east to milepost 34.08. Roadway improvements include grading, milling of asphalt pavement, asphalt pavement surfacing, chip sealing, rehabilitation of four bridges and other work, including about 1,200 feet of reconstruction that begins east of WYDOT’s Ten Sleep facility. “The contractor began milling the bridges at milepost 29.65 and milepost 30.70 on April 26, and motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during milling,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “Once the traffic signals are set and operational and concrete barriers are placed, motorists should expect traffic delays of up to two minutes at each bridge (about Wednesday, April 28).” Rehabilitation of the other two bridges on this project is scheduled to occur beginning in July. “Milling of the US 16 pavement roadway is scheduled to begin about mid-May, and motorists should expect delays of up
to 20 minutes while the roadway work is under way,” Miller said. “Paving is expected to begin in June.” Croell Inc. was awarded the Ten Sleep East project on Feb. 16, 2021, by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Contract completion date is June 30, 2022.
Bridge rehabilitation projects scheduled in Fremont, Big Horn, Washakie counties BASIN – Five bridges are slated for repairs and other work as part of a $1.95 million northwest Wyoming bridge rehabilitation project in 2021. Prime contractor Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne, plans to begin repairs and other work April 12 on the Badwater Creek bridge (milepost 102.71), 2.5 miles north of Shoshoni on US 20/WYO 789. “There will be a 14-foot width restriction in place starting April 12 on the Badwater Creek bridge,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. “Traffic will be restricted to a single lane, and movements across the bridge will be controlled by traffic signals. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.” Repairs include grading, asphalt paving, bridge rehabilitation, guardrail and other work. About June 1, the contractor is scheduled to begin repairs and other work on the BNSF Railway bridge on US 20/WYO 789 (milepost 102.88), about 2.6 miles north of Shoshoni on US 20/WYO 789. The same 14-foot width restriction and single-lane traffic movements will be in place during the BNSF bridge work. A repair schedule is not available yet for work on the US 14A bridge over the Sidon Canal in Big Horn County (milepost 36.46), about 2 miles west of Byron; the US 26 Big Dry Creek bridge in Fremont County (milepost 79.61), about 23.1 miles east of Dubois; and the US 16/20 Slick Creek bridge in Washakie County (milepost 168.82), about 3 miles north of Worland.
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Pavement improvement project underway on US 14/16/20 near Emblem BASIN – Paving of a 5.6-mile highway preservation project is slated to begin in early May, according to WYDOT resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin.
The project is located about 10 miles west of Greybull between Greybull and Cody (mileposts 87.79 to 93.75). Work includes grading, asphalt paving, chip sealing and other work. “Work is expected to begin April 16, weather permitting,” said Miller. “The contractor will begin removing delineator posts and stripping topsoil from highway shoulders at this time. Paving is scheduled to begin in early May. Delays will be
minimal until paving begins.” Once paving begins, motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, is the prime contractor on the $2.3 million project. Contract completion date is June 30.
Concrete rehabilitation/ ADA projects along Riverton’s Main Street RIVERTON – Two concrete rehabilitation/Americans with Disabilities projects are launching 2021 work schedules in Riverton. “We continue to encourage people to slow down and drive safely through the work zones along Riverton’s Main Street and West Main Street,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. 71 Construction, of Riverton, is the prime contractor on a $1.443 million concrete rehabilitation project on Main Street in downtown Riverton. Project work began Monday morning, April 5, at the east end of the project near North Federal Boulevard. The concrete rehabilitation project is 0.50 miles in length between North Federal Boulevard and North 1st Street. The project includes concrete milling, asphalt paving, and curb, gutter and Americans with Disabilities Act ramp repairs. By contract, curb, gutter and ADA improvements must be completed by the contractor prior to street milling and paving operations. When street work begins, two-way traffic is required to be maintained on half of the roadway at all times. Intersection closures are planned on half of Main Street during this quick-moving project. Project completion date is Oct. 31. The second year of ADA improvements started April 5 on West Main Street in Riverton. S&S Builders, LLC, is the prime contractor on the $3.29 million US 26 (Riverton West Main ADA and Major Avenue/Main Street intersection traffic signal) project. The Riverton project includes ADA improvements at every street corner and replacement of broken curb, gutter and sidewalk between the end of the concrete pavement in downtown Riverton (North 1st Street) and West Main Street’s inter-
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section with Hill Street at the west end of the Central Wyoming College campus in Riverton. Work began this week on the south side of West Main Street beginning at West Main’s intersection with North 8th West. The contract completion date for the West Main Street work was originally Nov. 30, but due to extra work involving storm sewer grates, the contractor’s time schedule has been extended by three weeks.
ule calls for reconstruction of the highway settlement area nearest to Chapman Bench to kick off the project on April 12. Paving of the project is tentatively scheduled after the July 4 holiday. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.
• Don’t forget about Wyoming’s Move Over Law; drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit on two-lane highways (or move over at reduced speeds on multi-lane highways) when approaching WYDOT vehicles/workers with flashing yellow lights.
Photo: WYDOT
Buena Vista/Main Street traffic signal work underway in Lander
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT striping crew making its way down highways in central and northwest Wyoming.
Concrete work last summer along West Main Street in Riverton.
