Interchange September 2021
Vol. 49, Iss. 9
JTC tours WYDOT operations in Rawlins
Photo: Jordan Achs
Committee gets behind-the-scenes look at WYDOT
Director Luke Reiner (center) speaking to members of the Joint Trainsportation Committee while in Rawlins.
Meeting highlighted WYDOT’s partnerships with local contractors; continued work to improve rapport with commercial freight By Jordan Achs Legislators on the Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee got a behind-the-scenes look at WYDOT operations during their August 17 meeting in Rawlins. Hosted by committee chair Rep. Don Burkhart, the two-day meeting featured a tour coordinated by District 1 on the morning of the first day. The Rawlins WYDOT office was a great location because it houses so many different WYDOT programs, including engineering crews, mechanics bay, a Highway Patrol
division, a radio tech, a driver services location and maintenance crews. District 1 staff – including District Engineer Ralph Tarango, District Maintenance Engineer Tim Morton, District Equipment Supervisor Jesse Burgess, District Traffic Engineer Ryan Shields, Resident Engineer Aaron Spenny, Area Maintenance Supervisor Marty Mayfield and Foreman Rick Ackerman – guided the legislators around the Rawlins shop and brine plant. The group also got to explore the mechanic’s bay, see snowplows up close and see wrecked plows and
Trooper vehicles. Next, Legislators were bussed through an active Interstate 80 construction project near Sinclair, where local contractors from Simon Contractors and McGarvin-Moberly Construction shared their respective processes and challenges during construction work each season. Finally, the group visited the Fort Steele Rest Area, where they got a look at the complex water treatment facility for the rest area as well as a look at the progBriefs continued on page 4
Contents
Interchange Vol. 49, Issue 9
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 JTC tours WYDOT operations in Rawlins Committee gets a behind-the-scenes look at WYDOT
8 WYDOT wins ACPA award I-80 project garners accolades for Granger Junction to Green River stretch
Programs & Partner Agencies Employee Safety...........................................................................................10
Staff
Highway Safety............................................................................................. 13
WYDOT Director:
Training.........................................................................................................16
Public Affairs Manager:
Travel & Tourism........................................................................................... 17 Game & Fish.................................................................................................. 18
K. Luke Reiner Doug McGee
Editor: Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors:
Also in this issue District briefs..................................................................................................3 By the Numbers..............................................................................................4 Noteworthy................................................................................................... 12 District News................................................................................................20 Letters...........................................................................................................21 Awards..........................................................................................................23 Passings........................................................................................................24
Jordan Achs Matthew Groth Mark Horan Carlie Van Winkle Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs 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.
Rides.............................................................................................................25 WTDEA..........................................................................................................25 Break Time....................................................................................................27
Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
2 Interchange
n
September 2021
A WYDOT PUBLICATION
District Briefs
JTC tours WYDOT from cover ress being made on the new commercial vehicle parking spaces for the I-80 Winter Freight project. Discussions throughout the tour revolved around snowplow concerns, winter operations, construction processes, materials shortages, employee recruitment and retention and other educational topics. The meeting also highlighted WYDOT’s partnerships with local contractors and ways we are working to improve commercial freight operations along the I-80 corridor. Not only did the JTC hear about the different challenges facing WYDOT right now, but they also got a first-hand look at what we accomplish despite those challenges. n
Headquarters
Photo: Jordan Achs
Commission awards more than $27 million in contracts in August
District Engineer Ralph Tarango, District Maintenance Engineer Tim Morton walking the group through the workings of the Rawlins shop in District 1.
District 2 supervisor receives ESGR award Asa Kidney, left, receives special recognition from Dean Welch with Wyoming Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for being a “Patriotic Employer” making sure one of the employees he supervises has the appropriate time off when called to duty. n
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded $27 million in bids for Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its last regular meeting on Aug. 19. Six of the eight jobs awarded at the meeting were awarded to bids from a Wyoming contractor. A $12.5 million bid was awarded to Cheyenne contractor Reiman Corp., for pavement work and bridge replacement on US 14 in Sheridan County, with a contract completion date of October 2022. The commission awarded Croell, Inc., out of Sundance $5.2 million for paving, electrical and other miscellaneous work on another section of US 14, this time in Crook County. This project also has a contract completion date of October 2022. Century Companies, Inc., out of Montana, was awarded $3.7 million to mill and pave almost 10 miles of US 14-A in Big Horn County. This project has a contracted completion date of September 2022. Century Companies was also awarded $1.5 million for milling, paving and guardrail work on US 14-A in Park County. Other jobs awarded include: • McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., out of Worland, was awarded $2.2 million for milling and paving work on US 14/16/20 in Big Horn County • Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc., out of Sheridan, was awarded $1.2 million for electrical work in Sheridan, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta Counties.
Photo: WYDOT
• Croell, Inc., was awarded $909,000 for paving small sections of WYO 59 in Converse County. • Reiman Corp., was awarded $97,000 for bridge work on WYO 211/Horse Creek Road in Laramie County. WYDOT projects are awarded to the
lowest bidder. Every job put out to bid this meeting was bid on by a Wyoming contractor. There were no new bidders this month.
WYDOT’s 2022 STIP now available for review CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is seeking public comment and review of its 2022 transportation improvement planning document. WYDOT’s draft 2022 State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) is available at www.dot.state.wy.us/home on the department’s website. People can navigate to the STIP web page by selecting Planning/Projects/Research and STIP Project Listing, which contains the 2022 STIP PDF and a map where people can make comments or suggest new projects. The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, transit and Public Safety Communications Commission projects that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The final STIP will also incorporate WYDOT’s capital improvement projects. The final approved STIP is published annually and updates are issued monthly. The public can also submit their comments by email (http://www.dot.state. wy.us/ContactWYDOT/?id=128) or by mail to 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009. The deadline for receiving draft STIP comments is Sept. 3, 2021. Besides the 2022 projects, the draft STIP includes a listing of transportation projects slated through 2027. It also includes a summary of pass-through federal funding for public transportation throughout the state. Projects are listed by county and note the general character of work for the various transportation system projects. These projects include highway, transit, airports and others. Additionally, WYDOT is accepting public comment via a virtual meeting at www.wydotstipmeeting.com. There, viewers can click through a short STIP presentation at their own pace as well as Briefs continued on page 4
September 2021
n
Interchange 3
Briefs continued from page 3 provide comments via a live comment map. WYDOT emphasizes that the STIP project listing is tentative and is revised in accordance with changes in funding levels, highway conditions and other issues that arise during the advance project design phase.
District 1
Chip seal project caused minor delays on US 287 south of Laramie LARAMIE – Motorists on US 287 south of Laramie encountered delays as crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Bituminous Paving, Inc. continued a chip sealing project. Chip sealing helps preserve the pavement and improves pavement traction. Crews focused on mileposts 406-409, with work expected to take about two days. A pilot car directed traffic on one lane of the highway while crews worked on another. Crews worked to limit the potential for gravel to fly into windshields after application. However, motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution, obey the 30 mph speed limit in the construction zone and watch for flying material directly after the chip seal is placed to avoid cracked or damaged windshields.
Bridge work near Cheyenne Country Club CHEYENNE – Visitors and members to the Cheyenne Country Club experienced delays as crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began bridge rehabilitation work on the Stinner Road structure over Interstate 25. Preliminary work began the first week of August, and crews completed approach slab replacements, joint modifications and other bridge rehab work as part of this project. No delays were expected for travelers on I-25. Part of a district-wide bridge rehabilitation project, this work was expected to be complete in about a month.
4 Interchange
n
September 2021
District-wide chip seal project caused minor delays LARAMIE – Motorists around southeast Wyoming encountered delays as the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s District 1 began its annual chip sealing project. Chip sealing helps preserve the pavement and improves pavement traction. Crews with Bituminous Paving, Inc. began the project in Carbon County on US 30/287 near Medicine Bow, between mileposts 264-279. This work was done in two phases. Next, crews shifted to Albany County, where work began on WYO 130 east of the turnoff for WYO 11, between mileposts 10-21.5. Crews also chip sealed a portion of US 287 south of Laramie between mileposts 404.25-412.5. Finally, crews wrapped up work in Laramie County, starting with a portion of WYO 210/Happy Jack Road west of Cheyenne between mileposts 10.38-20.45. A chip seal was also placed on I-25 both northbound and southbound between mileposts 24.2-30.75. Motorists encountered delays, as each location except I-25 required the use of a pilot car to direct traffic on one lane of a highway while crews work on another. Many of these chip seals had overshoots, which aim to limit the potential for gravel to fly into windshields after application. Motorists needed to use caution and watch for flying material directly after the chip seal was placed in these areas.
Troopers seize large amount of Fentanyl during traffic stop CHEYENNE – On July 27, 2021, a simple traffic stop for speed in Laramie County, Wyoming, turned into a significant drug bust. A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped a 2021 Hyundai Kona on Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne for speeding. Troopers became suspicious of criminal activity due to the inconsistent and implausible travel plans they received from the occupant. The trooper detained the driver and
Total number of employees: As of August 4, 2021
1,846
One month ago
1,871
One year ago
1,932
WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of August 20, 2021
72
One year ago
78
deployed his K-9 partner around the exterior of the vehicle. The WHP K-9 gave a positive alert to odors she is trained to find. A vehicle search was conducted and the trooper located approximately 24 pounds of suspected Fentanyl inside the vehicle. The driver, Diego J. Aguilar-Valdovinos, was arrested and charged with Felony transportation, distribution and possession of narcotic drugs. The estimated street value of this amount of Fentanyl is approximately $150 million. Fentanyl has become more of a prevalent drug in recent years and can be lethal for law enforcement and first responders who come in contact with it. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid drug. Individuals can experience potentially fatal effects from minimal amounts of the drug. If Fentanyl is taken in conjunction with other opiates, its lethal dose is even smaller. To put it into perspective, two milligrams of Fentanyl can be deadly to a human. The seized Fentanyl has been placed in a controlled environment pending laboratory testing due to health safety concerns.
