Left-turn lane/mailbow turnout project resumes north of Thermopolis

Construction of a left-turn lane and mailbox turnouts is scheduled to resume this week north of Thermopolis on US 20/WYO 789.

When complete, the project is expected to improve highway safety through the busy rural area in Hot Springs County.

Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis said the contractor's work schedule calls for dirt and pipe work this spring, followed by mid-June paving and chip sealing near the end of June.

Prime contractor on the $973,000 project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.  The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co., in July 2018.

The project involves 0.61 miles of US 20/WYO 789 about five miles north of Thermopolis. Project work includes grading, draining, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt pavement surfacing, placement of 400 feet of asphalt pavement curb for drainage, fencing and other work between mileposts 137.14 and 137.67.

Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019.

"Drivers should expect minimal traffic delays and reduced speed limits during project working hours," Tharp said. "Please slow down and watch out for project workers as this project is being built through a long curve in the highway."

For information about WYDOT's work, contact WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.