Interchange – May 2023

Dry Piney Project News

Underpasses already seeing wildlife usage

Environmental Services program monitors wildlife projects throughout state

By Jordan Achs

One ray of positivity during such a harsh winter season for Wyoming’s wildlife has been the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project. While it was once an area with some of the highest rates of vehicle-animal collisions statewide, recent monitoring suggests the project on US 189 between LaBarge and Big Piney is already seeing positive results.

The Dry Piney project was let in 2021 and includes nine wildlife underpasses and 16.7 miles of wildlife fencing on both sides of the highway. Crews with Idaho-based McMillen, Inc. made great progress last summer, completing six underpasses and 35,000 feet of fencing.

In December, WYDOT’s Environmental Services program placed cameras at the two underpasses that have deer fence installed on both sides of the underpasses, and the results have already been encouraging.

“The cameras at one of the underpasses were triggered several hundred

times during the first three months of monitoring, and the cameras at the other underpass were triggered over 1,000 times,” said Tom Hart, wildlife specialist with WYDOT’s Environmental Services program.

Hart added tracks in the snow revealed deer are even using an underpass that isn’t fully fenced in yet, despite having the choice to cross the highway at grade to the south of the structure.

With snowpack beyond average in that area of the state, there were concerns that drifted snow would limit the ability for wildlife to use the underpasses at all.

Photo: WYDOT Environmental Services

A game camera placed by WYDOT’s Environmental Services program captured a mule deer trudging through the snow toward the underpass near mile marker 102 on US 189. Wildlife fencing is 8-feet tall to help guide wildlife toward the nearest crossing structure.

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.

Staff

WYDOT Director, interim Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee

Editor

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors

Jordan Achs Public Affairs

Matt Groth Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

Sgt. Jeremy Beck Patrol

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.

“Fortunately, it appears that the underpasses remained open enough for animals to still traverse the passes,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman said in a recent quarterly update about the project.

The project is a little more than halfway complete, with work expected to begin again May 1 after the big game winter range restriction expires. Hoffman said in the quarterly update that work is on track to meet the October 2023 completion date.

Environmental Services continues work even after the construction cones are removed. Hart said they monitor the wildlife crossings for at least three years after a project is complete “to determine whether or not the crossing structures are effective at safely moving large ungulates over or under our highways.”

“This allows us to make changes to improve use of the structures by wildlife, if necessary,” he explained. “For instance, we noticed that one of our Baggs underpasses was not draining properly. The water backed up and froze during the first spring migration after construction. The deer stopped using the underpass because it was like an ice skating rink. We noticed this quickly thanks to the photos and site visits, and our maintenance folks in Baggs corrected the problem in short order.”

The program also uses this data to study how wildlife behaves at the different types of structures around the state. For example, mule deer are comfortable with underpasses; Hart said they will even use old machinery underpasses to cross under Interstate 80.

Pronghorn are a little pickier and tend to avoid crossing under a highway. Monitoring at Trappers Point, a wildlife crossing project near Pinedale, showed pronghorn had great success using the two overpasses there.

While Dry Piney does not include an overpass, WYDOT is experimenting with a larger arch underpass where pronghorn tend to try to cross the highway.

“We are hoping that the pronghorn will use the arch underpass since it has a greater openness ratio, which means it should appear larger and more open to the pronghorn than the box culverts,” Hart said. “An arch underpass is much less expensive than an overpass, and the mule deer will use the arch underpass as well.”

Hart explained that over time, usage of the crossing structures grows as more animals learn about them and become accustomed to them. Predators and smaller animals also take advantage of the safe crossings.

“We typically see at least an 80 percent

reduction in animal-vehicle crashes for our wildlife crossing projects,” Hart said.

Wildlife fencing is a big reason the underpasses can be successful. More than an average fence, wildlife projects include 8-ft. high exclusionary fence, which keeps the animals out of the right-of-way and helps guide them to the next crossing structure. WYDOT also includes periodic escape ramps, also called jumpouts, which help animals who do make it into the right-of-way get back to safety.

Maintenance is key, however. Hart explained some animals

A game camera placed by WYDOT’s Environmental Services program captured a large mule deer buck using a Dry Piney underpass one February evening. Data shows that wildlife crossing projects help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by at least 80 percent.

Photo: WYDOT

A group of jackrabbits is captured by a game camera at the Dry Piney wildlife project on US 189. While reducing vehicle collisions with big game is a major goal for wildlife crossings, the structures also benefit other species who need to safely cross a highway for food, water or shelter.

Photo: WYDOT

Dry Piney continued on page 4

still find their way onto the highway due to gaps under gates and the fence, holes in damaged fence, gaps between cattle guard wings and fence posts, gates to access roads being left open, cattle guards filling in with snow where deer can walk across them, and other factors.

WYDOT continues to look at ways to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions on state highways, including an ongoing fencing project on Interstate 25 between Buffalo and Kaycee and phase two of the Jackson South wildlife project.

What is Environmental Services?

When you live in a place that is one of the world’s bucket-list vacation destinations, you want to preserve the natural and cultural resources that make the state so great. While it may not seem at first glance like WYDOT would be involved with this kind of preservation, the Environmental Services program plays a big role in ensuring WYDOT projects keep Wyoming wild.

The program, housed within the Planning Department, is responsible for completing natural resource impact evaluations to inform and prepare National Environmental Policy Act documents. These documents include categorical exclusions, environmental assessments and environmental impact statements which are required for WYDOT to receive and expend federal dollars.

Environmental Services is also responsible for compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and state rules such as the Governor’s Executive Order for Sage-grouse.

A variety of natural resource impacts are evaluated by Environmental Services for each federally funded construction project across the state.

“Typically, three categories of impacts may occur on any given project including wetlands, cultural resources and wildlife resources,” said Scott Gamo, Environmental Services program

manager. “We have staff with expertise in each of those resource categories and also provide expertise with right-of-way reclamation and NEPA coordination.”

One of the major activities outside the day-to-day efforts has been Environmental Services’ involvement with wildlife crossings. A strong concerted effort began in the spring of 2017 when the Wyoming Game and Fish and WYDOT hosted a joint meeting in Pinedale along with other interested parties to take a hard look at wildlife mortalities and roadway collisions and where these intersect on our state highways. Environmental Services staff further collaborated with WGFD staff and external partners to develop a refined list of statewide projects; one of those projects was the Dry Piney project located in District 3.

The program works closely with other headquarter programs, the Districts, FHWA and local groups and stakeholders to help accomplish WYDOT’s mission and to keep Wyoming as a premiere destination to live, work and play.

A herd of deer using the Dry Piney wildlife underpass near milepost 99.89 on US 189. Camera shots like this one show that although the project is only about halfway done, the infrastructure is already working as intended.

Photo: WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters

WYDOT to remove eight Twitter accounts due to API policy changes, fees

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is removing eight of its Twitter accounts after the social media platform recently announced changes to its application programming interface platform.

The API platform allowed WYDOT to send automated tweets straight from the agency’s 511 tools, including travel alerts, crash alerts and road closure information. Twitter has recently announced changes to its API platform, including limiting the number of tweets per hour and implementing a fee system for those accounts.

“WYDOT’s accounts were created to give the public real-time updates on winter storms, crashes and other travel impacts,” said Vince Garcia, WYDOT Geographic Information Systems/ Intelligent Transportation System program manager. “So not only would the state have to pay a fee for each account, but we have concerns that the updates about rapidly changing conditions will be so limited that they will fail to reach the people who need them.”

Fortunately, the same information is readily available to the public for free through WYDOT’s 511 Notify system and other 511 tools.