WYO 120 settlement repair project begins north of Cody CODY – A $3.99 million highway settlement repair project began April 12 north of Cody on WYO 120. Riverside Contracting Inc., of Billings, Montana, is the prime contractor. The project is located on WYO 120 from milepost 115 (about 1.5 miles south of the intersection of WYO 120 and WYO 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway) to milepost 118.5 (the south end of Chapman Bench). Project work includes reconstruction of three settlement areas along WYO 120. The project consists of 1 inch of asphalt pavement leveling, 2 inches of asphalt overlay, and chip sealing. “Work started April 12 with reconstruction of three settlement areas,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes and 1-way traffic during working hours. During non-working hours, motorists can expect one-way traffic at the settlement areas with traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals and delays of up to five minutes.” Frost said the contractor’s work sched-
Striping crews preparing to begin painting highways; drivers asked to slow down RIVERTON – Wyoming Department of Transportation striping crews are preparing to begin striping highways in central and northwest Wyoming, and crews are asking for help from drivers this spring and summer. “We really need people to give us a brake. Spring striping is centerline striping, which is a 15 mph process,” said WYDOT rural striping foreman Dan Hahn of Lander. “Please slow down for safety’s sake.” WYDOT’s urban striping crew starts its spring striping in April and early May, and WYDOT’s rural crew launches its spring/summer striping season during this time. All work is dependent upon favorable weather. Hahn offers tips for drivers and citizens who encounter WYDOT striping crews: • Decrease speed (the law requires it); • Be cautious as you enter the striping work zone; • Spring highway striping is centerline striping which is a 15 mph process; • Yellow paint may be wet; • Use caution when passing and only do so when it’s safe and legal;
LANDER – Temporary traffic signals directed traffic movements for about two weeks beginning April 12 at the Main Street/Buena Vista intersection in Lander. The traffic signal electrical work is part of continuing work on the $6.89 million Lander concrete rehabilitation project and US 287 pavement overlay. Most of the project work currently being done is located between Buena Vista and 1st Street near the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. The US 287 (Lander Main Street Americans with Disabilities Act improvements and concrete rehabilitation, and US 287 pavement overlay) project is 16.2 miles in length, between the Main Street/Buena Vista intersection in Lander and Ft. Washakie. The project includes concrete grinding, concrete joint sealing, asphalt paving, chip sealing, and curb, gutter and ADA ramp repairs. The contractor’s preliminary work schedule shows project improvements mostly complete by the middle of July. Weekly public work progress meetings are scheduled at 9 a.m. every Thursday at the southwest corner of the Main Street/2nd Street intersection in downtown Lander. Citizens and businesses are invited to attend the weekly work progress meetings. “By contract, project work is required to be phased so that two-way traffic is maintained on half of the roadway at all times,” Smith said. “There will be some intersection disruptions and lane closures during this quick-moving project. A large percentage of the project includes pavement work (milling and a pavement overlay) between mileposts 10 (near US 287’s intersection with WYO 132) and 24.17 (Ft. Washakie).” n
• Pay attention to the three digital signs on the striping vehicles; and
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Inside WYDOT Customer Satisfaction Survey shows WYDOT improves in several areas By Aimee Inama Customers who visited the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Driver Services offices over the past two years are pleased with the service they received. WYDOT’s 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey showed people continued to have high satisfaction with Driver Services in the areas of courtesy of the staff and promptness. The University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center conducted the survey from Nov. 25, 2020 through Jan. 9, 2021. Center callers completed 913 interviews, of which 733 were on cellphones and 180 on landlines. The Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center has conducted the survey every two years for WYDOT since 2002. In 2020, WYDOT received an 81.5 percent approval rating compared to a 78.7 percent rating in 2018 for promptness. For courtesy of the staff, WYDOT received an 88.5 percent approval in 2020 compared to an 85.7 percent rate in 2018. “Even though we have dealt with challenges from the pandemic, our staff at Driver Services has risen to the occasion and has continued to offer the best service possible,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “Our 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey shows all of our employees continually work hard for the people of Wyoming. The survey shows we have some bright spots that we should be proud of but also that we have some areas we need to improve on.” The survey also showed numerous areas that remained consistent in terms of satisfaction or were trending upward from 2018. Those areas included satisfaction with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, overall stewardship of the transportation system and communications. For WHP, respondents continued to be satisfied with the courtesy and respectfulness of WHP personnel, how WHP responds to situations and how WHP meets
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expectations. However, the results show that people tend to be even more satisfied after having contact with WHP personnel. For example, when asked about courtesy and respectfulness of WHP personnel, 68 percent who had no contact said they were satisfied but 86 percent who had contact said they were satisfied, the 2020 survey indicated. “At the Wyoming Highway Patrol, our port of entry officers, dispatchers and troopers work hard to keep travelers as safe as possible on our roads,” said WHP Col. Kebin Haller. “The men and women of the Highway Patrol not only uphold the laws to keep people safe but also treat everyone they encounter with the same respect and dignity. We have one of the best law enforcement agencies in the world and this survey shows that.” The survey showed continued overall satisfaction with WYDOT’s stewardship of the statewide system as well as the way WYDOT communicates with the public with both achieving 80 percent, the 2020 survey indicated. There were a few areas that were on the downward trend in terms of satisfaction. The survey showed that road quality and maintenance dipped in 2020, with 80 percent of respondents saying they were satisfied after a highway construction project versus 82 percent in 2018. Fifty percent of respondents agreed that highway conditions have improved in the last two years versus 58 percent in 2018. And, overall maintenance of highways (guardrails, potholes, etc.) had a satisfaction rate of 67 percent in 2020 versus 75 percent in 2018. “We anticipated seeing some decreases in satisfaction rates in some of our areas due to budget issues that we have been dealing with for several years,” Reiner said. “A renewed focus on maintaining what we have should help address road quality and maintenance in the future; however, I suspect we are seeing, and may continue to see, the effects of our budget issues relative to maintenance of our roadways.” To read the full Customer Satisfaction Survey, visit WYDOT’s website. n
Inside WYDOT WYDOT officials hold spring town hall meetings to give employees information about agency By Aimee Inama WYDOT employees learned more about upcoming COVID-19 policies, legislative action and other department issues during town hall meetings at the end of April. Director Luke Reiner and Executive Staff members held several town hall meetings to update employees about current activities at WYDOT and answer any questions they had. Reiner provided information about the legislative session, COVID-19, the post-COVID work environment, the transition plan back to the office, Wyoming Highway Patrol equipment, the budget, safety and the recent customer satisfaction survey. “Each one of you remained focused on the mission during the past year despite COVID, the forest fires, the weather and our budget issues,” Reiner said. “Whatever your role is, all of you stepped up and performed exceptionally. We are proud of each and every one of you.” During the past legislative session, many of the bills that would have impacted WYDOT and employees didn’t pass. The safety initiatives that didn’t pass were two seat belt bills, a driving under the influence bill and an automated enforcement bill that would have given tickets for speeders in constructions zones and on the Teton Pass who were driving too fast. A moving expenses bill, the Road Usage Charge (RUC), an autonomous vehicle bill, a fuel tax increase bill and an I-80 tolling bill also didn’t pass this session. The bills that passed included two broadband bills, a visual acuity bill, a roadkill bill and a notary public bill that included new requirements for notaries. Lawmakers also approved a $5 increase to the driver license renewal fee, which will go toward replacing the Revenue Information System. With COVID-19 cases dropping and more employees getting vaccinated, WYDOT will be transitioning to a return to the office on July 1. The state’s emergency telework policy expires at the end of June, which means employees will need to be back in the office or have an individual telework policy in place. Reiner said that WYDOT is working on a telework policy that will support the state’s policy. “Vaccinations in our state are ongoing,” Reiner said. “No one will be or is tracking who is getting a shot and it is not required. However, I personally hope everyone decides to get one. It is a way to stay healthy and for us as an agency to stay healthy.” Additionally, WYDOT officials changed the mask mandate on May 1 from being required in buildings to be optional because more employees and the public are now vaccinated against COVID. Driver Services can still require masks when they perform driving tests because people still won’t be able to social distance in vehicles.