Delays encountered as bridge work continued on US 30
cle After cy
ading! Re
Please R e
CHEYENNE – Starting Aug. 3, crews with S&S Builders, LLC and the Wyoming Department of Transportation returned to the Crow Creek structure on US 30/ Lincolnway to continue bridge rehabilitation work first started earlier this spring. The structure is located at mile marker 361.54, or near the intersection of Lincolnway and Missile Drive. After completing slab repairs in the area earlier this spring, crews are focused on replacing the approach slabs, placing a rigid concrete overlay and other various rehab activities. Motorists in the area were notified of delays as traffic was moved to a head-tohead configuration while crews worked.
WYDOT replacing select traffic signals in downtown Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Downtown Cheyenne traffic experienced delays as crews with Modern Electric and the Wyoming Department of Transportation begin traffic signal replacements at three intersections. Starting on Aug. 2, crews worked on installing new signals at the intersections of 8th Avenue and Warren Avenue as well as 8th Avenue and Central Avenue. Once those are complete, crews moved to the intersection of US 30/Lincolnway and Evans Avenue. Beyond the signal replacements, crews completed storm sewer upgrades, slab replacements and other upgrades that help the intersections adhere to the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This project has a scheduled completion date of October 2021.
WYDOT urges caution driving near wildfire burn scars LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation urges caution to travelers on highways near wildfire burn scars out of concern for flash flooding and the potential for debris in the roadway. Heavy rains the night of July 29 caused mud, sand and debris from the Mullen Fire burn scar to fill the storm water ditch in a section of WYO 230 near Woods Landing. Debris and mud then overflowed onto the travel lanes, causing the highway to close briefly while WYDOT maintenance crews cleared it with snow plows. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch that started at 11 a.m. for areas of Albany and Carbon Counties, including the Mullen Fire burn scar, which is under moderate risk of localized flooding. Motorists should keep an eye on conditions carefully, especially if traveling or recreating near the Mullen Fire burn scar.
Motorists near Hanna should also use caution, as similar conditions are being reported along the burn scar from the RR316 fire, including portions of WYO 72 and US 30/287. WYDOT maintenance crews monitored both burn scar areas, with a loader on standby near the Mullen Fire burn scar on WYO 230 to help clear debris if needed. If flood water has overtaken a road or bridge, don’t try to drive through the water. It only takes 6-12 inches of moving water for most vehicles to start floating. If you are ever in doubt about driving in a flooded area: turn around, don’t drown.
District 2
Traffic detours in place on I-25 bridge project CASPER – The detours are in place and demolition work on two Interstate 25 bridges spanning Walsh Drive in Casper is underway. Interstate traffic began detouring around the bridges on newly constructed ramp/detours on Aug. 11. Interstate traffic was reduced to one lane in each direction through the construction area and speeds were reduced to 30 mph. The construction/detour area runs from just west of Curtis Street to the Yellowstone Highway bridge. Southbound traffic to I-25 was not able to use the Yellowstone Highway on-ramp, instead, that traffic will use the Curtis Street interchange. Northbound traffic is still able to use the Curtis Street interchange as well as the Bryan Stock Trail on-ramp. Interstate traffic (northbound) and Yellowstone Highway traffic was separated by concrete barriers. Access to businesses along this stretch of Yellowstone Highway remains open. Demolition of the bridges began Aug. 16. Demolition was expected to last 20 days, assuming there were no delays, for up to 20 hours each day. These detours are in place for the duration of the project and will allow work to continue throughout the year and without traffic pressure. The contractor, Ames Construction, of Burnsville, Minnesota, is tearing down the aging bridges to replace them Briefs continued on page 6
September 2021
n
Interchange 5
with one span, approximately 850 feet in length, or roughly half the length of the current structures. The project has a contractual completion date of June 30, 2023. The cost of the project is $29.7 million. It is the first of three projects on I-25 through Casper over the next six years.
Photo: Jeff Goetz
Dry Piney Connectivity Project let, public meeting hosted
Photo: Jeff Goetz
A demolished section of the Walsh Bridge looking north.
Walsh Bridge detour in place.
District 3
I-80 Bitter Creek section will see work, on and off ramp closure ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from H-K Contractors Inc., condensed traffic to one lane in each direction on the westbound side of I-80 east of Rock Springs from mileposts 138-143 while crews work on milling and the eastbound bridges at Bitter Creek Interchange and Red Hill Interchange. The Red Hill Interchange at exit 139 eastbound off and on ramps were closed while work was underway. The westbound on and off ramp remained open while work was underway on the eastbound lanes. The bridges and pavement in the westbound lanes will be worked on in 2022. The project scope of work includes grading, paving, wearing course and bridge rehabilitation, as well as miscellaneous work on approximately five
6 Interchange
n
September 2021
ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting on Sept. 9 about the Big Piney Wildlife Connectivity Project on US 189 between La Barge and Big Piney. The meeting shared information about the upcoming project details and construction schedule. The project was awarded this summer to McMillen, LLC, out of Idaho for a total construction cost of $13.7 million. In 2019, WYDOT received The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for $14.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct eight underpass wildlife crossings, fencing and related improvements along the 19-mile stretch of US 189 between La Barge and Big Piney. The crossings and fencing will provide a safer means of travel for motorists while ensuring wildlife can continue to use historic migration routes. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) estimates that crossings built in this section of highway would be used by approximately 3,000 mule deer, 300500 pronghorn, 100-150 elk and 50-100 moose annually. In addition to the $14.5 million BUILD grant, the Wyoming Transportation Commission and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission both contributed $1.25 million for a total of $2.5 million toward the Dry Piney project. WYDOT will also receive funding for the project through the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Volgenau Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Muley Fanatic Foundation and the WYldlife Fund. These private funds were further matched by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, which the legislature approved during the 2021 session. The Sublette County Commission also supported the project in-kind with the use of their gravel pits adjacent to the project.
“The cost associated with building wildlife crossings can seem daunting, but Wyoming has a proven system of drawing on local support to leverage federal funds,” Chris Colligan, wildlife program coordinator for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition said. “There is a systematic approach to this work in Wyoming that starts with the coordinated leadership at our state agencies to make our highways safer for our families and wildlife,” he added.
Photo: WYDOT
miles on I-80 beginning at milepost 138 between Rock Springs and Rawlins. The completion date for this project is set for Aug. 31, 2022.
Briefs continued from page 5
Wildlife crossings and fencing protect animals and travelers alike.
WYDOT to host open house, gather public input on projects ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted an open house on Sept. 1 in Jackson and on Sept. 2 in Rock Springs. The meetings had information on the State Transportation Improvement Plan, and on local projects. The public was invited to attend. WYDOT also hosted a self-guided online public meeting for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The online meeting launched in July and ran through August. During this time frame, the public can participate from the comfort of home at any time. The online meeting can be accessed 24/7 at www. wySTIPmeeting.com. Topics included: • Program overview • Information on funding • Timeline of the process • Details on 900+ statewide transportation improvements
More about the Program The STIP is a six-year program approved by the transportation commission. It provides a snapshot of existing and expected projects and their schedules, and is continually updated. The current STIP is for the years 2021-2026 and represents the planned construction, preliminary engineering, and right of way costs of each project. The program also indicates the share of federal funding, state funding and other funding sources for each project. WYDOT pledges to do its best to adhere to this program and to serve the public interest through these projects.
I-80 at exit 111 westbound closed, cattle guard replaced ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from IHC SCOTT Inc., closed the westbound off-ramp at exit 111, Middle Baxter Road, as part of a project taking place East of Rock Springs on Interstate 80. The closures occurred Aug. 16 through Aug. 21 while a new cattle guard was installed. For those traveling to the airport from Rock Springs, the airport exit 111 eastbound off-ramp was available. Traffic traveling westbound to the airport or Middle Baxter Road needed to detour on exit 122 or travel to Rock Springs and circle back. The project encompasses work on roughly 13 miles of I-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, 2021.
Driver Services locations in Jackson, Thayne adjusting hours JACKSON – The Driver Services office in Thayne will see an increase in services in early 2022 after some internal restructuring by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Starting in January, the Thayne office
will transition to being open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon. Currently, some employees from the Jackson location are traveling to Thayne twice a week to offer services. “Recent growth in the Star Valley region and an employee retirement in Jackson prompted us to look at ways to improve service in both locations,” said Driver Services program manager Misty Dobson. “This restructuring will provide quality customer service to both communities without adding costs for new facilities or positions.” While the transition is taking place, there will be adjusted hours at the Jackson Driver Services location. Due to current staffing levels, the Jackson location will be closed on Thursdays and Fridays starting August 19 so the employees can travel to work at the Thayne location. The Jackson location will return to regular hours in January. “Members of the public interact with Driver Services more than any other WYDOT program,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner. “We are dedicated to excellence and always looking for ways to improve service while still being conscientious of our budget.” For downloadable forms, location maps and other helpful information, visit http://www.dot.state.wy.us/driverservices.