Users who follow the automated WYDOT accounts – @WYDOT_Central, @WYDOT_Northwest, @WYDOT_ Southwest, @WYDOT_Southeast, @WYDOT_Northeast, @WYDOT_I80, @WYDOT_I90, @WYDOT_I25 – are encouraged to sign up for 511 Notify to continue to receive important road and weather condition information and alerts. The information will be the same, but it will be delivered as an email or text message rather than a tweet. The same information is also available via WYDOT’s 511 app, Wyoming 511, and the 511 travel information website, www. wyoroad.info

WYDOT will continue to monitor Twitter’s API policy and will consider

reinstating the accounts in the future.

“Statistically, WYDOT’s Twitter accounts are the least-used tool that we offer for road and travel information,” Garcia said.

Accounts that are not automated, including @WYDOTNews, will remain active.

District 1

Temporary closure on CR 203/Brush Creek Road near Riverside

RAWLINS – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation temporarily closed a portion of county road 203/Brush Creek Road on April 26. The closure was to perform geologic operations. The temporary closure was anticipated to last one day.

Bridge rehab project on I-25 in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Crews with S & S Builders and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began a bridge rehabilitation project on Interstate 25 in Cheyenne on April 3.

The bridge rehab is at milepost 9.4 in both north and southbound lanes. Work includes hydro demolition, expansion joint repairs, latex overlay, pedestal repairs, bearing device modifications, column repairs and minor slab replacements. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place during the project.

Motorists on the interstate encountered delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and

lowered speed limits.

The work is scheduled to be completed by late summer 2023.

District 2

WYDOT to alter McKinley Street intersection near I-25

CASPER – Drivers who travel through the McKinley Street and E and F streets intersections along Interstate 25 in Casper encountered a change in how they navigate each.

Beginning April 18, the traffic signals at the intersections of McKinley Street and East E Street, and at McKinley Street and East F Street, were removed. McKinley Street became the through street and motorists were required to stop on both E and F streets at McKinley Street.

Initially, the traffic signals flashed red for E and F streets and yellow for McKinley Street. Once the stop signs were installed the traffic signals were switched off and eventually removed. WYDOT will closely monitor the intersections for safety and efficiency.

The signals were installed more than 40 years ago and were in need of upgrades. Before beginning the upgrade work, a study was conducted and found the current traffic volumes do not necessitate a traffic signal.

WYDOT installed portable message signs near each intersection to notify motorists of the change.

A crash involving coach bus injures eleven

WHEATLAND – On April 5 the Wyoming Highway Patrol was notified of a crash involving a bus at milepost 5.9 on the service road of Interstate 25 south of Wheatland.

When emergency crews arrived, they found a coach bus on its side. A total of 40 occupants were on the bus at the time of the crash, with 11 injured. All injured occupants were transported to the Platte County Memorial Hospital.

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The temporary closure on Carbon County Road 203/Brush Creek Road. Photo: Google Earth

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Through the investigation, it was learned the bus driver had failed to negotiate a curve to the left and drove off the right side of the roadway, causing the bus to overturn. The bus’s occupants were contracted to work at a farm in the state of Washington and were coming from Texas.

Due to the cold weather, emergency vehicles and a tow truck driver’s personal vehicle were used to transport the remaining occupants to the Wheatland Fire Training Center, where the Platte County Emergency Management is assisting the occupants with food and lodging.

The bus driver has been identified as a 55-year-old male from Texas and was not injured in the crash.

A special thanks to Terry Stevenson with Platte County Emergency Management, Platte County Memorial Hospital, Platte County Sheriff’s Department, Platte County 911 Dispatch, Wyoming Highway Patrol Dispatch, Wheatland Police Department, Wheatland Fire and EMS, and Lee’s Towing, who assisted with this incident.

District 3

WYDOT wants public input on US 30 relocation west of Kemmerer

KEMMERER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting to discuss relocating a 2.4mile segment of US 30 west of Kemmerer between reference markers 49.70 and 52.10 in Lincoln County. This realignment is being proposed to accommodate future expansion of the Kemmerer Coal Mine on the south side of the highway. The mine expansion is needed because it would be advantageous to the mine, state of Wyoming, and surrounding communities by providing jobs and other economic benefits.

The open house-style meeting was to present the project’s background, updates, and changes since the August 2018 Public Meeting; and to obtain input on any transportation, environmental, or other concerns. Comments received were added to a feasibility study being prepared by WYDOT.

The meeting was held on April 26 at the South Lincoln Training and Events Center.

2023

Open house attendees were able to see a proposed US 30 realignment project diagram.

Vehicle out of fuel leads to drug arrest

ROCK SPRINGS – On the evening of April 8, a Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper stopped to assist a motorist who had run out of fuel near milepost 133 on Interstate 80 east of Rock Springs. As the trooper spoke with the vehicle’s lone occupant, he could smell the odor of raw marijuana emitting from the car. The trooper became more suspicious when the occupant relayed implausible information about the travel plans. A short while later, another individual walked out of the ditch and approached the vehicle and trooper. This individual claimed he was not associated with the car but could not provide a reasonable explanation why he was so far out in the middle of nowhere. The trooper detained both parties, and drug detection WHP K-9, Becky, was deployed around the vehicle, giving a positive alert and confirming that a controlled substance was present. A search was conducted, and thirteen Ziplock baggies of suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 11.5 pounds, 3.7 pounds of suspected marijuana, two THC vape cartridges, one pack of edibles, thirtyseven Adderall pills, two thousand 2,186 Fentanyl M30 pills weighing approximately 185.3 grams, and two stolen pistols were found in the vehicle. Through the investigation, it was learned both parties were traveling together. They were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance plant form, controlled substance crystal form, controlled substance fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and possession of the stolen property.

Annual road patching project underway

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Kilgore Companies, LLC doing business as Lewis & Lewis, Inc., began road patching operations in southwest Wyoming the week of April 10.

Crews began with Interstate 80 east of Rock Springs and then moved across southwest Wyoming throughout April and will continue into May.

Crews worked in the following areas: Lincoln County

• US 30, west of Kemmerer, mileposts 26 to 45.

• US 89 south of Afton, mileposts 75 to 82.

• WYO 237 between Grover and Auburn, mileposts 0 to 3.2.

Sublette County

• US 189 north of Big Piney, mileposts 110 to 114.

• WYO 354 near Daniel Junction, mileposts 0 to 6.2.

Sweetwater County

• I-80, isolated areas east of Rock Springs from Point of Rocks to Wamsutter, both eastbound and westbound from mileposts 131 to 174. Scheduled for completion by June 15.

• WYO 530, south of Green River, mileposts 43 to 44.

• WYO 430 south of Rock Springs, mileposts 28 to 44.

The WHP seized pounds of illegal substances with the help of K-9 Becky.

Photo: WHP

• WYO 372 south of Fontenelle Reservoir, mileposts 40-48.

Uinta County

• I-80, isolated areas in the Bridger Valley area, both eastbound and westbound lanes from mileposts 3457.

• WYO 412 near Carter, mileposts 2 to 5.

• WYO 414 east of Mountain View, milepost 106.

Drivers on the interstate encountered reduced speeds and single lane closures through work areas. Traffic on all other state routes were carried through all work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers and motorists encountered delays up to 15 minutes

The project was awarded in March and the completion date for this district-wide project is Oct. 31.

pole installation, new traffic detecting sensor installation, conduit drilling and installation, and ADA and sidewalk upgrades.

The completion date for the project is Oct. 31.

posted speed remains until the signalized intersection with Lakeway Road.

The average number of vehicles that travel that route is 14,589 per day with 1,196 (8 percent) of those being trucks.

In addition to the speed concerns, there have also been concerns about noise pollution as vehicles “hit the throttle” at the 55 mph sign, right next to the residential subdivisions. All citizens that contacted WYDOT commented that the 55 mph sandwiched in between two 45 mph zones feels “out of place.”

District 4 Speed limit change on portion of WYO 59, South Douglas highway

Workers crack sealing a portion of road.