As for in-person meetings, they can resume but employees must follow the state’s guidance. Out-of-state travel will be permitted but in a limited manner as the department is currently under budget constraints. Regarding pay increases, Reiner said that there was a state-level occupational study of trades positions. WYDOT has 158 of those positions, out of those, 58 will receive a pay adjustment. The review was from the state and WYDOT will follow the recommendations regarding that review. WYDOT officials also started working on the fiscal year 2022 budget and are looking at the federal funding that will or could possibly be allocated to the department. WYDOT is expected to get funding from the COVID relief supplemental appropriation bill that was signed by federal lawmakers in December. The funding that department will receive will be put toward roads and infrastructure. There’s also the American Rescue Plan Act. Although that legislation doesn’t contain any transportation dollars, there are funds for tourism which could possibly be used to reopen the nine previously closed rest areas. Additionally, there’s a proposed American Jobs Plan bill from President Joe Biden that could put more funding toward transportation projects. WYDOT officials will be monitoring that bill’s progress. Although there were many challenges in 2020, Reiner said the 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey showed WYDOT employees continued to perform to a high standard. There were several areas where WYDOT either remained consistent or increased in customer satisfaction. For Driver Services, the approval ratings for promptness and courtesy increased to 81.5 percent and 88.5 percent respectively. The last survey had promptness at 78.7 percent and courtesy at 85.7 percent. Patrol showed continued satisfaction as well. The results showed that people tended to be even more satisfied after having contact with WHP personnel. For example, when asked about courtesy and respectfulness of WHP personnel, 68 percent who had no contact said they were satisfied but 86 percent who had contact said they were satisfied, the 2020 survey indicated. “Our results show that despite whatever challenges come your way, you are prepared to handle anything,” Reiner said. “We appreciate your commitment and dedication to WYDOT to ensuring the best possible service to the people of Wyoming.” There were several downward trends including a reduction in the perception of the quality of roads and the maintenance performed on them. Reiner said that “Those results are not surprising and are likely directly related to the amount of funding available for roads and bridges.” . Visit WYDOT’s website at http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/ news_info.html to review the complete 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey. n
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Hanging rack system taken out of service
On March 21, a WYDOT vehicle was towing a trailer down the highway. The vehicle was traveling between 30-35 mph when it went over a bump in the road. The driver observed in the rear view mirror that the trailer had come disconnected. When the driver attempted to slow down and safely come to a stop, the towing vehicle was struck by the trailer, causing damage to the WYDOT vehicle. This could have been prevented. Below are some pre-inspection recommendations: Hitching using a ball mount system 1. Ensure each part of the hitch system is in good condition. 2. Ensure that the hitch/receiver, ball mount, coupler and safety chains or cables (including all attachment components) are sufficient for the loaded capacity. Each component must be equal to, or greater than, the GVWR of the trailer. 3. Ensure the ball mount is the correct size, matching the coupler for proper fit. Both the ball and the coupler should have the size noted directly on the part. 4. Ensure the ball mount is at the proper height to ensure the trailer is parallel to the ground when loaded and towed. 5. If not permanently affixed, attach the ball mount according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Attach the coupler to the ball mount according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 7. Attach the safety chains from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Remember, safety chains are the first line of defense if the trailer detaches. • The chains should crisscross to form an ‘X’ beneath the trailer tongue to catch the tongue before making contact with the ground, should the trailer disconnect from the tow vehicle. • Each chain should have a separate attachment point to the tow vehicle and shall be rated for the GVWR of the trailer. • If possible, the chains should be looped back to hook onto themselves. • Do not hang an S hook on the opening of the receiver hitch, as it might bounce off while driving. Instead, loop it through the opening and connect it to the chain. 8. Connect any pin connectors for lighting and, if applicable, brakes. 9. Ensure the trailer lights are in working order. All types of equipment and tools used by WYDOT employees should be inspected prior to use and by design. This simple inspection can prevent WYDOT from other towing accidents. n
An employee was walking through the yard and began to look at the hanging rack system at one of our locations. The employee identified damage to the rack system and reported the damage. Upon investigation, Damaged hanging racks should be marked with caution tape, cones and signage warning it was determined employees to not operate the rack. that the rack system was damaged when a tailgate was being installed on an 8-yard truck. The operator did not disconnect the tailgate after it was pinned onto the truck and began to drive away. The force of the truck pulling on the overhead crane damaged the rack system by breaking the overhead supports and breaking welds. Hanging rack system Based on this event, Employee Safety recommends all sander racks and associated equipment be inspected by a qualified technician. This equipment would include the inspection of chains, hoists, pulleys, straps, foundation anchorage, welds, supports, cross members and overall condition of the racks to verify they are in good operable condition. This qualified technician inspection is a documented inspection and should be completed on a yearly basis. Supervisors should also ensure that a monthly documented inspection looking at the above mentioned areas is conducted. If the hanging rack system shows sign of wear, damage, or if it poses a potential hazard, the rack should be taken out of service until an inspection and repairs deem it safe to operate. If the rack is taken out of service, please use caution tape, cones, and signage directing employees not to operate the rack system (see picture at the top of this safety flash). Reference OSHA regulates the construction and use of these racks under several regulations: 1910.176 Materials Handling and Storage, 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes, 1926 Subpart R – Steel Erection, and well as requiring these systems to be engineered. An engineered system is one that has been tested and validated by a professional engineer per OSHA and any required National Consensus Standard like ANSI. These systems also have to have a load rating assigned by an engineer, load rating signage, and these systems have to be tested yearly by a competent person. The new 4-yards and 8-yards WYDOT is purchasing are now coming with free standing sanders and portable tanks. As WYDOT replaces these trucks, the numbers of hanging sanders are declining. If you have questions please contact Employee Safety for help determining if your rack system is good to use or not. n
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Photo: WYDOT
Disconnected trailer causes damage to WYDOT truck
Photo: WYDOT
Employee Safety
Training PMI and the Individual Development Plan (IDP): How they work for you By Amy Bale, Training Services Every year, the State requires supervisors and employees to use the PMI (Performance Management Instrument) in three phases: Planning, Mid-Year Coaching and Evaluation. The PMI is designed to help supervisors and employees define goals, tasks or projects they want to accomplish, review progress and discuss the past years’ performance. These phases also help the agency meet its goals and objectives at all levels. Yet, it’s about more than just the agency. It’s also about growing the employee’s skills and knowledge, their satisfaction with their job, and their plans for the future. An excellent tool to accompany the PMI is the IDP (Individual Development Plan). This tool helps the employee determine what path they want to take, outline the goals and steps needed to achieve those goals, and work with their supervisor to make sure the employee goals synchronize with the agency goals. The IDP also allows the supervisor to determine what time and resources are needed. The IDP works in three phases.