District 4
Paving operations began on I-90, Acme Interchange west of Sheridan SHERIDAN – Westbound travelers on I-90 west of the Sheridan/Dietz Port of Entry encountered a short detour between the Tongue River Bridge and Acme Interchange Bridge beginning Sept. 7. The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded Simon Contractors the contract to reconstruct and mill and overlay the east and westbound lanes of I-90 between mile marker 19 and 15. This project will be completed in two phases, with phase one starting Sept. 7. Phase two will resume in May 2022. Due to the late letting and awarding of this contract, Simon and its sub-con-
tractors will perform the reconstruction component of the westbound lane this fall and return in May to complete the entirety of the project. In phase one, Simon will reconstruct a portion of the westbound lane of I-90 between the Tongue River Bridge and Acme Interchange Bridge. Once the westbound reconstruction is complete, the detour will be removed and traffic will resume its normal pattern. This portion of the project is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31. To accommodate construction, WYDOT will be closing the travel lanes between these structures and detouring traffic to the Acme Interchange on and off ramps. Traffic control will begin at the top of the hill just west of the Port of Entry. Traffic will be reduced down to one westbound travel lane with reduced speed limits and flagging operations. Motorists will exit the interstate at the off-ramp, travel through the intersection onto the on-ramp and back onto I90. Eastbound traffic from WYO 345 will encounter traffic control beyond the standard stop sign at the intersection. This project is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2022.
WYDOT extends passing lanes on WYO 59 south GILLETTE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation recently awarded Croell Inc., a contract to extend six passing lanes on WYO 59 south of Gillette. Croell Inc., completed the preliminary work extending the culverts and began dirt work in preparation for extending the passing lanes in six locations the week of August 23. Work began at the southern end of the project at milepost 77.97 and progress north to milepost 101.38. Motorists experienced reduced speed limits and intermittent lane closures with flagging operations and heavy truck traffic throughout the project. WYO 59 carries a large volume of traffic due to the strong presence of oil, gas and mining operations in the area and the commuting traffic associated with it. Traffic and safety studies indicated extending the existing passing lanes would decrease congestion during peak commuting times Briefs continued on page 9
September 2021
n
Interchange 7
Photos: WYDOT / IHC Scott
WYDOT wins ACPA award for I-80 project – Granger Junction to Green River By Stephanie Harsha The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Interstate Highway Construction, was recently awarded the 2021 Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award for the Rural Divided Highways Division. The project encompassed the reconstruction of the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 between Green River and the Granger Interchange. The 5.3 mile stretch of twolane interstate included roadway reconstruction, a bridge deck replacement, bridge rehabilitation work on two additional bridges and placement of 126,000 yards of 11-inch thick concrete pavement. “The asphalt on this road was stripping, which means the oil and rocks were separating, so we knew this road was going to need extensive reconstruction,” District 3 Construction Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said. With over half of the traffic on Interstate 80 attributed to commercial vehicles, conditions deteriorate quickly with
8 Interchange
n
September 2021
the added stress of heavy truck traffic. WYDOT elected to use concrete pavement as both a cost-effective alternative to the high maintenance asphalt pavement, giving this section a longer lasting upgrade. “Concrete lasts longer and requires less maintenance, and it is stronger under heavy loads. So with the continued increase in commercial vehicles, concrete was the ideal choice,” Stinchcomb said. This project was recognized as contributing to improving the condition of this essential trucking route through Wyoming and helping keep goods and services moving efficiently across the state. Founded in 1963, The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) is the world’s largest trade association that exclusively represents the interests of those involved with the design, construction, and preservation of concrete pavements. n
Paving underway on Riverton Main Street concrete repair project
inside the canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2022.
Briefs continued from page 7 and provide added safety measures. The expected completion date for this project is June 30, 2022.
Lander Main Street undergoes concrete grinding, joint cleaning/ sealing underway
District 5
Slide repair/rock scaling project underway in Wind River Canyon
RIVERTON – Asphalt paving on the south side of Riverton’s Main Street resumed Aug. 30. 71 Construction of Riverton is the prime contractor on a $1.4 million concrete rehabilitation project on Main Street in downtown Riverton. During paving operations, traffic movements continued to be single-lane and two-way traffic movements on the north half of Main Street between Federal and North 1st Street. The contractor’s work schedule calls for the same process – milling, cleaning and paving – began on the south side of Main Street on Aug. 19, with work on manholes, valve boxes, thermoplastic crosswalks and striping to follow. Like work on the north side of Main, side-street intersections on the south side of Main Street will be closed during concrete milling, cleaning and other preparations for paving. “We appreciate everyone’s patience. We’re in the home stretch of this work,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but side-street intersections will remain closed on the south side of Main Street until we open the street to unrestricted traffic movements.” 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. Project completion date is Oct. 31. n
LANDER – The $6.89 million Lander concrete rehabilitation project/US 287 pavement overlay project continues and concrete grinding along Lander’s Main Street began Aug. 16. Concrete joint cleaning/sealing along the same stretch began Aug. 30. “The operation will be a nighttime one, scheduled between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on working days,” WYDOT Lander Resident Engineer Erik Smith said. “The concrete grinding should take about 14 working days to complete, while the concrete joint cleaning/sealing operation was slated to take about 10 working days to complete.” “The contractor maintained 2-way traffic on Main Street while work was completed,” Smith said. The $6.89 million 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.
Photo: WYDOT
WORLAND – An $8.78 million slide stabilization/rock scaling project began Aug. 31, alongside US 20/WYO 789 through Wind River Canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Prime contractor is Oftedal Construction Inc., of Casper, which hauled equipment into the area beginning Aug. 30. “The contractor plans to start slide stabilization work, with rock scaling, near the Upper Wind River Campground and the canyon tunnels,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Jordan Erz of Worland. Erz said the state campground will remain open for public use at all times during slide stabilization efforts. Rockfall scaling locations in Wind River Canyon include milepost 116.3 (highway tunnels), mileposts 116.79 to 116.82 (north of the tunnels/just south of the Fremont/Hot Springs county line), mileposts 118.12 to 118.18, and mileposts 120.41 to 120.61 (3 miles north of the county line).
Nighttime concrete grinding on Main Street during August in Lander. A second nighttime operation began Aug. 30, with concrete joint cleaning/sealing.
Photo: WYDOT
Motorists experienced 20-minute delays, with 1-way traffic when everything was clear for falling rocks. The Wind River Canyon slide stabilization project includes slide repair, grading, slide stabilization rock (SSR), manual rock scaling, rock fall mitigation and other work on US 20/WYO 789 beginning at milepost 115.9 through 123.12
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp investigating slide areas inside Wind River Canyon.
Street/concrete cleaning this week on Main Street in Riverton.
Briefs continued on page 10
September 2021
n
Interchange 9
Briefs continued from page 9
US 287 chip sealing scheduled north of Lander LANDER – The $6.89 million Lander concrete rehabilitation project/US 287 pavement overlay project continued and chip sealing north of Lander began Aug. 23. Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith said chip sealing is scheduled between mileposts 10 and 24.17 (beginning at Blue Sky Highway north of Lander just past WYO 132’s intersection with US 287, and through Fort Washakie and to the end of the new pavement overlay).
The $6.89 million 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 north of Lander through Fort Washakie. The project includes concrete grinding, concrete joint sealing, asphalt paving, chip sealing, and curb, gutter and ADA ramp repairs.
WYDOT/Fremont County project, Burma Road cattle guard removal RIVERTON – Removal of a cattle guard disrupted traffic patterns at WYO 789’s intersection with Burma Road on
Aug. 18, north of Riverton. WYDOT and the Fremont County Transportation Department were collaborating on the project to permanently remove the cattle guard at the Burma Road/WYO 789 intersection. The cattle guard removal project began about 8:30 a.m. and commuters were able to use Burma Road without delays to get to work in Riverton on Aug. 18. “We’re hoping this will be a one-day project,” said Riverton Maintenance Foreman Shane Pugh. “We appreciate everyone’s patience.” Pugh said motorists are encouraged to detour on Young Road to WYO 789, though there was a rough detour at the Burma Road/WYO 789 intersection. n
Employee Safety Eye and Face Protection
By April Patrick and Todd DePorter, Employee Safety Recently, a WYDOT employee was using a grinder to grind down a weld, and a piece of metal shard flew into the employee’s eye. This resulted with the employee having to seek medical attention to remove the shard. This could have been prevented if the employee had been wearing both a face shield and protective eyewear. In this case, the employee was only wearing safety glasses, which did not prevent the shard from flying under the glasses and into his eye. Per Personal Policy 8-17, face and eye protection are required when employees are performing potentially hazardous workplace activities or in the vicinity of such activities. Take the right steps to protect your eyes and face. 1. Review your Job Safety Analysis prior to beginning work to identify any eye or face hazards. 2. Inspect your eye and face protection devices to ensure they are still serviceable and that you can see clearly through them. 3. Replace broken or ineffective eye and face protection. Finally, for those employees who wear prescription eyewear, take advantage of WYDOT’s Prescription Protective Eyewear service. See the next page for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Employee Safety at dot-employee-safety@wyo.gov.