Work continues on Green River signal project

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Casper Electric, continued work along Uinta Drive as part of the signal and intersection upgrade project. On April 4, crews installed the overhanging signal arms at the intersection of Uinta Drive and 2nd Street.

This work required traffic to be moved to one side of Uinta and placed in a single lane in each direction near the intersection. The traffic signals were shut down and the intersection was controlled by flaggers. These closures took place in the evening hours.

The signal timing varied under construction. Local traffic encountered some delays in signal timing while crews continue work on the new traffic signals.

The Green River Signal project work encompasses new traffic signal

GILLETTE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 traffic program recently completed a speed study on Wyoming Highway 59, also known as the South Douglas Highway, between mileposts 108-109 within the city limits of Gillette.

This study was prompted from citizens living in the Crestview Estates and Antelope Valley subdivisions.

Safety and noise concerns were raised relating to the current speed limit of 55 mph between the signalized intersections of Southern Drive and Garner Lake Road and Union Chapel Road and Dove Road.

During the study WYDOT looked at several factors including the current posted speed limit(s), traffic volume, noise levels, crash reports, and development and corridor characteristics.

For motorists coming into Gillette from the south on WYO 59, the speed limit is set at 70 mph. Approximately one mile prior to the signalized intersection with Union Chapel Road and Dove Road, the speed limit decreases to 45 mph. After the signalized intersection, the speed limit increases to 55 mph. It remains at 55 mph for approximately one mile, before decreasing to 45 mph prior to the signalized intersection with Southern Drive and Garner Lake Road. The 45 mph

Crash data was collected for the past 5 years (2017 to 2021) in this area and found there were 21 crashes over this time frame. Fourteen of these crashes (67 percent) were property damage only crashes. Seven of the crashes (33 percent) were caused by a collision with a deer or antelope. Five of the crashes (24 percent) were related to an intersection or driveway. Nine of the crashes (43 percent) occurred under winter weather conditions. Comments from citizens indicate that there have been numerous close calls at the intersections into Crestview Estates and drivers feel they have to choose tight gaps in order to pull out onto WYO 59.

South Douglas Highway has seen an increase in development since the original speed limits in this area were set resulting in increased traffic volume, housing and businesses.

As a result of the study the speed limit between mileposts 108-109 has been changed to 45 mph. This will provide drivers with a consistent speed limit through the entire corridor from Union Chapel to Lakeway. It will also provide additional and safer gap opportunities for drivers entering from side streets.

Orange warning flags have been added to the speed limit sign posts to warn motorists of the change for the next six months.

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Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

The signal replacement project in Green River underway at Uinta Drive and 2nd Street.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

A panoramic look at WYO 59 sandwiched between grassland on the right and a grass-lined subdivision on the left.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 5

Paving operations underway on I-25 south of Buffalo

BUFFALO – The Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on a paving project on I-25 south of Buffalo the week of April 10.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded Riverside Contracting, Inc., of Missoula, Montana, an $11.3 million contract to mill and pave a total of 15.36 miles of both the north and southbound lanes of I-25 from mile marker 272.11 to 279.79. Additional work includes replacing adjacent culverts, upgrading guardrail and repairing isolated bridge decks and approaches.

Riverside began constructing crossovers at ends of the project limits beginning the week of April 10 in preparation for diverting all southbound traffic onto the northbound portion of the interstate.

Motorists encountered head-to-head traffic in the northbound lane while work was completed in the southbound lane with a reduced speed limit of 65 mph and a 14 foot width restriction. Traffic is projected to be switched to the southbound lane in June with an anticipated project completion in September.

Paving underway on sections of I-90

SHERIDAN – Motorists traveling

I-90 between the Wyoming/South Dakota state line and Gillette will encounter several paving and bridge repair operations over the next several months.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation Sundance construction office are continuing last year’s paving project of I-90 between mileposts 185 and 195. With the exception of the final wearing course, contractors were able to finish the westbound lane of this section last fall and have begun work on the eastbound lane. This project is scheduled to be completed by November 30, 2023.

Started the first week of April, eastbound traffic was diverted to the westbound lane where motorists

encountered head to head traffic and a speed limit of 65 mph.

In addition to the Sundance marginal portion, WYDOT is also paving a 6-mile stretch of I-90 beginning at milepost 202 east to the Wyoming/ South Dakota border. Crossovers were built near mileposts 200 and 207 to divert traffic, resulting in head to head traffic with reduced speed limits and traffic control. This work began the first week of April and the westbound lanes are to be completed Oct. 31. Work in the eastbound lanes is scheduled to be completed in 2024 with a final project completion date of October 31, 2024.

Work has also begun on a 6-mile portion of I-90 west of Gillette.

Construction on the Wild Horse section began with bridge rehabilitation work on the westbound lanes between mileposts 112 and 118 the week of April 3, with paving following in May. Traffic was reduced to one lane. This project is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31.

All projects will receive a wearing course treatment of a three-quarter inch layer of coarser, porous asphalt pavement applied to provide added traction and moisture wicking to extend the life of the pavement.

Croell, Inc. was awarded all three of these projects by the Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission.

Bridge repair is to be performed on most bridges on all three projects. Bridges will receive either an epoxy overlay, a rigid concrete overlay, or a sealing membrane with an asphalt pavement overlay.

District 5

Diversion Dam Rest Area closure west of Riverton

RIVERTON – A one-day closure of the Diversion Dam Rest Area allowed for the wiring of a new overhead lighting system on the $292,000 project west of Riverton.

Diversion Dam Rest Area is 38 miles west of Riverton on US 26/287 at milepost 96.38.

The rest area was closed 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. on April 27.

The Diversion Dam Rest Area project included replacing 16 overhead lights and

Total number of employees: As of April 11, 2023

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

1,780

Total number of highway fatalities: As of April 12, 2023

35 One year ago

21

poles with newer and more cost efficient LED luminaries and poles. New concrete bases and wiring were also installed, along with new electric service points.

The project has a completion date of Oct. 31, 2023.

FAMILY, CAMPING

Tunnel lighting inspection west of Cody

CODY – An all-night inspection of the existing lighting system inside the big tunnel west of Cody on US 14/16/20 occurred April 20.

Contractor Casper Electric, of Casper, limited traffic to a single lane April 20-21.

“Casper Electric measured and reviewed the existing lighting system

to prepare for replacement of the existing lighting system,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

One-way traffic was maintained during the 12-hour closure with flaggers and a pilot vehicle.

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

“The existing tunnel lighting system is outdated and spare parts are no longer available,” Frost said. “The new system will consist of LED lighting that is more energy efficient. There will also be a tunnel warning system installed to notify motorists of pedestrians and/or bicyclists in the tunnels.”

Project work is tentatively scheduled to begin in May with work at night, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., 6 days a week, in a 153-calendarday window. During the 153-day project, motorists will encounter a one-lane road with a pilot vehicle and flaggers during working hours with cumulative delays of up to 10 minutes. Traffic returned to two-way traffic with no delay during nonworking hours.

Project limits for the lighting project begin at milepost 45 (west end of the big tunnel), extending 1-mile east (east end of the short tunnels) toward Cody at milepost 46.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Lighting upgrade work, including installation of drilled concrete shafts at Diversion Dam Rest Area.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

WYDOT employee included in Business Report’s “Thirty

Under 40”

Ragan nominated for newspaper’s annual list

By Jordan Achs Ali Ragan, Grants and Contracts Policy program manager for

WYDOT, was included in the Wyoming Business Report’s annual “Thirty under 40” list for 2022.

The list, which is compiled to celebrate “the young people who are shaping the future of Wyoming,” honors thirty men and women from around the state that are making a difference in their workplaces and communities.

“It’s an honor to be recognized and included on a list of people producing positive change for Wyoming,” Ragan said.

