20 minute read
By the Numbers
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.
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
One month ago 1,871
One year ago 1,932 WHP
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
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.
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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
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Briefs continued from page 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
A demolished section of the Walsh Bridge looking north.
Walsh Bridge detour in place.
District 3
Photo: Jeff Goetz
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 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.
Dry Piney Connectivity Project let, public meeting hosted
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.
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-contractors 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
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 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
Briefs continued from page 7 and provide added safety measures.
The expected completion date for this project is June 30, 2022.
District 5
Slide repair/rock scaling project underway in Wind River Canyon
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).
WYDOT Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp investigating slide areas inside Wind River Canyon.
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 inside the canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis.
Contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2022.
Lander Main Street undergoes concrete grinding, joint cleaning/ sealing underway
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.
Nighttime concrete grinding on Main Street during August in Lander. A second nighttime operation began Aug. 30, with concrete joint cleaning/sealing.
Photo: WYDOT
Paving underway on Riverton Main Street concrete repair project
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
Street/concrete cleaning this week on Main Street in Riverton.
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