Prescription Protective Eyewear
Are you exposed to eye hazards performing your daily job duties? • Speak with your supervisor to determine the need for prescription safety eyewear. Supervisors will assess the eye and face hazards associated with the employee’s duties to determine if the employee qualifies. • The Supervisor should complete the Prescription Eyewear Protection Request (PEPR) Google Form on Employee Safe-
10 Interchange
n
September 2021
ty’s intranet web page for any employee that encounters even minor eye or face hazards. • Once the employee receives their order form from Employee Safety, they can arrange for the review of sample frames with the Point of Contact (POC) of their choice, found on the Employees Safety Intranet web page. Personnel Policy 8-17: • Employee Safety pays for one set of safety eyewear every two years through our authorized vendor (Eagle Safety Eyewear). • Once you receive your order form, follow these three easy steps. 1. Schedule a visit with a POC to view/select frames and if your prescription is for bifocals, trifocals, or Progressives, checkout frames to take to your vision provider to get the segment height. 2. Get an updated prescription and PD measurement from your vision provider (if older than 2 years or if it changes frequently). 3. Follow the instructions on your order form and submit to Eagle Safety Eyewear using the provided contact information. • Detailed information and additional resources are available on the WYDOT Employees Website under Employee Safety > Prescription Safety Eyewear. n
Blood borne pathogens protection program By Todd DePorter and Jordan Striff, Employee Safety OSHA covers Hepatitis A and B in their Blood Borne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030. This standard requires employers to offer the vaccination series to all workers who have an occupational exposure. The Workzone Safety Subcommittee, part of WYDOT’s Safety Committee, brought up the concern about seeing an increase in the amount and type of potential blood borne pathogen type materials and waste along the right-of-way (ROW) and at rest areas. Specifically, road maintenance crews conduct litter pick-up in the ROW, as well as the rest areas in some locations. They are exposed to bags of human waste, diapers, used feminine hygiene products, used hypodermic needles, drugs and drug related paraphernalia. Additionally, employees working in the field may become injured from sharp or protruding objects and require a tetanus shot. Because of this, it is recommended that anyone who is exposed to these conditions consider getting a Hepatitis A/B and/ or tetanus shot as a precautionary measure. Additionally, any
employee who thinks they have been directly exposed can get an immunization at no cost per Personnel Procedure 19-8. Employee Safety is working on a more formal program for employees by job classification and job function. You can expect to see this program released in January 2022. Employees can obtain these voluntary vaccinations through WYDOT provided health insurance (Cigna) at no cost. Employees should contact Cigna to confirm approved locations for receiving these vaccinations. Employees who do not have state provided health insurance should contact employee safety to make arrangements for receiving the vaccination(s) at no cost. n
Fast Facts Hep A
Passed on from small amounts of stool on food, objects, drinks, casual contact Vaccine preventable Curable
By Erik Brannigan, Employee Safety District 4 representative On the morning of Aug. 10, a WYDOT employee was loading a backhoe on a tilt-deck trailer. After stepping out of the backhoe and onto the trailer, the employee turned to dismount the trailer, lost their balance and fell to the ground from a height of approximately 36 inches. The employee suffered minor injuries and missed a couple days of work. Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of injury in the U.S., resulting in over 8 million hospital visits each year and more than 33,000 fatalities. To avoid injury consider the following measures: • Always maintain three points of contact and face forward when mounting or dismounting a piece of equipment. • Do not jump from equipment, landings or trailers. • Keep walkways, steps, stairs, ladder rungs and trailer decks clean and clear of hazards.
Usually no symptoms Passed via body fluids such as blood or semen
Tetanus
Vaccine preventable
Symptoms include lockjaw, muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, seizures, headaches, fever/ sweating. Spread by object puncturing skin, burns, crush injuries, wounds contaminated by dirt, feces or saliva
Can become chronic Treatable, but no cure exists
Carlie Van Winkle
medical attention or first aid, must be reported right away. Doing so establishes a timeline with WC and ensures a claim is opened in the event the injury becomes more serious. What are the proper channels to take? This may differ based on the kind of incident which has occurred. However, as the employee who was involved in the incident, you should submit your documentation to your direct supervisor. Submitting electronic copies are encouraged and recommended. The supervisor should then review it for completeness and clarity, sign and email the documentation to both WYDOT Employee Safety and the District Safety Representative (for districts), their HR associate (for injuries), and the WYDOT Equipment Program. Other departments/entities can be included in this initial email if they are normally notified. n
• Be aware of stable footing when climbing, ensure you’re wearing proper footwear. Remember to have a plan, take the time needed Learning the proper way to dismount a trailer could to complete the prevent on-the-job injuries. task in a safe and efficient manner. If needed, get help from a coworker. Remember that ALL employees have the authority to stop work when the situation is unsafe or will become unsafe. n
September 2021
n
Interchange 11
Photo: WYDOT
Dismounting a trailer
Hep B
Vaccine preventable
Reporting a safety incident By April Patrick, Employee Safety While it is extremely important for employees to make every effort to perform safely in their work environment, an unanticipated situation can result in a workplace injury, even if proper precautions are taken. Any incidents involving an injury or damage to WYDOT equipment/property must be reported immediately. All appropriate paperwork (the S-1A form, and for injuries, the Workers’ Compensation (WC) Report of Injury form) must be completed and directed to a supervisor as soon as possible. Even accidents resulting in minor injuries, not requiring immediate
May not have symptoms/symptoms appear quickly
Noteworthy
Governor Mark Gordon ordered both the U.S. and Wyoming state flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise to sunset on July 21, 2021 in honor and memory of 1st Lt. Alva “Ray” Krogman. A Worland native, Krogman’s plane was shot down during the Vietnam War while he was flying a scouting mission over Laos on Jan. 17, 1967. His remains were identified in Laos on July 7, 2020 and he was returned home to Worland. The Wyoming Highway Patrol assisted in the procession from the Montana/Wyoming state line to Worland. A public service for Lt. Krogman was held July 21 at the Worland Middle School Auditorium. n
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Highway Patrol
Governor orders flags to half-staff statewide on July 21 to honor return of Vietnam veteran
Wyoming Highway Patrol leading the way along a crowd lined street for 1st Lt. Ray Krogman’s return home to Worland.
12 Interchange
n
Col. Kebin Haller during the ceremony. “Today, Shirley’s name has been engraved on this memorial behind us to honor and pay tribute to her for her service to our state, as well as to make her name known and permanent into the future, to be forever remembered.” n
The WHP Color Guard presented colors at the beginning of the ceremony.
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT employees and family members gathered at Headquarters on Aug. 3 for a ceremony to commemorate Shirley Samuelson as her name was added to the WYDOT Employee memorial. “We mourn with you today, as a WYDOT family, as a family who cares for each other, who works together and who watches each other’s back,” said WYDOT director Luke Reiner. “We have the responsibility and the obligation to recognize, to acknowledge and to memorialize our loss.” Shirley was a heavy equipment operator in District 3 who died on the job in August 2020. In addition to the spoken words, the ceremony included a presentation from the Wyoming Highway Patrol Color Guard, a song by vocalists Dawn and Alyssa West and a presentation of a flag to Samuelson’s family. “Shirley was known for her dependability and courage,” said
Photo: WYDOT
Samuelson memorial event held in August
The family of Shirley Samuelson was present for the unveiling at the WYDOT/WHP Memorial on the Headquarters campus in Cheyenne.
September 2021
Highway Safety City/Town and Rural Critical Crashes The Wyoming Economic Analysis Division’s 2020 County Profiles1 reports that with total land area of 97,810 square miles and an estimated population of 578,759 in 2020, Wyoming is second only to Alaska for lowest population density among states at 5.9 residents per square mile. While nearly all of Wyoming land area is considered rural or frontier, a recent study by the Economic Analysis Division2 reported that as of July 1, 2018, 68.8% of residents lived within the boundaries of an incorporated city or town. Only 31.2% of Wyoming’s population lived in rural areas. Yet Wyoming’s rural areas experience a disproportionate number of critical crashes. From 2016 to 2020, an average of 71% (1461/2062) of all critical crashes occurred on rural roads (Figure 1). Fatal crashes show an even wider gap, with nearly 80% of all fatal crashes occurring in rural areas3.
Rural Critical Crashes: 2016-2020 data revealed that nearly half (46%) of rural crashes involved a non-collision first harmful event (FHE) such as overturn/rollover, jackknife, and cargo or equipment loss or shift. Overturn/rollover was the FHE in 37% of
rural crashes, as compared to 10% of city/town crashes. The vehicle type most likely to be involved in an overturn/rollover was a pick-up truck followed by a sports utility vehicle (Figure 2). Animal collisions as a FHE were more likely to be reported in rural Wyoming (4% vs.1%) but comprised a small proportion of critical crashes overall. Horizontal curve critical crashes were also significantly more likely to occur on rural roads (53% vs. 29%). City/Town Critical Crashes: 2016-2020 data revealed that 63% of city/town critical crashes involved a collision with a person, motor vehicle, or non-fixed object as a FHE as compared to about a third (31%) of rural crashes. Intersection crashes were more common in Wyoming communities, with the majority of critical crashes at four-way intersections (64%) and t-intersections (26%). Critical crashes involving motorcycles were also more likely to occur in cities/towns (23% vs.14%). Of the 139 city/town motorcycle-involved crashes during the five-year period, over half (57%) involved collision with a person, motor vehicle, or non-fixed object as a FHE and one third (32%) were non-collision crashes.
No Difference: While no difference was found in speed-involved critical crashes overall, rural crashes were more likely to involve speeding too fast for conditions (18% vs. 7%). In both categories, the majority (62%) of critical crashes occurred during daylight hours but more rural crashes took place in unlighted darkness (31% vs.14%). With the exception of drivers 75 years and older (who were more likely to be involved in a crash in a cities/towns), no difference was observed in driver age categories. No differences were observed for alcohol-involved crashes or properly-used safety equipment restraints between the two categories. n WYDOT Completed Safety Treatment Locations (Active) as of August 17, 2021
1. Wyoming Administration & Information Economic Analysis Division: Wyoming and County Profiles 2020. Accessed 08/04/2021 at http://eadiv.state.wy.us/ demog_data/County_Profile.html 2. Ibid. (2019). Cheyenne Gained the Most Residents in 2018. Accessed 08/04/2021 at http://eadiv.state.wy.us/pop/Place-18est.pdf. 3. Most of Wyoming’s interstate and state highways are rural roads. Higher traffic volumes and speeds on these roads are likely to result in more critical crashes.