Ragan leads a relatively new program at WYDOT; she is only the second person to serve as program manager. The program

Forever winter

Seems that winter is never going away this season – although our maintenance workers probably wish it would. Here are some more awesome photos showing off what our team does best – moving a LOT of snow.

Crews in all five districts have had more than their share, it seems, but Crew Leader Larry Huelle in District 2 and Cody Beers, public involvement specialist in District 5 have captured these shots.

develops and provides grant and contract policies, guidance, and resources to WYDOT personnel.

“I oversee a staff responsible for writing and reviewing WYDOT contracts with a focus on reducing risk to protect WYDOT and, by extension, Wyoming taxpayers,” she said in her “Thirty Under 40” profile.

Ragan’s previous role as a project manager for transportation technology projects earned her a Transportation Vanguard award by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials in 2018. She said she’s carrying that innovative mindset to her current role, too.

“[I’m] looking for ways to streamline processes and initiate changes that result in better management of WYDOT’s grants and contracts and increased support to those who rely on us,” she said in the article.

Businesses, government agencies and other groups nominated their best and brightest to the Wyoming Business Report for the designation.

“Ali has shown consistent hard work and dedication to the agency and the state, and she’s certainly worthy of this recognition,” said Dennis Byrne, WYDOT CFO and Ragan’s supervisor.

The Wyoming Business Report is a statewide business newspaper that produces business-centered news as well as special reports like “Women of Wyoming,” the “Energy Book” and the annual Under 40 list.

To see all the honorees, visit the Wyoming Business Report website.

Ali Ragan was recognized as one of 30 young people who are shaping the future of Wyoming.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Crew Leader Larry Huelle inside a rotary looking out at the vast amount of snow to be cleared on WYO 77.

Photo: Larry Huelle/WYDOT

A look at WYO 77 along Shirley Rim before snow clearing operations. A road sign can be seen peeking out of the snow – a small yellow triangle reaching for the sun.

Photo: Larry Huelle/WYDOT

A side shot of the snow-clearing operations on US 14/16/20.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Clearing US 14/16/20 with a Kodiak rotary plow.

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Federal Railroad Administration accepts WYDOT grant request to replace bridges on Interstate 80

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is pleased to announce that the Federal Railroad Administration has accepted a multi-million dollar grant request to replace two bridges on Interstate 80 that cross over the Union Pacific Railroad. The structures are located on the eastbound and westbound lanes approximately 11 miles west of Cheyenne.

Constructed in the late 1950s, the crossing structures have undergone multiple rehabilitations throughout the years. After determining that the structures met replacement criteria, WYDOT began the process of applying for federal funding in January 2021.

Funding for this project will come from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement’s Special Transportation Circumstances Program. Money from that program is directed to states that do not have inner-city passenger rail service. The department is grateful to the state’s Congressional delegation for its assistance in making Wyoming eligible for this funding.

Through this grant, WYDOT will receive up to 80 percent of funds from the federal government and will match the remaining amount. The total estimated cost of the project is about $18 million.

“We appreciate FRA’s approval of our project and grant request,” said WYDOT Assistant Chief Engineer of Engineering and Planning Keith Fulton. “This project will help to improve safety for both the railroad and the travelling public. This is something we’ve had an eye on for a number of years, so it’s exciting to move forward with this project.”

Now that the project has been accepted, WYDOT will work to finalize the project agreement, which will include developing a work plan, budget and schedule. The project could take up to five years to complete once the project agreement is done.

WYDOT is looking forward to working with FRA on this project and future railroad/highway safety projects using grant program funds.

Traffic crossing over a bridge on Interstate 80 as a train passes underneath.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT

A multi-million dollar grant request was accepted by the Federal Railroad Administration to replace these two bridge structures spanning the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just west of Cheyenne.

2023 Engineering and Operations Conference held

in Cheyenne

By Mark Horan

After an eight year hiatus, the Wyoming Department of Transportation held their Engineering and Operations Conference April 4-6 in Cheyenne.

Nearly 380 staff from around the state gathered at Little America to learn, share ideas and connect with one another. The last time they were able to do so was in 2015, so it was a welcome return.

Unfortunately, but perhaps not surprisingly, Mother Nature failed to cooperate. A large spring storm rolled in the night before the conference, causing more than 100 last minute cancellations. Many maintenance staff who were planning to attend had to stay behind to take care of their districts.

But for those who were able to make it, the conference was deemed a success.

WYDOT’s executive staff kicked off the conference with brief remarks about the agency from a high level perspective.

Newly appointed Interim Director Darin Westby introduced himself and said he was excited to see where the agency is going. He told staff they should be proud to follow the mission, vision and values of WYDOT.

Westby talked about leadership characteristics and the value of mentorship.

“If you’re not mentoring someone, or being mentored, you’re not going to be a good leader,” he noted.

He also shared his philosophy that good leaders need to make their job look desirable so that others will be inspired to work hard and move up within the agency.

Other topics covered by executive staff included staff raises, the PMI process, employee safety, a recap of the 2023 legislative session, and the State Transportation Improvement Program.

WYDOT Interim Director Darin Westby welcomes attendees at the Engineering and Operations Conference on April 4.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Chief Engineer Mark Gillett giving a presentation at the conference.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

An animated and humorous Charles Marshall, a motivational speaker, taking his turn on stage at the conference.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Maintenance Staff was key in getting the conference off the ground and played a central role in registering participants, and getting conference-goers signed in for the two-day event. From left, Audrey Hobbs, Laura

Following the opening comments, Cheyenne Trooper Billy Quade and Explosive Detection K-9 Scout gave a unique and informative demonstration. The crowd enjoyed watching the pair work together and particularly liked the moment when Scout leapt on to the table in front of Chief Engineer Mark Gillett.

Rounding out the first day of events was Charles Marshall, a humorous motivational speaker with more than 20 years of professional experience.

Marshall shared many lighthearted personal anecdotes throughout his 90 minute keynote address. He delved into why employees struggle to perform in the workplace, and presented ways to becoming a strong leader using the acronym COACH:

• Communicate the Vision;

• Open yourself to input and collaboration from your team;

• Affirm your team with positive encouragement;

• Correct undesirable behavior without alienating your team;

• Hold yourself to a higher standard and lead from the top down.

During the two days, conference participants attended a variety of workshops covering topics such as the Yellowstone 500 Year Flood, the Casper Bridge Replacement and Avalanche Forecasting, to name just a few.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in fun networking activities including an evening social, a cash-prize scavenger hunt, axe throwing and a luncheon.

There were plenty of vendors on hand to display their products and make new connections.

The conference was a worthwhile experience for everyone who participated. Christina Spindler, the Highway Development Program manager, estimates she’s attended the event every year since it began. She was happy to see it brought back.

“Connecting with fellow WYDOT employees and hearing their accomplishments, all while having the opportunity to learn about everything from the Project Control System to plow blades, is invaluable,” Spindler said.

“It’s a chance to learn who the person is behind the email and recognize we’re all part of one big, impressive team.”

Explosive Detection K-9, Scout, waits for a command from his handler Trooper Billy Quade.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

WHP Col. Tim Cameron at his presentation during the twoday event.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

Schei and Curtis Olson.

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

WYDOT welcomes new commissioners, congratulates outgoing members

By Mark Horan

WYDOT is pleased to welcome seven new members to the agency’s three commissions.

New members to the Transportation Commission are Jim Willox, Michael Baker and Brandt Lyman, who replaced Philip Schmidt, Greg Venable and Jim Espy, respectively.

Joining the Aeronautics Commission is Dean McClain, who replaced Anja Richmond.

The Public Safety Communications Commission’s newest members are Wyoming Highway Patrol Maj. Karl Germain and John Wetzel, who replaced Colonel Kebin Haller and Doug Frank, respectively.