Phase 1: IDP Preparation. To prepare for the IDP, use our “10-Step Kickstart” document to lay your plans and goals out on paper. Then complete an “Employee IDP Pre-Discussion” worksheet to assess and prioritize which Knowledge, Skills or Abilities (KSAs) you need for current and future positions within WYDOT. You can also request that your supervisor fill out a “Supervisor IDP Pre-Discussion” worksheet. Phase 2: IDP Discussion. Next, meet. During the IDP discussion, you and your supervisor work together to fill out the “IDP Worksheet and Related Tasks” worksheet. These outline the goals you want to achieve, and identify time frames and resources needed to complete the associated tasks. Phase 3: IDP Follow-Up. Now put that plan into action! Use the documents to track progress, have discussions both in and outside of the PMI phases, celebrate successes and update as you move forward. The Individual Development Plan will help you decide what goals you want or need to learn in order to grow as a WYDOT employee. It will allow you and your supervisor to align those goals with the agency’s objectives. A good, well-executed plan makes for a more satisfied, more productive employee.
** Learn more about the IDP and find all the documents you need on the WYDOT Training Services intranet web page. The Training Services team can assist in developing a personalized IDP for each employee. Simply contact the team at dot-training@wyo.gov. n
Training @ a Glance In May: Date Class 5/10/2021 5/18/2021
Know WY Google and WELL Basics, Know WY Event 2 Webinar Franklin Covey’s Speed of Trust Foundations
Coming in June: Date Class
6/8/2021 WY Supervise New Supervisors Training COHORT 2 (Day 1 & 2 of 5) 6/14/2021 Know WY Google and WELL Basics, Know WY Event 2 Webinar 6/15/2021 NEW! Assertiveness 6/17/2021 Know WY New Employee Onboarding Workshop (Event 3)
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the new WELL.
Time
Location
8 a.m. - noon 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Webinar TBD
Time
Location
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tentative Schedule: 7/15: Day 3 Virtual Check In (2 hrs.) 8/5: Day 4 Virtual Workshop (4 hrs.) 8/19: Day 5 Virtual Workshop (4 hrs.)
WYDOT-U /VILT
8 a.m. - noon 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 8 a.m. - noon
Webinar ILT VILT / Webinar
All new employees are automatically assigned the Know WY Learning Plan and should register for one of these workshops in their My Learning section of the WELL. See ‘Tentative Schedule’ for full schedule - final schedule will be determined with Cohort 2. Employees should register for the WY Supervise Learning Plan, then they can register for one of these workshops in their My Learning section of the WELL.
Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information. May 2021
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Travel & Tourism Wyoming Office of Tourism releases 2020 travel economic impact data By Piper Singer, Wyoming Office of Tourism The Wyoming Office of Tourism released its 2020 Economic Impact of Travel in Wyoming report, conducted by Dean Runyan Associates. According to the report, in a year when travel was limited, and socially distant destinations were in greater demand, Wyoming’s travel economy only declined by 23 percent, whereas the U.S. travel economy declined by 36 percent. The newly released study includes detailed state economic data, along with specified data for all 23 counties, including traveler spending, visitor volume and industry-related jobs. “Last year was unprecedented for the world and travel industry, but as the least populated state, Wyoming was uniquely positioned as a destination for those looking to enjoy wide-open spaces in a socially-distant environment,” said Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “Our local communities and businesses worked hard this past year to safely welcome visitors, and we are now in a much better position because of their resiliency.” 2020 Economic Impact Highlights: • Wyoming welcomed 6.9 million overnight visitors, who spent over $3.05 billion. • Visitor spending directly affected Wyoming’s economy by generating $160 million in local and state tax revenues, which helps fund jobs and public programs. • Each Wyoming household would have to pay approximately $678 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry. • Travelers to the state supported 40,720 jobs in Wyoming, including 28,630 directly in the travel industry and 12,090 in other industries. • Travel spending generated $935.2 million in direct payroll. • Travel and tourism supports 7 percent of total employment in Wyoming, or 1 in every 10 jobs. • Leisure and hospitality is the largest employer among all private industries in Wyoming. The report was released ahead of Wyoming’s participation in National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) held May 2-8, honoring the “Power of Travel” as the year’s theme. Held annually by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW advocates and celebrates the value travel holds for the economy, businesses and personal well-being.
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To kick off the summer travel season, Wyoming Office of Tourism launched its second year of the WY Responsibly campaign. The campaign aims to educate and facilitate responsible travel throughout Wyoming’s natural spaces, wildlife encounters and community engagement. WOT united with 10 national-and state-level outdoor agencies to provide resources to have a sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience, including: • Plan Ahead: Before traveling, make reservations at hotels and campgrounds with reservable sites, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. • Be Healthy: In the spirit of collective wellness, respect posted signs and announcements for health guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety of our communities. Masks are required on all federal lands including national parks. • Be Flexible and Informed: Plan ahead and be flexible with your experiences. For example, if a parking lot is full in a state or federal park, be ready to seek different trails and lesser-known experiences. • Keep it Clean: While experiencing the public land, be prepared to not have access to trash cans or restrooms, especially when recreating in national forests. • Be Fire Aware: Respect fire bans in place, choose a campsite with pre-existing fire rings whenever possible and never leave your fire unattended. • Keep Your Distance: Co-exist responsibly with Wyoming’s wildlife and keep your distance. For the safety of wildlife and visitors, please keep at least 100 yards away from bears and
Letters that I would have about four days of nice weather on the west side of the Big Horns, however, the lead of the three gentleman made it a point to come out to the bike and ask me what my plan was once on the other side of the Horns, seemingly almost questioning my abilities. I had gratefully answered with my knowledge of weather as been taught in pilot ground school. Thank them for me if you would. Thank you to WYDOT Maintenance, DNR, U.S. Forest Service and everyone else involved with such a majestic place to ride.