Annual Lifecycle Cost
Average Benefit to Cost
$ 67,756.00
226.92
7.26
201
$ 79,003.00
20.22
3.87
462
$229,166.00
63.97
6.49
348
$ 66,348.00
93.36
4.03
District
Count
1
186
2 3 4
Annual Critical Crash Reduction
5
82
$ 25,478.00
292.66
1.13
State
1,279
$ 467,751.00
103.45
22.77
September 2021
n
Interchange 13
FAST FACTS Wyoming crash data from City/Town/Rural Critical Crashes 2016-2020 report: • 31% of Wyoming residents live in rural areas but crashes on rural roads account for 80% of all fatal crashes. • 63% of urban critical crashes involve a collision with a person, motor vehicle, or non-fixed object as the first harmful event (FHE). • 37% of rural critical crashes involve an overturn or rollover as a FHE. • Motorcycle-involved critical crashes are more likely to occur on roads within a city/town than on rural roads (23% vs.14%). Cities/Towns & Rural Defined: This text defines critical crashes within cities and towns as those occurring in the geographic boundaries of Wyoming’s incorporated communities. Rural is defined as critical crashes occurring outside of these geographic boundaries.
Wyoming crash data from Pedestrian-Involved Crashes 2016-2020 report: • About 75 pedestrian-involved crashes occur each year in Wyoming. • Men are almost twice as likely to be involved in a pedestrian crash as compared to women; either as a driver or a pedestrian. • 60% of all pedestrian-involved crashes happen during daylight hours. • 15% of pedestrian-involved crashes are “Hit and Run.” • An estimated 21% of pedestrian crashes involve an impaired driver or pedestrian. Pedestrian Defined: A person who is not an occupant of a motor vehicle in transport, witness or pedacyclist. This includes a person who is adjacent to the motor vehicle regardless of their actions. Also included are forms of pedestrian conveyance such as roller skates, wheelchairs, etc.
14 Interchange
n
September 2021
Pedestrian-Involved Crashes
Pedestrians and cyclists are considered vulnerable road users due to their high risk of injury if struck by a vehicle. They have little or no protective shell to absorb and diffuse energy created during a crash. This is why both groups experience a higher proportion of fatal and suspected serious injuries when a crash occurs. In crash analysis, there are no “property-damage-only” crashes for pedestrians: all crashes result in some level of injury. Wyoming crash data reports a total of 380 pedestrian-involved crashes during the five-year period 2016-2020, averaging about 75 pedestrian-involved crashes each year. Of this total, about 30% (114) were critical crashes, resulting in fatal or serious injuries. When all pedestrian-involved crashes were examined, the majority (87%) occurred within the city limits of a Wyoming community. Over half of these crashes (55%) were intersection-related (Figure 1). Men were almost twice as likely to be a driver or pedestrian in a pedestrian-involved crashes with age also identified as a risk factor. As illustrated in Figure 2, individuals under the age of 35 were more likely to be involved, either as a driver or a pedestrian. Out of all pedestrian-involved crashes, 60% happened during daylight hours with just over a third (36%) occurring in darkness (lighted or unlighted). Finally, alcohol or drug-involved crashes
By the Numbers: WYDOT City/Town and Rural Crash Data
By the Numbers: WYDOT PedestrianInvolved Crash Data
August 1, 2021 vs. (August 1, 2020)
June 1, 2021 vs. (June 1, 2020)
Fatalities: 52 (64) Serious Injuries: 258 (226) Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 17 (23) Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) CMV-Involved Fatalities: 7 (15) Drug-Involved Fatalities: 11 (14) Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 7 (9) Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 5 (2) Speed-Related Fatalities: 22 (23) *Data current as of 08/17/2021
Fatalities: 34 (34) Serious Injuries: 157 (133) Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 8 (8) Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) CMV-Involved Fatalities: 6 (11) Drug-Involved Fatalities: 7 (8) Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (3) Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 4 (2) Speed-Related Fatalities: 10 (13)
(impairment) play a significant role in pedestrian-involved crashes. Nearly one-quarter (21%) of all pedestrian crashes involve either an impaired driver or pedestrian. For critical crashes, this proportion exceeds one-third (35%) of all crashes. In critical crashes, the pedestrian was more often impaired (63%) than the driver (20%), with both impaired in 18% of crashes. Young adults, aged 21 to 34, are more likely to be impaired in a pedestrian-involved crash. n
WYDOT Completed Safety Treatment Locations (Active) as of June 4, 2021 Annual Lifecycle Average Benefit to Annual Critical Cost Cost Crash Reduction
District
Count
1
187
$
67,827.00 $
225.71
2
217
$
79,759.00 $
18.73
4.4
3
459
$
228,754.00 $
64.39
5.95
4
357
$
66,381.00 $
93.21
4.08
7.26
5
86
$
25,486.00 $
298.62
1.18
State
1,306
$
468,207.00 $
103.20
22.88
By Pete Abrams, WYDOT Law Enforcement Liaison This past Labor Day weekend, Wyoming law enforcement participated in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign, which ran from Aug. 18-Sept. 6. In support of law enforcement’s dedication to saving lives, you’ll see officers, deputies and troopers working together this holiday weekend to take impaired drivers off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. During 2019 in Wyoming, 26 percent of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol impaired driver. This is why Wyoming law enforcement works with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. “We want Wyoming to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Colonel Kebin Haller of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We need commitment from our communities that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal, and it takes lives. Let’s also make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect our state and put an end to this senseless behavior,” Colonel Haller added. During the 2019 Labor Day holiday period (6 p.m. Aug. 30-5:59 a.m. Sept. 3), there were 451 crash fatalities nationwide. Of those fatalities, 45% involved drivers who had been drinking (.01+ BAC). More than one-third (38%) of the fatalities involved
drivers who were drunk (.08+ BAC), and nearly one-fourth (24%) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Age is also a risky WHP troopers are always on the lookout for imfactor with drivers paired drivers. between the ages of 18 and 34 accounting for 46% of those drunk drivers with BACs of .08 or higher who were killed. Wyoming law enforcement recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation, a cab or ride share to get home safely. • If available, use your community’s sober ride program. • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement directly or dial 911. • Do you have a friend or family member who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and plan to get them home safely. For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www. nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. n
September 2021
n
Interchange 15
Photo: WYDOT
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Training
What’s coming up at WYDOT-U in fiscal year 2022 By Amy Bale, Training Services It’s that time of year when Training Services puts out the training schedule for the upcoming fiscal year (October-September). You’ll find the new schedule on our WYDOT Training Services web page, and all classes listed can be found in the WELL. So what’s new for ‘22? We’ve added a series of pre-scheduled workshops focused on two things: level of responsibility, and delivery and location. Level of Responsibility For non-supervisors, we encourage you to engage in our Leading Self track. Workshops offered quarterly starting in October can help build self awareness and are foundational courses for employee development: • Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity • Myers Briggs – Embracing Change • Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People • Everything DiSC Workplace Not interested in a workshop, or maybe interested in building upon one of these workshops? Check out the Learning Tracks. These are online and ‘at your own pace’ courses that are still designed for non-supervisors. • Becoming a Better Team Member (to Enhance Your Team’s Effectiveness) Learning Track • Being a Better Communicator: How to Listen and How to Say It Learning Track • Customer Service the WYDOT Way Learning Track • Improving Your Judgement and Making Better Decisions Learning Track • Slaying Your Dragons and Becoming Your Own Hero Learning Track Are you a supervisor? We’re offering quarterly Leading Others workshops starting in November that focus on: • Coaching: “Developing Your Employees: The Practical Coach” – Phyllis Lundy • Evaluating Performance: “Performance Management: Setting the Stage for Success” – Employers Council • Innovation: “Creativity & Innovation” – Elevate USA • Onboarding / Recruiting: “Hiring Smart: Staffing for Optimum Performance” – Phyllis Lundy As with the Leading Self track, we’ve updated the learning themes for the supervisor competencies this year. Sign up to expand your knowledge related to one of the themes offered, or perhaps do it instead of attending a live workshop. WYDOT has leaders everywhere, so we’re bringing out some workshops to help develop overall leadership across the agency through our Leading the Agency track. These concepts benefit everyone, and are offered in quarterly workshops starting in December.