Under Wyoming statute, members to the three commissions are appointed by the Governor. Transportation Commission members are appointed to one six-year term. Aeronautics Commission members typically serve two six-year terms. PSCC members are permitted to serve an unlimited number of threeyear terms.

“I’m looking forward to developing a great working relationship with all our commission members,” said WYDOT Interim Director Darin Westby. “I want to welcome the new commissioners and thank the outgoing members for their service to the state and WYDOT.”

Willox represents Commission District 7, which includes Converse, Natrona and Fremont Counties. Willox is a Converse County native and graduated from Douglas High School and then the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics.

Raised on a ranch south of Douglas he “moved to town” in 2001. Willox has been serving as a Converse County Commissioner since January 2007 and has been involved in transportation issues since his election.

He previously served as an officer then President of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and has represented the Association at the state and national level.

Willox has been a high school basketball official for the past 22 years. He and his wife Tione are small business owners in real estate. They have several properties in Douglas and Casper and operate T&J Maxi Storage in Douglas.

Baker was born and raised in Powell, Wyoming where he attended elementary, middle and high school graduating in 1972. He continued his education at Northwest College.

Baker served as a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives for six terms, representing House District 28 which includes Hot Springs and portions of Washakie and Big Horn counties. He has served over 30 years on the Lucerne Pumping Plant Canal Company board and is currently chairman of the board of that irrigation district.

Baker was appointed to the Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation Board, where he served for six years. He has been a member of the Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce board, both Park and Hot Springs County Farm Bureau Boards and has held many positions with both the county and state Republican Party.

Baker and his wife, Phyllis, farm and manage grazing land

north of Thermopolis. They have been in the farm and ranch business for approximately 50 years.

Lyman, of Rock Springs, represents Commission District 2, which includes Albany, Carbon, and Sweetwater Counties.

He is the principal engineer for Western-EGI, a general civil and geotechnical engineering firm. Lyman graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 2008, Lyman obtained his Wyoming Professional Engineering License. He is also a Certified Weld Inspector, and has been responsible for the civil engineering of several projects across southwest Wyoming.

Lyman is a member of the Wyoming Engineering Society, president of the Southwest Chapter of the Wyoming Society of Professional Engineers, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a member of the American Concrete Institute. He is also active in the Rock Springs community and has served on the Rock Springs Museum Board and volunteered with the Urban Renewal Agency and Events Center.

McClain of Torrington represents Aeronautics Commission District 1. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and landed in Wyoming at Wyoming Technical Institute before going on to a career as a diesel mechanic in Casper.

McClain learned to fly at Harford Field in 1976, and was swept up by the aviation boom of the 1970s. He went on to become a certified flight instructor at Wyoming Central Airways, the Piper Aircraft dealer in Casper, and trained many students during his time there.

McClain then flew mail and freight in the contiguous U.S. and Alaska for several years before returning to Wyoming Central Airways to pilot a Piper Cheyenne for four years. He also piloted a Beechcraft King Air for Pacific Power for three years.

In 1987, McClain and his newly-wedded wife, Candace, purchased Ag Flyers, an aerial spraying business in Torrington. The couple sold the business after 36 successful years, and Dean still flies part time for the new owners.

McClain’s hobbies include Wyoming history and anything outdoors. He is a board member of the Goshen County chapter of the Wyoming Historical Society and a board member of the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. After 46 years of flying, he has landed at every published Wyoming airport – except Alpine –and many that are not published. He also hopes to perfect his landings someday. His wife says there is always hope.

Germain represents WYDOT and the WHP. He oversees Support Services at the WHP in Cheyenne.

After attending Liberty University where he studied criminal justice, Germain served four years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps before starting his career with the WHP in 2005, stationed in Laramie.

In 2008 he transferred to Cheyenne and became a member of the K9 team. During that tenure he assisted with multiple felony seizures of narcotics and counterfeit goods and testified numerous times in federal and state court.

In 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant, where he supervised Troop G for three years, which covers the southern half of Big

Horn County and all of Washakie and Hot Springs Counties. He was promoted to captain over Evidence, Equipment, Records and Technology in July 2017. In 2020 he helped the WHP implement new records, dispatch and mobile software. He has been in his current duty assignment since the summer of 2021.

Wetzel, current mayor of Powell, represents the Wyoming Association of Municipalities.

He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1985 with the state infused in his heart. He left to get master’s degree in Graphic Communications from Clemson University in South Carolina and eventually moved to Denver to start a career in the printing industry.

Moving to Powell in 1992, community, family and children became the focus. He worked in the publishing business for

many years before recently joining Impact 307. He now thoroughly enjoys working with local entrepreneurs, helping them start and grow their businesses.

Community involvement continues to be a priority as he is serving on multiple boards. Wetzel served as a councilman in Powell for 11 years and is currently in his second four-year term as mayor.

Wetzel is a graduate of the Leadership Wyoming Class of 2020. Floating rivers, pheasant hunting and golfing occupy the remainder of his time these days.

WYDOT celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Dispatch staff honored for round-theclock effort

By Mark Horan

Dispatch staff with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Transportation Management Center received special recognition on April 9-15 as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Throughout the country, and certainly in Wyoming, dispatch staff play an important in role public safety.

Operating out of the same building in Cheyenne, the WHP Dispatch Center and the TMC are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The centers never close for holidays or snow days. Storm events can be some of the busiest days for both centers.

On the WHP side, “dispatch staff are our citizens’ first contact with emergency services,” said WHP Sgt. Jeremy Beck. “These men and women are a vital link for our law enforcement officers, EMS, and fire by monitoring their radio activities and providing guidance, assistance, and information to ensure their safety.”

Depending on where the call originates, as much as 20 percent of 911 calls received by county level Public Safety Answering Points are transferred to the WHP Dispatch Center in Cheyenne, according to Emergency Communications 911 Planning Coordinator Aimee Binning.

On the TMC side, dispatch staff are

responsible for monitoring road conditions throughout the state, maintaining public information on WYDOT’s various travel information tools, and communicating with operations staff and other personnel to coordinate maintenance efforts such as snow removal, road closures, and construction work zones.

Beck said that it’s also important to thank the families of dispatch staff for their sacrifices and support to the profession. WHP and TMC telecommunicators often work long hours, missing holidays, family events, and other activities so the center can be adequately staffed.

As an expression of gratitude, WHP and TMC dispatch staff received banners signed by numerous employees within WYDOT.

To those members of the WYDOT family who serve as public safety telecommunicators, we appreciate you. Thanks for your hard work and commitment in providing a valuable service to the state.

From left: Chief Technology Officer Nate Smolinski; TMC Operator Alisha Garcia; TMC Quality Control Manager Bodie Ernst; Emergency Communications 911 Planning Coordinator Aimee Binning; GIS/ITS/TMC Manager Vince Garcia; TMC Lead Operator Chance Johnson; and TMC Operator Robert Scully.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Back row: Chief Technology Officer Nate Smolinski and Emergency Communications 911 Planning Coordinator Aimee Binning. Front from left: Dispatchers Trisha Young and Becky Humphries; Dispatch Program Manager Chuck Trimble; Dispatchers Missy Moellenberg, Samantha Brown, Melissa Higgins and Eli Glaser.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Aeronautics Scholarship opportunity for students pursuing an aviation or aerospace degree

The WYDOT Aeronautics Program is helping spread the word about the 2023 Henry Ogrodzinski Scholarship sponsored by The National Association of State Aviation Officials and the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education.

The annual scholarship was created in memory of former President and CEO of NASAO, Henry Ogrodzinski, who spent more than 17 years leading the organization and advocating for the aviation industry.

Applications are currently being accepted for the scholarship and will be awarded to a college student for academic achievement in aviation or aerospace studies. NASAO will award up to three $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate students for tuition, fees, books and supplies. The candidates must be college-level incoming juniors or seniors continuing their education in the aviation and aerospace industry and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

All applicants are encouraged to learn more about the scholarship program and about Ogrodzinski at https://nasao.org/page/ henry-ogrodzinski-scholarship.