Sage advice from WYDOT crew
Richard Vickerman via email Photo: WYDOT
Hi. About two weeks ago, I arrived in Buffalo on my 2020 Harley Davidson Heritage wanting to cross the Big Horn mountains on US 16. First time alone in the mountains and first time on my bike there also. Having concerns about being so early in the year and my experience level on bike and mountain traveling, I had stopped in the Buffalo WYDOT shop The Buffalo crew Vickerman encountered on for information and his road trip through Buffalo. (From left) Shawn Schoolcraft, Zach Armstrong and Chris Isbell. advice. Walking into the office I encountered three gentleman. I told them what I wanted to do and they graciously helped me with a plan and information on how dangerous the mountains can still be on that date. I would like to thank those three guys, not only for their knowledge, but also for caring about others. All four of us agreed
Drivers Services kudos Recently I renewed my Wyoming driver’s license. There was a lady there trying to get her license but was having a very emotional day. The man working with her, WYDOT Driver Services employee James Temple, was so kind, patient and professional in addressing her problem. He couldn’t have been any kinder. Thank you to the Wyoming Department of Transportation for all they do to help others.
Anonymous
Agencies release plans to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions in the Dubois area The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and WYDOT invited interested citizens to attend a virtual meeting as the draft mitigation strategy was presented concerning wildlife/vehicle collisions along US 26/287 near Dubois. The virtual meeting was held over ZOOM on April 27. The US 26/287 study area includes eight mitigation segments, both east and west of Dubois. From 2015 through 2019, wildlife/ vehicle collisions accounted for 74% of all vehicle crashes between mileposts 48-73 on US 26/287. Each year, on average, there are 28 reported wildlife-vehicle crashes reported to law enforcement and an additional 131 recorded carcasses removed from this section of roadway.
The annual cost of these collisions is estimated at $791,400 including property damage, accident response, cleanup costs, and the value of the wildlife killed. Consequently, this stretch of highway is one of the most dangerous and costly in the state in terms of wildlife/vehicle collision risk and has been identified as a top priority in the Wildlife and Roadways Initiative. To evaluate the mitigation possibilities on this stretch of highway, Julia Kintsch from ECO-resolutions, LLC, was hired as a consultant. Kintsch has 15 years of experience helping wildlife and transportation agencies mitigate wildlife movement. At the April 27 meeting, Kintsch will present the draft mitigation strategy developed by the project partnership, which is available for review at the top of this page. “Funding for these wildlife-crossing
Photo: WGFD
Game & Fish
mitigation strategies will be actively pursued in the future,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Department Lander Region Wildlife Management Coordinator Daryl Lutz. “The mitigation plan and effort in this area was launched in response to the numerous wildlife/vehicle collisions and citizen requests to address them along this stretch of highway. The mitigation plan will be used as a basis for project fundraising and implementation.” n
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Game & Fish By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with Wyoming Trout Unlimited and other sponsors, is launching a month-long moss ball takeback program to help stop the potential spread of zebra mussels. The invasive mussel species was discovered for the first time in Wyoming in March on moss balls, an aquarium plant sold in pet stores. “Zebra mussels are a serious threat to Wyoming’s waters, outdoor recreation, municipalities, agriculture, state infrastructure and tourism. That’s why we are going the extra mile to encourage people to dispose of their moss balls that could have zebra mussels,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. All aquarium moss balls are eligible to be submitted to the program. To return a moss ball, net it out of your aquarium and put it in a closed, plastic bag or container.
Moss balls can be dropped off to one of the 10 take-back locations across Wyoming. • Johnson County Emergency Management, 26 N. DeSmet, Buffalo • Game and Fish Sheridan Regional Office, 700 Valley View Dr., Sheridan • Game and Fish Cody Regional Office, 2820 Highway 120, Cody • Game and Fish Jackson Regional Office, 420 N. Cache St., Jackson • Game and Fish Pinedale Regional Office, 432 E. Mill St., Pinedale • Game and Fish Green River Regional Office, 351 Astle Ave. Green River • Game and Fish Lander Regional Office, 260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander • Game and Fish Casper Regional Office, 3030 Energy Ln., Casper • Game and Fish Laramie Regional Office, 1212 S. Adams St., Laramie • Game and Fish Headquarters, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne
Anyone who returns a moss ball can scan a QR code at the drop-off site to enter into a raffle to win $1,200. The raffle closes May 15. “Every moss ball returned helps prevent the potential spread of zebra mussels,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Just
Become a Wyoming certified aquatic invasive species inspector The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering trainings for members of the public to become a certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspector. These trainings will provide the skills necessary to inspect personally-owned and other watercraft as well. The trainings include information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts of AIS, transport vectors and distribution of AIS. It includes classroom instruction, a question-and-answer session and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise. The trainings are free and open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection. Aquatic invasive species can be aquatic animals such as zebra and quagga mussels or rusty crayfish, or aquatic vegetation such as hydrilla. “Aquatic invasive species can have far-reaching impacts on Wyoming water resources for agriculture, municipalities and wildlife. Many of these invasive species permanently change stream and lake ecology, negatively affecting native species and our prized sport fisheries,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Having members of the public become aware about AIS, practice Clean, Drain, Dry on their boats, and inspect their watercraft when a Game and Fish
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because you don’t see a mussel, doesn’t mean its tiny offspring are not there. That’s why disposing of all moss balls is vital, as well as the water they’ve been in.” Leonard recommends aquarists dispose of any aquarium water that came in contact with a moss ball by boiling and then pouring outside away from any natural waters or on a house plant after cooling. Do not pour down drains. Full directions are available on the Game and Fish website. Moss balls remain under a quarantine order from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. “Please do not buy more moss balls,” Leonard said. “Game and Fish is still working to contain the threat of zebra mussels in Wyoming, and a major key to protecting our state is the public’s help.” The moss ball take-back program is supported by Wyoming Trout Unlimited, the WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Game Wardens Association, Wyoming County Commissioners Association, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wyoming Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Wyoming Wildlife Federation and Muley Fanatic Foundation. n
check station is not available, is critical in the fight to prevent the spread of AIS to Wyoming.” Trainings are offered as a one-day course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the spring in statewide locations. Registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date. The course schedule is: Date
City
Location
May 1
Lander
Lander Game and Fish Regional Office
May 7
Sheridan
Sheridan Game and Fish Regional Office
May 8
Cheyenne
Game and Fish Headquarters
May 14
Cody
Cody Game and Fish Regional Office
May 15
Rawlins
Jeffrey Center
June 19
Jackson
Jackson Game and Fish Regional Office
Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish
Game and Fish launch moss ball take-back program
YOUR MOSS BALL MAY CARRY INVASIVE MUSSELS Moss balls are a popular plant choice for aquariums and decorative displays. But they also can be carriers of zebra mussels, which if detected in Wyoming’s waters, could have catastrophic impacts to the water, the biodiversity of the area, recreation, municipalities and water users.