16 Interchange
n
September 2021
WY U
WYDOT University They cover: Leadership
• “Leadership Goes to the Movies”– Hal Pitt • “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” – Phyllis Lundy Developing Others • Maximizing Employee Engagement & Effectiveness – Hal Pitt • Team Building: Appreciating the Styles of the Team – Elevate USA Delivery & Location • In-person leadership classes are coming back and we’ve scheduled them in Cheyenne, Casper and Riverton! • Don’t want to travel? We’ll have live virtual instructor-led (VILT) courses offered that you can take on your computer, by both WYDOT-U and TLN. • Speaking of TLN, don’t forget they schedule classes throughout the year so check the schedule often. NOTE: Registration for TLN events will now take place on the TLN website. Instructions will be provided with each class announcement. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Training Services offer many more opportunities. • Wishlist classes - sign up / get your friends to sign up in the WELL. We’ll schedule it when there’s enough interest. • Contact Training Services directly. Yes we do Roadshows. What’s your team’s need? We can help find it or deliver it. • Don’t forget about the IDP. It can be the single greatest tool available to you to purposely start your development journey, whether for personal or professional reasons. Check out the process on the Training Services Intranet page. Contact any team member with Training Services, or through dot-training@wyo.gov. We’re here to support you. n
Travel & Tourism
How to plan a backpacking trip: travel deeper into Wyoming’s wilderness with these tips
portant) items on your list, so focus on cutting down weight here first. Be sure to test gear before any big trips, especially your hiking boots and backpack, to make sure you will be comfortable and well-prepared on the trail. You will also want to consider the wildlife native to the area. Bear canisters are often required for food storage, and bear spray can be a smart item to pack in areas where grizzly bears are present. If you’re feeling lost when it comes to gear or don’t think you’ll use it enough to make the investment, you can look into renting backpacking gear from local outfitters. Plan Your Meals For many people food tends to be a priority; this is especially true when it comes to backpacking. Appetites seems to double in the backcountry, which is can make things tricky since food is heavy. By planning your meals ahead of time, you are less likely to pack too much or too little. Be conscientious of weight and likelihood to spoil when deciding on nourishment. Skip fresh fruits and lunchmeat. Instead, go for dehydrated fruits, peanut butter and dehydrated camp meals. It’s also important to think about how you will cook your meals. Lightweight, isobutane-powered camp stoves are your best bet since fires often aren’t allowed above certain elevations or within protected areas. Get in Shape Although backpacking isn’t reserved for the ultra-fit, it’s still important to be in shape before your trip. Carrying a heavy backpack at high altitude is much more tolerable if you are physically active during the months leading up to your trip. This can mean anything from going for weekly hikes to starting a running routine, depending on the type of backpacking trip you have planned. Backpacking in Wyoming Now that you know a little more about how to prepare for a backpacking trip, it’s time to decide where to go! Wyoming’s 98,000 square miles offer endless backpacking opportunities. Some of the more well-known areas include Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Medicine Bow National Forest and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism/ © Jason Lindsey
By Lauren Seidl, Wyoming Office of Tourism Backpacking, or backcountry camping, is sometimes seen as an intimidating activity only meant for the extremely adventurous and in-shape. But the thing people don’t often talk about when it comes to this activity is how customizable it is. You can spend a few days backpacking in Grand Teton National Park or a few weeks exploring the Continental Divide Trail. You can plan to hike five miles each day, taking breaks to cast a line or read a book, or you can plan to hike 15 miles each day, covering a longer section of trail. Backpacking is only as challenging as you make it, so don’t be too quick to dismiss it as something you aren’t capable of doing. Anyone who enjoys camping and hiking can take on backpacking with a little know-how and preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a backpacking trip. Apply for Backcountry Permits Many areas – especially within national parks and along popular trails – require backcountry permits for overnight trips. The use of permits helps limit the amount of foot traffic within specific regions in an effort to protect the area’s natural surroundings. When it comes to obtaining permits, you either need to plan far in advance or take a chance at receiving a walk-in permit the day of your trip. It’s common to start applying for backcountry permits in January for trips that will be taken over the summer. Before applying for any backcountry permits, you should have a rough idea of the route you would like to take, the dates you would like to would like to travel and the number of people who will be in your group. Figure Out Travel Logistics Once you’ve decided on a general route, you can begin planning more specific logistics of your backpacking trip. You might need to look into trailhead parking and shuttles in addition to standard transportation, especially if you plan on ending at a different trailhead from where you started. If your backpacking trip will last longer than a week, you will need to research food drop-off locations so you can mail yourself a food resupply. Take a close look at your map and estimate the number of miles you plan to hike each day along with the general area in which you plan to camp each night. Your daily mileage should be based on your level of fitness, elevation changes day and other trails or points of interest you might want to explore. And as with any trip, it’s a good idea to share your group’s plans with friends and family as an added safety precaution. Gather Your Gear Start a packing list and make note of any gear you might need to purchase or upgrade. If you are already an avid camper, you might be able to use most of the gear you already have, swapping out any heavy items for lighter-weight alternatives. When it comes to weight, you should consider the big three: backpack, shelter, sleeping bag. These will be the heaviest (and most im-
Yellowstone backcountry permits: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm Grand Teton National Park backcountry permits: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm Continental Divide Trail information: http://continentaldividetrail.org/explore-by-state/wyoming/ n
September 2021
n
Interchange 17
Game and Fish
Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish
Wastewater testing indicates no evidence of zebra mussels in municipal systems
WGF tested water samples from several Wyoming cities By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish No DNA evidence of invasive zebra mussels was found in recent municipal wastewater testing throughout Wyoming. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department tested water samples from Cheyenne, Laramie, Casper, Sheridan, Gillette and Rock Springs for a three-month period from the first week in March through June, following the discovery of zebra mussels in moss balls, a popular aquarium plant. “These initial test results are promising,” said Brian Nesvik, director of Game and Fish. “We’re glad to get negative results but we know zebra mussels are hearty and their life cycle is long. Continued monitoring remains important before we confidently know that zebra mussels have not spread in Wyoming.” Game and Fish collaborated with the Wyoming Department of Health to test water samples that were already collected for COVID-19 testing. The samples were tested at the Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Lab in Laramie. The Game and Fish lab will continue to test water samples collected by the Department of Health for the foreseeable future. Game and Fish has also begun testing natural waters throughout the state. This testing occurs annually to look for zebra and quagga mussels, along with other aquatic invasive species. The monitoring effort will continue through October, and has been expanded to additional waters. Since March, Game and Fish and the Wyoming Department
of Agriculture, with the support of other state agencies, have been responding to the discovery of zebra mussels on moss balls. The organizations are part of an emergency response team conveyed by Wyoming Gov. Gordon to protect Wyoming’s natural resources and infrastructure. “Wyoming was one of the most proactive responders when zebra mussels were identified on moss balls, and it was an issue that impacted 48 states,” Nesvik said. “We led robust communication efforts, were the first state to issue a quarantine order for moss balls and put this monitoring into action. We’re grateful for the collaboration from all agencies who have helped respond quickly and who are invested in keeping zebra mussels out of Wyoming.” Moss balls remain under a quarantine order, and people with moss balls and aquariums are still encouraged to avoid pouring water down their drains or flushing plants. Instead, aquarists should boil their aquarium water for 10 minutes before pouring outside away from natural water. “Never pour your aquarium water into a pond, river or lake or let any pets loose into the wild,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS coordinator. “It can have devastating impacts to Wyoming’s water.” For more information on aquatic invasive species and the efforts to keep AIS out of Wyoming visit the Game and Fish website. n
G&F seeks information on mule deer poaching south of Afton Jackson - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking any information regarding a mule deer buck that was illegally shot along Highway 89 between the towns of Afton and Cokeville, Wyoming, between 11:00-11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17. Cokeville Game Warden Cody Schoonover received multiple reports of an injured buck mule deer, possibly hit by a motor vehicle, laying at the Packstring Creek trailhead approximately 23 miles south of Afton. Warden Schoonover arrived to the scene at 11:45 a.m. and found the deer had been illegally killed and the head removed. Anyone with possible information regarding this poaching in-
18 Interchange
n
September 2021
cident, or who was in the area and may have noted suspicious vehicles or activities, is encouraged to call Cokeville Game Warden Cody Schoonover at 307-279-3466, the stop poaching hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847) or the Green River Game and Fish office at 1-800-843-8096. Any information leading to the arrest and conviction may result in a reward of up to $5,000.00. n
CWD management options discussed with public The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invited hunters, landowners and other interested persons to attend one of two public meetings to discuss chronic wasting disease (CWD) and potential management options for several hunt areas in the eastern portion of the Big Horn Basin. The discussion focused on deer hunt areas 164, 41 and 47, but deer hunt areas 35, 37, 39 and 40 were also discussed. CWD was first detected 17 years ago in the area and has spread across most of the Big Horn Basin. High prevalence rates are now being documented in some deer hunt areas, particularly those along the Bighorn, Greybull and Shoshone Rivers. “Local Game and Fish managers are interested in beginning conversations about potential management options to hopefully slow the spread and reduce the prevalence of the disease,” said Bart Kroger, Worland area wildlife biologist. “We encourage anyone who is concerned about CWD to attend a meeting.”
During the meetings, wildlife managers provided an overview of CWD, discuss implementation of the statewide CWD management plan and provided information on the prevalence of the disease in local deer herds and how it may be impacting local deer populations. “The goal from these meetings is to gauge the public’s interest and concern for CWD locally,” Kroger said. “This is the beginning of a long-term management process that we hope will garner local interest and help guide future management decisions.” During a recent process related to the development of a statewide CWD plan, hunters voiced that doing nothing about CWD is unacceptable. Any management actions taken will be done with public buy-in and participation, so assistance from hunters, landowners and the general public is critically important. Meetings were held in Greybull on Aug. 23 and Worland on Aug. 24. n
Check online for fire restrictions on Game and Fish lands By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish Fire danger remains high throughout Wyoming due to hot, dry temperatures. To help protect wildlife habitat and other public lands, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has implemented fire restrictions on many department-managed properties where people camp and recreate. In an effort to keep the public informed, Game and Fish recently launched two new interactive ways to check for fire restrictions on the department website. Anyone planning a trip to a wildlife habitat management area (WHMA) or public access area (PAA) can check a comprehensive listing of fire restrictions on the new Game and Fish fire ban web page. Restrictions are updated automatically, as soon as they are set in place. Restrictions are also displayed on individual WHMA and PAA web pages. Adhering to fire restrictions is one of the ways the public can help prevent forest fires, which in dry years, can be catastrophic. Game and Fish Ray Bredehoft, chief of the Wyoming Game and Fish Habitat and Access Branch said the mid-summer hot and dry climate only increases the possibilities of fires caused by campfires not only at WHMAs and PAAs but on all lands open to the public in the state. “An action as simple as leaving a campfire’s warm ashes or littering a still-smoldering cigarette can cause a fire on the landscape. In July and August, they can grow quickly,” said Bredehoft. “Remaining cautious with anything that has an open flame or can burn, including stoves, matches and lighters to name a few, is
Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish
Fire danger remains high throughout Wyoming due to hot, dry temperatures. Fire restrictions have been put in place on many properties where people camp and recreate.
extremely important for Wyoming’s habitat and wildlife.” Campfires, stoves and other incendiary camping supplies are permitted on WHMAs as long as there are no restrictions or a fire ban in place. Campers must ensure the place they choose to have a fire does not threaten, cause damage to, or burn any property on the WHMA, and must always remain under control. “If allowed, campfires need to be attended at all times and completely extinguished,” said Bredehoft. “This includes smoking materials like cigarettes.” Littering and fireworks are not permitted on WHMAs. Campers and day users should review all regulations for WHMAs and PAAs on the Game and Fish website before setting up camp. To ensure a campfire is completely extinguished, campers need to have plenty of water on hand. To make sure a fire is out: • Allow wood to burn completely to ash. • Pour lots of water on the fire to drown all embers. • Pour water until the hissing sound stops. • Scrape sticks and logs to remove any embers. • Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel until everything is wet and cold to the touch. n
September 2021
n
Interchange 19
District News Headquarters
Welcome
Service Awards
Celia Baca, Facilities Management-Custodial; Michael Boykin, Facilities Management-Custodial; Kendall Cotter, Patrol-Support Services; Stacey Cox, Procurement Services-Administration; Barbara Gilliland, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25; Susan McCollum, Patrol-Support Services; Jennyssa Moore, Patrol-Support Services.