Application deadline is June 2, 2023.

Employee Safety Avian Influenza

By Jerry Fritz, District 5 safety representative

Recently, a cat in Thermopolis tested positive for the Bird Flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). It is the first cat in the United States to contract this disease.

It contracted the disease after likely ingesting meat from wild waterfowl. Two great horned owls from Park County, one Canadian goose from Bighorn County, and two Canadian geese from Fremont County have tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department have been monitoring for the virus’s presence in wild birds. While rare, this disease can be transmitted to humans. The presence of the virus in Wyoming was identified by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Game and Fish is relying on reports from the public to learn more about the distribution in our state – especially from hunters and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Anyone who finds clusters of three or more dead wild birds – waterfowl, grouse, turkeys and raptors – please contact your regional Game and Fish office.

Wild birds can carry the virus and not appear sick. Some birds might exhibit signs of neurological impairment or may be found dead with no apparent cause.

Game and Fish reminds the public to not touch, or handle, sick or dead birds, and not allow domestic animals like dogs and cats to feed on sick or dead birds.

If you see dead clusters of dead birds, proceed with caution. Wear proper personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) if you have to handle any dead animals.

Contact a Wyoming Game and Fish office near you for more information: Casper (307) 473-3400; Cody, (307) 527-7125; Green River, (307) 875-3223; Jackson, (307) 733-2321; Lander, (307) 332-2688; Laramie, (307) 745-4046; Pinedale, (307) 3674353; or the Sheridan, (307) 672-7418.

Driver Services

WYDOT updates senior hour offerings in Cheyenne, Casper

Due to limited attendance, the Wyoming Department of Transportation is no longer hosting dedicated senior hours at any Driver Services location statewide.

Driver Services offices in Cheyenne and Casper will continue give seniors priority service every other Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. starting April 19. However, other patrons under 65 years old may still conduct business during those times.

“Previously, we would turn away younger customers during the dedicated senior hours,” said Renee Kocina, Driver Services deputy program manager. “Since attendance to the senior hours has waned, we wanted to adjust so we could return to assisting

any customer regardless of age.”

First implemented in 2020, senior hours were designated hours for persons over the age of 65 to conduct Driver Services business with smaller crowds due to COVID-19 exposure concerns.

“We are always adjusting our services to best meet the needs of Wyoming’s residents,” Kocina said.

For more information about Driver Services, including locations and hours of operation, visit WYDOT’s website: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/driverservices

A message from Driver Services: new text queue system

Exciting news! Driver Services in Cheyenne is working on a new feature for virtual queuing and needs employees to help work out any bugs with the new system.

The system, developed by WYDOT’s IT Program, will allow users to get in line during normal business hours without having to leave work, school or home. When signing up, the system gives an estimated time so customers can plan ahead. It does not reserve an appointment but is a way to get in line without having to make an extra trip to Driver Services. The customer will then receive a text message or email when it is time to go to the Driver Services office.

During the soft-launch, WYDOT employees and their families who need to conduct Driver Services-related business – including renewing a Driver License, getting an Employee ID card, obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit or other business – can use the system to get in line virtually.

Driver Services is hoping to release the service to the public in select locations in the coming months.

WELL learning management system to retire

By Amy Bale, Training Services

Have you heard? The WELL is about to retire! And the crowd goes wild…

Admittedly, the WELL has had issues and been a source of frustration for some, but it’s been a good learning experience –and isn’t that what we’re all about?

Employees learned how to self-register for training and take eLearning; and supervisors learned how to track their employees’ learning and assign training. Training Services learned a lot about the ins-and-outs of a Learning Management System.

We’ve learned:

• How to develop and deliver required training;

• How to offer curated learning opportunities for professional development; and

• What features WYDOT needs and wants in an LMS.

Never fear – we’ll still have an LMS! WYDOT and other state agencies have been collaborating with Wyoming’s Department of Administration and Information to review Human Resource Information Systems that included learning, performance, onboarding and additional modules in one system. The enterprise system that A&I chose was NEOGOV Learn.

Employees and supervisors will be able to do everything in NEOGOV Learn that they were able to do in the WELL, including register for and assign learning, add external training records, run reports and view team progress, plus approve or deny training requests.

NEOGOV Learn offers some additional perks we think employees will like:

• Single sign-on (no separate WELL password);

• Password self-reset (No more waiting for us to reset it for you!);

• All HR systems (performance, learning, onboarding, recruiting, etc) in one place;

• Ability to register for learning opportunities from other state agencies; and

• Managers can assign both online and classroom training

So, when does all this happen? NEOGOV Learn will launch in mid-May, and the WELL will be retired at the end of May. (The WELL will remain accessible to administrators until March 2024.) Historical training records and vocational learning plans will not be available in NEOGOV Learn at launch, but will be added later. Any classes currently scheduled in the WELL will be available for registration at launch, and existing registrations will be migrated from the WELL.

Training Services will still provide administrative support in NEOGOV Learn, and will work with existing program and district trainers and coordinators to help them learn and use the new system. We will also be working with other WYDOT groups or programs that manage training events to help them begin using NEOGOV Learn.

If you have any questions or concerns about the WELL or NEOGOV Learn, please contact dot-training@wyo.gov, or reach out to one of our team members. We’ll be happy to answer any questions, and we’re looking forward to guiding WYDOT through this transition.

Training@aGlance

Training@aGlance

Coming in May:

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

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

*All new supervisors are assigned the WY Supervise Learning Plan and should register for one of the Cohort groups in the WELL

In (VILT) date determined by cohort participants

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Leslie Arnett, IT-Financial Systems; Michael Baker, Commission; Hannah Fullmer, Procurement Services-Buying; Michael Jorgensen, Bridge-Engineering Design; Walker Kupke, Highway Development-Project Development; Jamie Martinez, Office ServicesMailroom; Robert Scully, GIS/ITS; Noah Todd, Emergency CommunicationsWyoLink; Spencer Travis, Highway Project Management Oversight; James Willox, Commission; Lillian Zuniga, Civil Rights Office.

Promotions and Transfers

Michael Killion, Geology; Walter Schoene, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Lief Swanbom, Geology; and Keith Tupper, Emergency Communications-Administration.

Service Awards

James Dahill, GeologyAdministration – 35 years; Michael Bowen, Facilities Management-Building Maintenance – 25 years;

Douglas Drake, Planning-Counter Shop – 25 years;

Ladonna Hurd, Contracts and Estimates – 20 years;

Elena Mondragon, Facilities Management-Custodial – 15 years;

Bobby Robertson, Highway Development-Project Development – 15 years;

Tyler Matheney, Patrol-Safety and Training – 10 years;

Julie Newlin, Strategic Performance Improvement – 10 years;

Debra Ross, IT-Financial Systems – 10 years;

Sarah Brown, Driver ServicesAdministrationCheyenne – 5 years; and

Connie Golden, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 5 years.

Welcome

Joey Corder, Cheyenne Construction; and Brian Jensen, Medicine Bow Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Chadd Heggie, Traffic-Electrical; and Gary Martinez, Elk Mountain Maintenance.

Service Awards

Mark Johnson, Laramie Construction – 35 years;

Michael Petruso, Patrol-Laramie – 10 years;

Rebecca Cassidy, Patrol-Cheyenne – 5 years;

Nicholas Haller, Patrol-Elk Mountain –5 years;

Chad Sanderson, Laramie Maintenance –5 years; and Andrea Staley, District 1 Administration – 5 years.

Retirements

Cheyenne facilities custodian Sharon Sanders retired in March with six years of service.

Tom Schreur, a system administrator with the GIS/ITS section, retired March 31 after 12 years of service to the state. Retiring will give him time to follow his passion of archery hunting.