IF YOU OWN A MOSS BALL:
Step 1
Step 2
Remove the ball, other plants and any water from the aquarium and put them into a heat-safe pot.
Remove any pets from the water and tank.
Step 4
Boil the balls, plants and any water it’s been in contact with for at least five minutes.
Do not:
Step 5 Dispose of the ball and other plants in the trash.
Don’t dump the tank water in the toilet, down the sink or in the sewer system.
Step 3
Inspect the ball and tank for zebra mussels and if you find any contact your local Game and Fish regional office.
Step 6
Pour out the boiled water on a semipermeable surface. That could be a houseplant or outside — like grass or soil — not located near standing water or a storm drain. Don’t release your aquarium critters or plants into the wild by dumping them in a river or lake.
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Cloyd Ash, Planning-Counter Shop; Kimberly Chapman, Aeronautics-Adminstration; Nicholas Gronski, Purchasing-Buying; Jessica McNally, Highway Development-Engineering Services; Isaac Nguyen, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Shanda Rice, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title.
Promotions and Transfers George Dale, Right of Way-Administration; Sara Holderman, Purchasing-Buying.
Service Awards
Spring skiing? Beach vacation? Hunt lately? Prove it.
Fox
Quade
Estevan Trujillo, Materials-Bituminous – 10 years; Todd Moad, IT-Development – 5 years; and Kenneth Schuricht, Right of Way-Negotiations – 5 years.
Retirements Holderman
Shane Fox, Compliance Investigation – 20 years; William Quade, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection – 20 years; Michael Kelley, Facilities Management-Building Maintenance – 15 years; Luke Reiner, Administration - Director – 10 years;
Joe Trujillo retired on March 13 with 29 years of service to the state. He retired from the Facilities Management program as a mechanic. Trujillo, a Cheyenne native, worked in the Materials lab as a soils tester and also in Trujillo the Bridge program as a snooper operator. n
Outdoors photos deadline:
05/15/21 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
District 1
Promotions and Transfers
Service Awards
Retirements
James Etter, Baggs Maintenance; Justin Fehlberg, Cheyenne Maintenance; Jonathan Power, Cheyenne Mechanics; Anthony Scott, Rawlins Mechanics.
Craig Cox, Cheyenne Construction – 30 years; and Lawrence Packard, Rawlins Construction – 20 years.
Cindy Petty retired March 12 from District 1 Administration. Petty worked at the front desk in Laramie for 26 years. She said she’d seen a lot of changes during that tenure, including major technology updates. In retirement, she’s Petty excited to spend more time with her family, including her grandkids and her mother, who is moving to Laramie this summer. n
Fehlberg
Cox
Power
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Packard
District 2
Welcome
Welcome
Casey Dickau, Douglas Maintenance; Michael Hill, Douglas Maintenance.
Dickau
District 3
Hill
Promotions and Transfers Trenton Carr, Casper Construction.
District 4
Welcome
Steven Beaslin, Evanston Mechanics.
Service Awards Mark McCracken, Farson Maintenance – 25 years; Edith Reed, Driver Services-CDL – 25 years; Tory Thomas, District 3 Administration – 20 years; and Marvin Hutchinson, Port of Entry-Evanston – 10 years. McCracken
Service Awards
Steven Belus, Sheridan Construction; William Warner, Sheridan Traffic-Striping.
Belus
Warner
Promotions and Transfers Alexander Bohne, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail.
Kenneth Pantier, Traffic-Signing – 15 Carr years; and Jason Parker, Chugwater Maintenance – 5 years. n
Service Awards Thomas
Hutchinson
Retirements William McGuire retired on March 2 from Rock Springs Highway Maintenance. n
Bohne
Dana McInerney, Sundance Construction – 30 years; Bradley Marchant, Sundance Maintenance – 20 years; and Colton Lenz, Gillette Patrol – 10 years.
McInerney
Marchant
Lenz
n
Parker
Photo: WYDOT
Pantier
Sundance and Hulett crews social distancing and listening intently to the D4 Safety Huddle presentation on April 13.
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District 5
Welcome Corey Bozell, Cody Mechanics; Trisha Childers, Driver Services-Lander/Dubois/Riverton; Thomas Stroble, Driver Services-Cody/Lovell.
Promotions and Transfers Beau Fidler, Lander Construction; Bret Moore, Basin Construction; Ian Parsons, Cody Construction; Jason Price, Traffic-Signing.
Fritz
Rea
Jerry Fritz, Cody Maintenance – 10 years; and Angelique Rea, Driver Services-Thermopolis/Worland/Basin – 5 years.
Retirements
Price
Service Awards
Larry Stanger retired on March 2 with 20 years of service from Basin Traffic as a signing highway maintenance specialist.
Todd Hardesty, Cody Patrol – 20 years;
Photo: WYDOT
Moore
Norman Mullis retired on March 31 with 37 years of service to the state. He retired from Ten Sleep Maintenance. Mullis began his career with the old Wyoming Highway Department in August 1983. He was a certified welder having attained his certificate in 1981. Mullis
Hardesty
Lander area maintenance supervisor retiring after 40 years of public service Some things are as natural as life. For Jim Thomas of Lander, working for the Wyoming Highway Department (which later became the Wyoming Department of Transportation) was a boyhood ambition, a career, a family legacy and the family business. Then a high school student at his hometown Hot Springs County High School in Thermopolis, Thomas remembers watching highway department workers outside the second-story window of the high school library. “Even back then, I wanted to work for the highway department,” Thomas says. “I even wrote in my high school yearbook that I wanted to plow snow on Togwotee Pass.” This passion for plowing deep snow came from childhood visits to a friend’s cabin on Togwotee Pass, west of Dubois, and watching highway department workers plowing US 26/287 in the 1970s. Thomas, 59, retires April 1, and he will officially join his wife, Stacey, at their new home in Basin, where Stacey has been working for the Big Horn County treasurer’s office for about a year.