Shannon Ratliff, Patrol-Operations – 30 years; Sunday Cathcart, Patrol-Dispatch – 20 years; Daniel Kline, Planning-System Planning – 20 years; Joseph Barnes, Facilities Management-Grounds – 15 years; Joshua Hardee, Professional Standards Manager – 15 years; Wayne Hassinger, Fuel Tax-Management – 15 years;
Ratliff
Hassinger
Barnes
David
District 1
Welcome Brendan Baker, Laramie Maintenance; Reily Engdahl, Laramie Maintenance; Cody Gonzalez, Rawlins Construction; Randy Kieborz, Laramie Maintenance; Ernest Montoya, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Todd Shoup, Baggs Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Alan Moore, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad – 10 years; Craig Mustard, Elk Mountain Maintenance – 10 years; and Adam Powell, Cheyenne Patrol – 5 years. n Moore
Karl Germain, Patrol-Operations; and Shawn Varland, Cheyenne Mechanics. Germain
Service Awards Eric Anderson, Laramie Maintenance – 20 years; Kevin Treat, Saratoga Maintenance – 15 years;
20 Interchange
n
Mustard
Powell
George Jones, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 15 years; and Stephen David, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey – 5 years.
Retirements Christy Stone retired July 2 from Planning-Programming with more than 40 years of service to the state. Stone, a Cheyenne native, began her career with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in May 1978 in Federal Aid. She remained in that Stone position for 23 years. Later, she moved to Disbursements before moving to the Planning Program. After moving to Planning, she became the STIP Program coordinator. n
Camping? Stay-cation? Hunt lately? Get those photos in!
Outdoors photos deadline:
Sept. 15
Anderson
September 2021
carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
District 2
Welcome
Service Awards
Andrew Mathison, Casper Mechanics.
Promotions and Transfers Edward Reish III, District 2 Construction Staff.
Robert Musfelt, Lusk Maintenance – 20 years; Steven Hopkins, Chugwater Maintenance – 5 years; and Danny Robinett, Wheatland Patrol – 5 years.
Gary Mellor retired July 3 from District 2 Construction Staff with 38 years of service to the state. Mellor began his career with the Department in July 1983. n
Reish
Hopkins
Jeri Kennedy retired July 3 from District 2 Administration with 24 years of service to the state. Kennedy began her career with WYDOT in September 1996.
Photo: Jeff Goetz
Retirements
Gary Mellor and Jeri Kennedy both retired from the Casper office in July. The office held a party for them June 24.
District 3
Welcome Marshall Thompson, Kemmerer Construction.
Promotions and Transfers
Shaneal Miller, District 3 Maintenance Staff – 10 years; and Michael Merritt, Jackson Patrol – 5 years.
Dannette Edelmayer, Driver ServiceJackson/Afton; Jay Nelson, Cokeville Maintenance; and Jason Smelser, Granger Maintenance.
Smelser
Service Awards John Wynn, Evanston Mechanics – 20 years; Ty Jereb, Rock Springs Traffic-Striping – 10 years; Wynn
Retirements David Chapman retired July 3 from District 3 Shop as District 3 Equipment Manager. Chapman retires with 32 years of service to the WYDOT. He began his career with the old Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in April 1989 as a mechanic in Rock Springs. Chapman is a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran. He was a member of Chapman the SeaBees Battalion and was honorably discharged in February 1995. n
Miller
Letters Compliance and Investigation employee earns kudos Shannon (Ferree), Thank you so much for sorting this out. I really appreciate your going the extra mile in helping me out with this. You are living proof that government employees are here to help people. Roger Stewart
Editor’s note: A bit of background for this letter. Mr. Stewart was directed to the Compliance and Investigation Program and Shannon Ferree by the Teton County Clerk’s office. Stewart, with Teton County Clerk’s office, realized that the VIN on his title and registration did not match the VIN on the car. Ferree helped fix the error on the title and registration. n
September 2021
n
Interchange 21
District 4
D4 summer happenings
Christine Jewett, Port of Entry-Sundance; Wesley Oellerich, Buffalo Construction; and Derek Smellie, Newcastle Construction.
Resident engineer and construction techs have been enjoying a light construction season this summer after several summers of heavy workloads. But that is about to change, as there are four large projects kicking off in September. John Leahy’s Newcastle crew oversaw the statewide rumble strip project as well as wrapped up the WYO 59 project in Wright. Preston Beckstead and his Sundance crew watched over bridge repairs on I-90 in and around the Moorcroft and Sundance areas. Josh Jundt’s crew in Gillette were busy with finalizing the Garner Lake and Lakeway projects from last summer. Buffalo’s new resident engineer, Jake Whisonant, and crew completed the chip seal on US 16 west between Hazelton Road and Deer Lodge in June. Mick Brinkerhoff and team buttoned up the I-90 mill and overlay with wearing course east of Sheridan. September will be a busy month for the Sheridan office, as they have two project starting after the Labor Day weekend. Simon Contractors will begin a reconstruction of a portion of I-90 at the Acme Interchange west of Sheridan and will return in May 2022 to mill and overlay both east and westbound lanes west of the Dietz Port of Entry. A joint venture of Reiman and High Country Construction will begin work on replacing the railroad bridge upon entering Ranchester on US 14. As with most bridge projects, this work can be done during the winter months. The Buffalo crew will begin overseeing Croell Inc. with the mill and overlay with bridge repairs on US 14/16 between Ucross and Clearmont. Project completion is expected by the end of October. Gillette began work on extending six passing lanes on WYO 59 south between mileposts 101 and 77. WYO 59 carries a large volume of traffic due to the strong presence of oil, gas and mining operations in the area in addition to commuter traffic. Extending the existing passing lanes should decrease congestion during peak commuting times and provide added safety measures. Surveying and slope staking, kick off meetings and pre-cons fill the days throughout the district. The summer of
Jewett
Oellerich
Smellie
Reimers
Promotions and Transfers Andrew Reimers, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail.
Service Awards Thomas Hulick, Buffalo Construction – 10 years; Harley Kalb, Gillette Patrol – 5 years; and Heather Steele, Driver Services-Gillette – 5 years.
Hulick
Kalb
Steele
22 Interchange
n
September 2021
2022 will be a busy one. Not to be eclipsed by construction activities, maintenance crews were busy with paving operations throughout the district. More than 30,000 tons of asphalt were placed on approximately 28 lane miles of highway. Director Luke Reiner stopped by and spent some time with the crew. He even spent some time behind the wheel of the paver. When not paving, the District 4 team of maintenance techs, heavies and foreman have been working diligently on mowing operations, fencing and other daily tasks. Deer have been thick around the Sheridan area this summer – a huge shout out to the guys who take one for the team being out and cleaning up roadkill. Guardrail has been operating with a skeleton crew due to promotions within D4 but are still able to replace and repair guardrail throughout. Traffic has been able to manage the shortfall in paint supplies and have been out and about refreshing highway markings and painting new markings on the US 16 and I-90 mill and overlay projects. Let’s not forget the mechanics in our district – they have stayed on top of things by keeping everything up and running. A big thank you to the Sheridan Shop (Brian and Trevor) for modifying the rotary shoot to accommodate the bubble machine for the Sheridan WYO Rodeo parade. n
Photo: WYDOT
Welcome
Director Luke Reiner (left) spent some time with the District 4 paving crew – even spent time behind the wheel of the paver.
Awards Award luncheons return The in-person awards have resumed for recipients with 20 years or more of
District 5
Welcome
service. Recipients please look forward to your invitation for your upcoming award luncheons in Cheyenne. n
Samuel Carpenter, Lander Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Service Award Recipients
Jason Fleming, District 5 Maintenance Staff; Kevin Maynard, South Pass Maintenance.
Fleming
Maynard
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Oops!
Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at the August luncheon: (Bottom row from left) René Brindle, 25 years; Ron Kaiser, 35 years; Marilee Manalo, 30 years; and Bob Stauffacher, 40 years. (Standing from left) Chris Romo, 25 years; Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff, 30 years; Chase Hood, 25 years; and Mark McCracken, 25 years.
Jason Price was listed in the August issue as having 10 years of service. There was a clerical error and his years of service should have read 15 years. We apologize for the error. n
September 2021
n
Interchange 23
Passings Mary F. Garey Mary F. Garey, 78, of Cheyenne, died on Aug. 24 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. She was born on Dec. 30, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mary worked in the accounting departments for the state of Wyoming and the Wyoming Game and Fish, before retiring Garey from the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. She retired from the Financial Services Program in January 1981. Private family services were held.