Staley

Sanderson

Travis

Tupper

Golden

Bowen

Mondragon

Schoene

Robertson

Dahill

Matheney

Hurd

Martinez

Petruso

Haller

Heggie

Johnson

Cassidy

District 2

Welcome

Jarrett Ambo, Casper Maintenance; Andrew Bowman, Casper Mechanics; Dillon Butler, Torrington Maintenance; Michael Mitchell, Casper Maintenance; Raymond Thibodeau, Shirley Rim

Maintenance; Michael Tiemersma, Casper Maintenance; and Alex Windmeier, Wheatland Maintenance.

Service Awards

Stephen Thomason, Casper Construction – 25 years; Sterling Richardson, Midwest Maintenance – 20 years;

Thomas Green, Casper Construction – 15 years;

Daniel Adame, Patrol-Casper – 5 years;

Dalton Portwine, Kaycee Maintenance – 5 years;

Daniel Spencer, Emergency

Communications-District 2 Radio Shop –5 years; and

Chad Trautman, District 2

Maintenance Staff – 5 years.

District 3

Welcome

Allyson Cogburn, Labarge Maintenance; Jason Eltrabulsi, Jackson Mechanics; and Donald Morrill, Evanston Construction.

Promotions and Transfers

Clara Kindler, Rock Springs

Construction; and Jimmy Morrow, Traffic-Electrical.

Service Awards

Robert Maxam, Pinedale Construction – 40 years; Michael Collins, Rock Springs

Construction – 35 years; Keith Fitzgerald, Rock Springs

Construction – 35 years;

Jeffrey Aullman, Patrol-Rock Springs – 15 years;

Travis Wyss, Jackson Mechanics –15 years;

Douglas Roberts, Kemmerer Maintenance – 5 years; and

Luis Tapia Vera, Patrol-Evanston – 5 years.

District 4

Welcome

Steven Rice, Buffalo Maintenance; Sarah Smith, Buffalo

Construction; and Nicholas

Watt, Sheridan Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Noah Goodwin, Sheridan

Maintenance-Guardrail; and Ryan

Wolfensperger, Hulett Maintenance.

Service Awards

Louis Tegdesch, Patrol-Sheridan – 15 years;

Brigitte Funk, Driver ServicesSheridan/Buffalo – 10 years;

Green

Spencer

Richardson

Adame Portwine Trautman

Fitzgerald

Maxam Roberts

Aullman

Morrow

Tapia Vera

Watt

Rice

Wolfensperger

Goodwin

Smith Funk Tegdesch

Joseph Bennett, Sheridan Maintenance – 5 years; and Frankie Marrello, Buffalo Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements

Gillette heavy mechanic supervisor Rex Markley retired in March with 15 years of service.

A longtime Gillette resident, Markley had more than a decade of experience as an owner/operator at his shop Rex’s Welding before starting with WYDOT in 2008 as a maintenance operator.

After five years with maintenance, he spent a year as a heavy mechanic before taking on a supervisory role.

Buffalo maintenance technician Steve Ramsey retired in March with four years of service to the state.

Markley Ramsey

Making memories and getting to know WYDOT

By Laura Dalles

WYDOT District 4’s Buffalo Construction office and the D4 WTDEA chapter hosted a community outreach event on March 28 in Buffalo at the Johnson County Library.

The objective of the event was to further the WTDEA’s goal of increasing WYDOT’s presence in their communities, to develop relationships between WYDOT and the public, and to engage the community in a boots-on-the-ground manner by hosting handson learning and education activities.

For District 4’s WTDEA’s first event, the Buffalo community was invited to join the construction staff in making concrete stepping stones. The outreach event was to teach participants about portioning concrete materials into a suitable mix.

Those who attended were youth ranging in age of younger than one to 13 years of age. Participants were given pre-measured concrete mix, sand, water and materials to mix their own concrete and form a stepping stone.

While the quick setting cement was doing its thing, participants were given the opportunity to visit with one of our maintainers and check out the snow plow or with construction staff about WYDOT operations including construction, maintenance and traffic.

After 18 minutes, the kiddos were able to personalize their stepping stones with hand prints, lettering, shells, or marbles. Each participant was sent home with their stepping stone to use as a keepsake, lawn ornament or garden decoration.

Letters

Thanks WYDOT!

Just wanted to take a moment to thank the DOT employees who take care of the state highways, put up road signs, and maintain the 511 app.

I’ve been so impressed by how well-maintained and wellsigned the roads are, especially after the recent snowstorm. Thank you!

Kate Allen via email

The event gave WYDOT the opportunity to engage with active members of the Buffalo community and demonstrate that WYDOT employees are also members of their communities. Additionally, this event also offered an experience to expose youth to explore potential career paths in STEM fields and with WYDOT.

Special Thanks to Buffalo Resident Engineer Stephan Charles and Construction and Field Survey Specialist Michael Welch for organizing this event.

Just wanted to say thank you to all for all you do to keep roads clear during this brutal winter season. Kudos to plow drivers that were out there fighting Mother Nature. They were excellent.

Joe Chizek via email

The Tobiason family from Buffalo stopped by for some WYDOT/WTDEA stepping stone making fun.

Photo: Laura Dalles

Bennett Marrello

District 5

Welcome

Karissa Kister, Lander Construction.

Promotions and Transfers

David Haller, Basin Construction; Clay Johnson, Riverton Maintenance; and Michael Sparks, Riverton Maintenance.

Awards

Commission Luncheon Service Award Recipients

Service Awards

William Martell, Lander TrafficStriping – 20 years; Aron Mullis, Basin Traffic-Striping –15 years; and

William Schoening, Cody Construction – 15 years.

Retirements

Paul Boedeker, Dubois maintenance specialist, retired in March with almost 35 years of service.

Boedeker graduated from Dubois High School and had some experience in the logging industry before joining WYDOT.

Randall Davis, a Trooper II based in Cody, retired in March with 11 years of service.

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: From left, Bryan Wenger, 30 years; Jeff Mueller, 25 years; and Mark Urban, 25 years.

Congratulations to our March recipients!

WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

Kelly Bennion

Graham Cox

Kari Davis

Jonas Ostmeyer

Chris Salmon

Daniel Spencer

John Theil

Bill Torrence

Mardy Wagner

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate an employee, contact dot.humanresources@wyo.gov.

Photo: Jordan Achs/WYDOT

Johnson Schoening

Davis

Haller

Mullis Boedeker

Passings

Clyde E. Bower

Clyde Edward “Butch” Bower, 78, died April 15, at the Central Wyoming Hospice Home in Casper, Wyoming, with his wife of 55 years by his side, following a long battle with dementia.

Bower was born on July 21, 1944, to Bruce Eugene and Dessie (Weller) Bower, in Douglas, Wyoming. He attended school in Douglas, where he also met and married his wife, Connie Marie York. Together they had two children, daughter Tammy and son Clint.

Bower worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation on the Construction Tech crew and retired after more than 38 years.

He also served in the Wyoming National Guard and retired as a Staff Sergeant following 21 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the Casper Elks Lodge No. 1353.

A favorite thing to do was spend time at his cabin in the mountains. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time outdoors and watching old westerns and football. He was known to get a shiny new truck every two years.

Beyond that tough exterior, he had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.

Funeral services were held April 21 at the Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel in Douglas, Wyoming. Interment was in the Douglas Park Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Samuel Mares American Legion Post No. 8 and Wyoming Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Wyoming Dementia Care, 2546 East Second Street, Suite 602, Casper, Wyoming 82609 or Central Wyoming Hospice Home, 219 South Wilson Street, Casper, Wyoming 82601.

Wayne L. Meese

Wayne Leslie Meese, 78, died April 5 at his home in Cheyenne. He was born on October 15, 1944, in Cheyenne to Clarence and Margaret (Weaver) Meese. He was welcomed by an older sister, Avis.