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Jim Thomas then and now.
“I wanted to retire with 40 years of service, and April 1 was my mom Mary’s birthday. So, that’s the perfect day,” Thomas says. Thomas is legendary for his standard friendly greeting and smile to people he meets, and he knows many people throughout northwest Wyoming. “I ask about their family. It helps me
check in on their mood and how they are doing. Talking about family tends to put everyone in a positive mood,” he says. “Being positive and proactive have carried me in my life.” Thomas’ highway department career began March 30, 1981, starting shortly after his 1980 high school graduation. “I started as a Maintenance Worker 1 at age 19. I remember lots of flagging in traffic, filling potholes and driving truck,” he says. Thomas was promoted to Maintenance Worker 2 after a year, then later became an Equipment Operator. Today’s maintenance worker requirements (adopted in 1991) include being age 21 to hold a commercial driver’s license. Not then. Thomas worked in Thermopolis for 10 years, leaving in October 1991 to become heavy equipment operator on South Pass. Fresh starts and learning new things became patterns in Thomas’ career. He promoted to maintenance foreman on South Pass in 1995. He transferred to Lovell in 2003. He promoted to area maintenance supervisor in Lander in 2013. As area maintenance supervisor, Thomas supervises the South Pass, Lander, Riverton and Dubois crews, and he fulfilled his high school dream of plowing snow on Togwotee Pass. “I’ve always tried to better myself professionally, kind of like how I push my son to do better,” Thomas says. “I have enjoyed moving about every 10-12 years. Moving gave me the feeling of having a new job where I could learn new things, and take advantage of opportunities. We’ve always found every place we’ve lived to be neat in its own way.” Thomas has been near when WYDOT’s maintenance focus placed added emphasis on safety, including adding auxiliary turning lanes off highways, calming traffic by transitioning from 4-land to 3-lane roadways through small towns, clearing roadside brush to help drivers see deer, and adding better ways of communicating (cell phones) at remote working stations. He also became actively involved wherever he lived, serving on the Fremont County Rural Fire Department in Atlantic City (Battalion 9), on the Big Horn School District No. 1 School Board, on the fire district board of directors, the solid waste district board and in other areas. Thomas witnessed improvements in how WYDOT conducts its maintenance business, too, which have saved money and improved efficiency, especially in times of shrinking state-funded budgets. He witnessed snowplowing improvements when carbide-tipped cutting blades were first installed on snowplows. “Before carbide blades, we had to change our cutting blades after every snowstorm. Now, a set of carbide blades will last nearly an entire snow season, except in our mountain areas,” Thomas says. “When I started in Thermopolis, our trucks were gas powered, and the sanders were gas powered. We drive diesels now, and our sanders run on hydraulics. Diesels were huge, as we went from 80 gallons of fuel used in an eight-hour shift to 17 gallons of fuel with diesel engines,” Thomas says. Beginning to use a bulldozer to clear US 14A above Lovell has
shortened the time it takes to open the high mountain roadway every spring. Thomas trained for that task in the Laramie Range, and he brought that skill to northwest Wyoming. Moving from South Pass to Lovell was the biggest transition of Thomas’ career, “when I went from plowing snow 10 months a year on South Pass to working in temperatures of nearly 100 degrees in Lovell, and working with farmers, irrigation and other things in Lovell. But I still had my mountain to take care of – US 14A (between Lovell and Burgess Junction).” Thomas’ career has always been about improving life for his family, too. Thomas married his wife, Stacey, May 25, 1991, in Thermopolis. They moved to South Pass in September 1991. On South Pass, Thomas and his wife became parents to their children, Payton and Aspen. When it was time for Payton to start school, the family moved to Lovell, and later, Lander. “I told Stacey five years on South Pass, and we stayed 12,” he remembers. Thomas is proud of his wife, a former EMT on South Pass, and his children, Payton and Aspen. “These days, Payton calls me about three times weekly, and we tell snow-plowing stories. It’s funny how that happened, because my boy has a degree in business and marketing and he loves WYDOT,” Thomas says. “Aspen will probably end up taking care of all of us, as she’s studying to be a nurse at Casper College.” Thomas is the fourth son in a family of eight children raised in Thermopolis. WYDOT in 2021 is a proud family business for Thomas, his brothers, and now, his son. Thomas’ brother Neil Thomas is a 28-year WYDOT maintenance worker stationed in Riverton, his brother Glen Thomas is a member of the Thermopolis maintenance crew, his brother Scott Thomas is maintenance foreman of the Basin maintenance crew, and today, son Payton is a member of the Laramie maintenance crew. His sister, Ellen, also worked for the engineering and maintenance crews in Thermopolis. Thomas says highway work is a second-, third-generation passion shared by his family that goes back to the Utah Department of Transportation and his uncle who worked 33 years serving Utah citizens. “Our uncles worked on gravel crushers and in road construction,” he says. “This all started two or three generations ago. It’s in our blood, a natural fit for our families.” Transportation, the family business, has served Thomas well for four decades. “I’ve remained focused on safety,” Thomas says. “Our people are good.” In retirement, he plans to build a garage and fencing at his new home in Basin, and he’ll focus on his many hobbies. “Mostly, I’ll be relaxing and enjoying Wyoming,” Thomas says. “I have a bucket list of places I want to visit in Wyoming. I’ve never been to Lusk, you know, Lusk, Wyoming. I’m going to get a motorcycle, and I plan to ride motorcycles with my daughter.” Thomas recently purchased a shotgun. “I’m planning to go turkey hunting this spring, and I want to call in a turkey,” he says. n
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40Years of Excellence
May 2021 Message
COVID-19 and “Diseases of Despair” Even before the arrival of COVID-19, our nation was experiencing a mental health crisis, with suicide rates climbing to their highest level since World War II. Since the pandemic’s arrival, we’ve faced a series of hardships: the loss of loved ones, economic insecurity, social unrest, ongoing stress, anxiety and uncertainty. These hardships are known to exacerbate “diseases of despair,” such as substance abuse, alcohol dependency, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Studies show millennials, minorities and essential workers are among the hardest hit. However, we’re all impacted— children, parents, coworkers and friends. Experts recommend reaching out to those who appear to be struggling. Listening to their concerns and providing emotional support can be very effective. It’s also important to watch for sudden changes in mood, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal and incidents of self-harm. These are signs that professional help is necessary. Keep in mind that diseases of despair are treatable conditions. By getting proper therapy and developing effective coping strategies, it is possible to overcome these conditions and regain emotional well-being.