Jon D. Hendrickson Jon David Hendrickson, 76, of Cheyenne passed away unexpectedly July 23. Hendrickson was born July 11, 1945, in International Falls, Minnesota, son of Oliver and Dorothy (Loney) Hendrickson. He was a very hard worker as a roofer for many years before Hendrickson moving to Cheyenne. He continued roofing while working at Wyoming Sheet Metal. In December 1984, he began his service to the state at the Wyoming Highway Department as buildings and grounds maintenance crew in the Facilities Management Program. He was very proud of the certifications and accomplishments he received in welding, plumbing and wastewater management during his tenure. Hendrickson retired in May 2007. He was quite the jokester and master storyteller, keeping family and friends entertained and laughing. His numerous interests and talents included hunting, fishing, spending time in his garage tinkering with his cars, welding, tearing apart and rebuilding anything he could get his hands on. He enjoyed cruising around town in his classic cars, and always looked forward to spending time at the cabin in the mountains and
24 Interchange
n
September 2021
building nice warm fires and watching westerns. Hendrickson will be remembered for his zest for life, his ability to fix pretty much anything, his love for his life partner, Marcia, family and his beloved cat, Millie. Cremation has taken place and no services were held, per his wishes.
Steven Skiba Steven “Steve” Skiba, 62, passed away Aug. 13 at his home in Chugwater after his battle with cancer. Skiba was born on June 1, 1959 the son of Joseph Bernard and Frances Ruth (Stewart) Skiba in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a Highway Maintenance Technician based in ChugwaSkiba ter. He started with WYDOT on July 5, 2016 and retired April 1. A celebration of his life was held Aug. 19, at the Chugwater Valley Church, in Chugwater. The funeral service was held on Aug. 21 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Memorial donations to the Chugwater Fire Department or to Cheyenne Village Inc., are welcome.
Gerald R. Thuente Gerald (Jerry) Roderick Thuente Jr., 57, resident of Laramie, died on July 26, at home, following a very short bout with COVID-19. Thuente, son of Gerald Thuente and Ruth Spear Thuente, was born on Nov. 21, 1963 in Algona, Iowa where he joined three sisters to complete the family. He attended Thuente Algona High School and graduated in 1982. He was active in football and wrestling, making the all-conference football squad playing both offense and defense. After high school, Thuente attended Iowa Lakes
Community College where he played on the defense for the Lakers. His time spent playing football and wrestling would go on to be some of his favorite memories that he often reminisced about with his children. He later attended the University of Wyoming. He was married to Betsy Nauman Cook on July 1, 2002. Together, they had a daughter, Elsa Ann. Thuente also became a father to a stepdaughter, Kaleigh Nauman, and to two stepsons, Thaxton Cook and Rhett Cook. All of whom he loved dearly and took in as his own. Outdoors was the favorite setting for Thuente’s careers. In Algona, he was well known at the Algona swimming pool as a swim instructor, swim team coach, lifeguard and pool manager. In Wyoming, he worked a variety of jobs at Snowy Range Ski Area, ultimately becoming general manager. During his tenure, he was the recipient of several National Ski Patrol Merit Star Awards. His final career was with the Wyoming Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator. He was with the Department for 10 years. He served in various positions including painting crew, maintenance crew and operated a snow plow on I-80. He enjoyed cooking on his smoker and his family and friends relished his delicious creations. He also enjoyed traveling to watch his daughter compete in swim meets and volleyball games. He was looking forward to seeing his daughter start her new life as a college student. Memorials can be made to Elsa’s college fund. Condolences can be sent to elsathuente@gmail.com. A celebration of life barbecue was held on Aug. 14 at Washington Park, in Laramie. A private family service to scatter cremains will occur at a later date. n
WTDEA Calling all retirees!
Interchange staff would like to hear from you! We are currently seeking stories about how the department operated during your tenure. Help us tell our story to future generations of WYDOTers. Please send any written feature or photos to carlie.vanwinkle@ wyo.gov for review for inclusion in future publications.
WTDEA District 3 chapter award scholarship to a hardworking undergrad The District 3 chapter of WTDEA awarded one scholarship to a very qualified applicant. Only one scholarship was awarded in District 3 in the amount of $500. Payton Miller – Miller is continuing her studies in mass Miller communication and psychology at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. Miller attained a 3.7 GPA last school year,
earning her a place on the school’s dean’s list. She is a member of the Morningside swim team, theater group, CEO group and Morningside maintenance crew. Miller’s mom is Shaneal Miller in Rock Springs. The awards help offset the college tuition costs of full-time undergraduate studies. Please remember if you have been a member for the last two consecutive years, your college-aged children qualify to apply for scholarship assistance. n
Dino Gallegos, of Traffic, also owns this slick 1954 Chevy 210, 6-cylinder, with a standard 4-speed on the floor. The paint is satin black with custom pin-striping.
Retired WHP Lieutenant Mike Tortorici with his Mazda MX5. It has 186 Hp and a 6-speed manual transmission that gets 40 mpg on the road. The coupe has a retractable hard top.
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Photo courtesy of Mike Tortorici
Traffic Division’s Dino Gallegos owns this 1954 Horizon Blue Chevy 210, 6-cylinder, with 3-speed on the column.
Photo courtesy of Dino Gallegos
Photo courtesy of Dino Gallegos
Rides
Public Affairs Photographer Rick Carpenter has started another project in his garage. The latest is a 1966 Mercury Cyclone. Stay tuned for the finished product.
September 2021
n
Interchange 25
DIGITAL WALLET
LETS YOU DO YOU! Checkout? You’re already Checkout? You’re already out with the door out the door the with the Speed Payments. of Digital Payments. speed of Digital Just add your WyHy Credit and Debit Cards to your smartphone or wearable device — it's fast, safe, and convenient!
Get the Banking Tools That Are Just Your Style. Join Today. WyHy.org/YouDoYou
©2021 WyHy Federal Credit Union
26 Interchange
n
September 2021
Break Time See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: 1. Airports
13. Materials
2. Asphalt
14. Mile post
3. Bridge
15. Pine Bluffs
4. Chip seal
16. Pinedale
5. Dayton
17. Planning
6. Epoxy overlay
18. Rest areas
7. Fall
19. Riverton
8. Geology
20. Schoolbus
9. Highway development
21. September 22. Striping crew
10. Highways
23. Thayne
11. Laramie
24. Transportation
12. Management services
25. WYOLink
Answer to the August 2021 Break Time maze:
R B P L P G T S Y Q M V A C A T I O N F U N I C E C R E A M S U N D A E S
V E L W E A R A E A U P S C H O O L B U S N O C O N E G P B F K E S P H X
A W D U G G T A T B R A L Q L S J T A I M E R M C P D O I A R O U H T O E
D Q B C E A A E N E Y E L O U U K G I O A A E R O B E W N S S O O I T R N
B I U E H G R L R D T E M M W O C Y T N M D I X L E P Y K P W G N T S G E
S R S A E I E D L A H O L I R T H I G H W A Y S S Q E O R H L J O C B Z N
F N I E A T P N E Y A A N L S E R G H E Q O T J K U C M G A R A U L O A V
T I O L N U L S T N B L P E O T D U R E V U X Z P S H I O L M U N E S S L
I H S W L C G E E R I L M P D W O I C E I H A K T A E N P T H S L N I N M
M J C H M I H U S A I N A O Y A U N R K S P A R U O M G O R O G B E I A P
E K Z X K P A A S R L F G S S Q Y L E N S T I R T Y O T K I F R A P N N W
D L A R A M I E N T U S I T T T A S O F H P A C M S D R E G W N Y A S W G
S H A R K S Q N T T J L U C Z Y K I G L I C R R L O E Y S H A Z G C I H C
I S E P T E M B E R E X E I A X E H R N F Y M I E A N F X T Y E I K N A H
L D F G M R I K L D Q D S N S T F J G P T E D S V A R I I R M S T E G T E
A P E E L O C I Y U A Z R O O Z I C O B O K A I D E S I C E R U S R A I E
R I F N B C E A A Q P L E D X R R O H O C R Y G P E R O N S E P G S F S S
A N R O T K D C O F F E E S L E T F N Y I M T N A X C T X E Y I E N U T I
K E P I O I E S K O N C K J W N U H S A Y S O S C W S K O J T J O S W H E
I B A U G F H I G H W A Y D E V E L O P M E N T K E R S E N G E L Y O E S
N L P X Z H I W H E N I S I T F R I D A Y T O U R D O T O R A T O E R N T
G U E B R I D G E S L O A K T S D E N G I N E V Y N L O N R L L G H A G F
L F R Z Q U Z D H Y O L O H Y O A M A N I P I N O E L N T U I A Y A U W I
E F W O R K C L E T E R A M S U K F A L L C N E R S I E O N S C B P O H S
A S C R O S S I N G S Y S O Y T O M I N E S E W K D N S K E U E Y P Y E H
V T R A I N O K H W N X U S X H T O T S D A L L A S A D U O G I R R A B X
E S F O U R S E V E R Q Z S C R A G O I N G T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Z
Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:
1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list
Retiree Employee
Change my address
Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.
Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.
Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip
September 2021
n
Interchange 27
Interchange
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24
Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested
Training @ a Glance Coming in September: Date Class
Hours
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the new WELL.
Provider
9/13 Know WY Google and WELL Basics, Know WY Event 2 Webinar 8:00am - 12:00pm WYDOT 9/15 WY Supervise New Supervisors Training; COHORT 3 (Day 1 & 2 of 5)* 8:30am-4:30pm WYDOT ADDITIONAL SCHEDULE: 9/30 (AM): Day 3 Virtual Check-in (2 hrs) WYDOT 10/20 (PM): Day 4 Virtual Workshop (4 hrs) WYDOT 10/21 (AM): Day 5 Virtual Workshop (4 hrs) WYDOT * 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
Coming in October: Date Class
Hours
Provider
Location
VILT VILT VILT VILT VILT
Location
10/5 Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity 8:30am-4:30pm WYDOT Cheyenne 10/11 Google and WELL Basics 8:00am-12:00pm WYDOT VILT 10/19 Know WY New Employee Onboarding Workshop* 8:30am-12:00pm WYDOT VILT * 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