Meese worked as an assistant utilities officer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for more than 39 years. He also served as a Laramie County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputy for 40 years and retired as a reserve captain. His volunteerism continued in 2006 when he joined Wyoming State Parks as a reserve park ranger and recently retired in February 2023.

Meese was an NRA certified handgun instructor and assisted in teaching students how to shoot through the LCCC handgun class for many years.

Celebration of life was held at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home April 10. He was interred at Mountain View Memorial Park.

Richard L. Siddle

Richard Lee “Dick” Siddle, 87, died March 20 at Westview Healthcare Center in Sheridan.

Siddle was born on October 13, 1935, in Cody, to H. Elbert and Alice Bates Siddle. He joined his older brother Herbert and they resided on the Siddle Family Ranch on Dry Creek near the Shoshone River.

He was an outstanding athlete at Cody High School, being a state champion wrestler for coach Glen Mangus. He served as captain of the wrestling team his senior year in 1954.

Being a strong Cody Bronc football player and track athlete as well, he was named Cody High School Outstanding

Athlete in 1954 and was presented the award by Milward Simpson. He went on to wrestle at the University of Wyoming prior to joining the U.S. Army.

After returning from the Army, he married Norma Bronnenberg in 1960. They had one son, Nick Lee Siddle, and raised him on the new family place, just a half mile down the road from the original family ranch. They instilled in him a love of agriculture and wildlife, hunting, fishing and rodeo. They later divorced in 1977.

Siddle spent 33 years working for the Wyoming Highway Department where he was a construction supervisor, surveyor and bridge inspector. He spent much time in Cooke City while working on the Chief Joseph and Beartooth highways.

He was a tremendous rodeo athlete, horse trainer, shoer and packer. Many autumns were spent as an outstanding hunting guide for both the Siggins Triangle X, and for Jim Patrick on the Belknap Ranch. He was proud to be an honorary member of Cody High School Rodeo Club, the Buffalo Bill FFA and the Wyoming FFA Association.

Siddle later married Judy Hetland, and they embarked on many traveling adventures, going to both Hawaii and Alaska several times and attending the National Finals Rodeo and the PBR Finals many times. Several of these trips included one or both of Siddle’s grandchildren, Troy and Kelly.

He rarely missed a ball game, musical event, livestock show or any other event that involved the grandchildren. He taught them both outstanding horsemanship skills and spent as much time with them as he could. He was an exceptional grandfather.

A memorial and inurnment will occur in Cody at a later date.

Memorials can be made in memory of Dick Siddle at Wyoming FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 7311, Sheridan, WY, 82801.

Online condolences may be written at Kanefuneral.com.

Bower Meese Siddle

Annual HQ Easter coloring contest

Headquarters WTDEA and WyHy members and family members are invited to join in the coloring fun several times per year. The Easter edition had another great turnout and the winners chosen were awarded a goodie bag of seasonal morsels.

The winners for the 2023 Easter coloring contest were:

Category Place Artist’s Name Member

3 and Under First Brody Mickle Kevin Mickle/Traffic

Second Luxen Bray Mattie Bray/Financial Svcs

Third Calley Lindsay Chelsey Lindsay/Budget

4 to 6 First Gideon Sage Tina Sage/Financial Svcs

Second Emslie Bray Mattie Bray/Financial Svcs

Third Sylvie Grant Christine Grant/Budget

7 to 9 First Jacob LaBorde Maria LaBorde/Internal Review

Second Quinn Wild Renee Wild/Geology

Third Cassidy Lindsay Chelsey Lindsay/Budget

10 to 12 First Gianna Mordahl Justin Mordahl/Geology

Second Addison Klassen Nicole Klassen/Engineering Svcs

Third Matthew Woske Jessica Woske/Highway Safety

13 and over First MaKaylah Rentner Brian Rentner/Bridge

Second Isla Walther Josh Walther/Patrol

Third Anna Yearout Jeri Yearout/Bridge

WTDEA District Contacts

Headquarters

Justin Mordahl, President

Chelsey Lindsay, Vice President

Pam Fredrick, Treasurer

Audrey Hobbs, Secretary

District 1

Rich Barber, President; Laramie

Brandon Strannigan, Vice President; Saratoga

District 2

David Cullison, President; Casper

Zach Miller, Vice President; Douglas

Debbie Herbold, Secretary/Treasurer; Casper

District 3

Ty Jereb, President; Rock Springs

Michael Kennedy, Vice President; Afton

Christina Kindler, Treasurer; Rock Springs

District 4

Erik Brannigan, President; Sheridan

Laura Dalles, Vice President; Sheridan

Keri Griffith, Secretary; Sheridan

Paul Miller, Treasurer; Sheridan

District 5

Christa Hauser, President; South Pass

John Farr, Vice President; Lander

Cole Mosegard, Secretary/Treasurer; Basin

WYOMING TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

WTDEA

We are looking for employees to join us in our fellowship

You can become involved by signing up with your local District chapter, attending meetings, joining the board of officers and participating in planning events and fundraisers that can help keep all of our employees connected. The more members we have that are willing to step up – the further our mission can spread.

The WTDEA was founded in 1956 with a primary purpose of encouraging harmony, promoting employee morale and serving as a liaison between employees and staff.

From WYDOT employees’ ideas and suggestions, WTDEA has facilitated department policies and changes such as:

• Sick Leave Donations

• Military Leave

• Employee recognition programs

• Changes to hardhat policy

• WYDOT Employee Relief Fund

• Maintenance equipment safety upgrades

• AM/FM radios in equipment

• Mechanic tool allowance

• Employee’s Memorial

• Clothing allowance

We strive to maintain and improve morale in the department by hosting events to create an atmosphere of harmony and friendship among employees. We also promote fundraisers to maintain the WYDOT Employee Relief Fund, helping our employees in times of unexpected circumstances. We also hold fundraisers to fund WTDEA Scholarships awarded to undergraduate students throughout the state.

Top image from left: 3 and under, 4 to 6, and 7 to 9. Bottom image from left: 10 to 12, 13 and over.

Photo: WYDOT

EAP services

State of Wyoming

Call: 800-638-3327

Visit: myassistanceprogram.com/fei

Company Code: SOWY1

We’re here for you: 24/7/365

Short-term counseling

Up to 3 sessions per issue per year to help you:

•Alleviate emotional stress

•Enhance interpersonal relationships

•Tackle family/parenting challenges

•Deal with substance misuse

• Manage strong feelings

•Build on personal strengths

•Navigate life transitions

•Work through grief and loss

Legal benefit

One session per issue:

•Bankruptcy, foreclosure

• Home sale/purchase or lease agreement

•Separation or divorce

•Adoption

•Child custody/child support

•Free simple will

•Traffic, civil or criminal matters

•Elder law

•Legal document review

•Simple dispute resolution

Welcome to your new and improved Employee Assistance Program (EAP). By accessing its information, resources and referrals, you can find the support you need to become your best—in all facets of life.

Your new member portal and app provide access to information and resources, including many expanded services, such as health and lifestyle assessments, soft skills courses and a discount marketplace. Services are free, confidential and available to you and your family members.

When you use your EAP, everyone benefits. We have stronger employees, families, workplaces and communities.

Here’s a closer look at your benefits:

Financial benefit

One consulation per issue:

•Manage expenses and debt

•Prepare a realistic budget

•Deal with tax-related questions

•Plan for retirement

•Identity theft solutions

•Invest in a college education

•Student loan coaching

•Home purchase education

•Credit report review

Work-Life benefit

Unlimited consultations and referrals for:

•Childcare

•Adoption

•Elder care

•Dependent care

•K -12 & higher education resources

•Medical Advocacy

•Life Coaching

•Personal Assistant

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