NEED HELP? Your EAP can provide additional guidance and resources.
MAY 19, NOON ET How To Recognize and Respond To Suicide Risk Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you, a family member, co-worker or friend appears to be having suicidal thoughts, there’s plenty you can do to save a life. We’ll take a closer look at what to say and resources you can use, including emergency hotlines. 1.800.XXX.XXXX
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Company Name Here n
May 2021
REGISTER Presented by Nancy Pierce, MA, LCSW Consultant and Trainer Mental Health Crisis Consultants
feieap.com Username: XXXX
Roadmasters member wins statewide contest Mike Hand, a member of Roadmasters Toastmasters won the statewide tall tales contest on March 20. Hand’s speech, “Changes in Air Travel” was an exaggerated fantasy tale about an airline trip he recently took. “We at Roadmasters are fortunate to have Mike as a member of our club,” said Cliff Spoonemore, president of the Roadmasters chapter. “He is always supportive of others and his diverse skills encourage all our members to stretch themselves.” Spoonemore noted that this victory completes Hand’s “Statewide Slam.” Toastmasters conducts contests in five categories. Hand has now finished first in statewide competitions in all five categories. Roadmasters has been meeting virtually for the past year, but when it is safe to do so, the group will meet in person on Mondays at noon. The Roadmasters webpage is https://roadmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/ n
Passings Kenneth L. Shultz Kenneth Lynn Shultz, 61, of Cheyenne passed away April 19, 2021. Shultz was born Nov. 10, 1959 in Rawlins, Wyoming to James and Ada Shultz. He married Rebecca Ann Hampton on March 19, 2016, in Cheyenne. The Raw- Shultz lins native first signed on with the Wyoming Highway Department in 1978 as a temporary summer worker, and joined the department full time after earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1983.
He served the department in a variety of positions including resident engineer in Cheyenne, District 3 maintenance engineer in Rock Springs and staff engineer in the Construction and Maintenance Program at headquarters. Shultz became state maintenance engineer in 1999, when the Construction and Maintenance Program was divided into two separate entities. In 2011, Shultz was promoted to the assistant chief engineer position and served in this capacity until his retirement on May 2, 2016 after more than 34 years of service to the department and state. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He was always a very caring and compassionate man. Private family services were held. n
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Break Time See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: 1. Biking
14. Grasslands
2. Bison
15. Hiking
3. Boating
16. Lakeshore
4. Camping
17. Motorcycles
5. Construction
18. Paving
6. Daffodils
19. Rivers
7. Devils Tower
20. Spring
8. Fishing
21. Striping
9. Flaggers
22. Sunny
10. Flaming Gorge
23. Tourists
11. Fort Laramie
24. Warm
12. Fossil Butte
25. Yellowstone
13. Grand Teton
Answer to the April 2021 Break Time sudoku puzzle:
3 7 8 9 2 5 4 6 1
4 1 6 8 7 3 9 2 5
9 2 5 6 1 4 8 3 7
7 8 9 3 4 1 2 5 6
2 1 3 5 6 8 7 1 9
6 1 1 2 9 7 3 4 8
8 6 7 1 3 2 5 9 4
5 9 2 4 8 6 1 7 3
1 3 4 7 5 9 6 8 2
D P N P O D M D A I S I E S F E S R A N S A U O Y R C E T O A H V N A L V
O M O A C E A S L H C F L U H I K I N G U M L R I E R B U R T I E T N E E
M O R I E C C I M A O U S A U Q I F R I L P I U N R L A S E U P H C B S R
F T T N A T A C A N L C R P E U M E I P U E Q F G I W L P C M T E H O C U
I O S T N U M S X N Q H M T C A O C U A D R C M O O T T O P E I N I A H N
N R R B K M P U I A D U N P G M R I S V E F I H U S N N S W T M A E T A E
O C O T F N I T M L F E I A M O N P H I P E B U L V S P A A S U F N I T F
S Y U R L U N E I I U A V E O L W S U N O C U S I T N I T T I T U E N S E
B C T B O A G I L C R B O I T F O D I G N E T C R E I O L R A M O T G E M
V L H U Z B R D X E I N P L L O N B Y I S R E U C S M S I B E E F N T T M
A E G T E F I A S R S O K A B S V E I L T U C O T U A I N A U N I U E U E
C S E T B U N N M S V R G N U I T N D K C T Z N S L N T E V C T L N L N H
A I N E R R O C Q I R G P O M S O O E I I M D I F T U E G E I A T E A H A
T W E R A I S A U S E I A T B S C A W O L N E F E I M R L S T T S E S O B
I Q R F L S T S I R Y N V A L I U N N E I U G C S S A N A F I P L L D M I
O U A L I A E T S T I G E N E D L M M C R S N U C N O O F A R C B A E M T
N I L Y T S K V E E Z V M C B E T V D I U I D S D R P I V I U L E V G E E
A T B Z S E N E F D E A E E E A S I I E D B I T E O U V N C S E G R L H A
C K D P N N U N S A R T N R E T T T U N A U E P S Q B G I R E H A U I A N
H E H A O A M O A H M T T X S U R D S T C T N U M U L E V F G S I N C B O
T I E V F C E T F B O E F L A M I N G G O R G E U O I H R E S E E N I I R
U Z M I S F T E R A C R C A C S P E S N H I D I S S C E P L S N T C G T T
N T U B I S O N O G H F E L O C I C E I I O E O C T U B A C A T G R O E E
G L C Q E L I D W G A L L A E T N T X L N M R R A C S N E I T I A O U A W
B I U T C A L R I I R A O B N E G O S H S A I T E O D A N E U O R I S D A
A N L E R P I B N L T M U U D R T D I O T N M I T S E T R Y R Q C S E E R
B Y L T O U R I S T S E D S I E O E T R I T O U F N C U D N T U O S S N M
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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
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