Spring ushers in construction season for WYDOT

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will continue work on several multiyear projects and will start new road resurfacing, bridge repair and other projects this construction season.

The crews have started construction activities in almost every part of the state, as WYDOT continues to modernize the state highway system.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission is expected to award about $237 million in contracts by September. Construction crews will work on more that 110 WYDOT projects.

“During this construction season, WYDOT will continue to work on several major projects the commission awarded last year and will start several new projects that will be awarded this year,” said Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT chief engineer. “These projects will help us meet our mission of providing a safe, high quality and efficient transportation system.”

When motorists travel the state, they will likely encounter construction zones, which means they need to plan ahead and drive cautiously.

“It’s important for motorists to slow down, follow at a safe distance and pay attention when in construction zones,” Fredrick said. “We want to ensure safe construction zones for motorists as well as our construction and highway workers. It’s important for motorists to plan ahead and follow the posted signs and flagger direction in construction zones.”

Interstate projects

Crews will start the final phase of the $46.4 million North Sheridan Interchange project, which includes finishing the rehabilitation of the eastbound lane of Interstate 90. Crews will also realign and work on several streets in Sheridan.

The commission awarded the contract in July 2016 with an expected completion date of October 2019. However, WYDOT anticipates completing the work a year early.

In the southeastern part of the state, crews will work on several interstate resurfacing projects. On I-80 between Rawlins and Walcott Junction, WYDOT will work on a $8.7 million 6-mile pavement resurfacing that includes bridge deck work. Crews will also resurface and make minor bridge repairs to 13 miles of the eastbound lane on I-80 between Rawlins and Creston Junction.

Between Cheyenne and Laramie on I-80, crews will work on a $9 million resurfacing project.

Crews will also complete several road resurfacing projects on I-25. Near Glendo, crews will work on a 3-mile, $11 million widening and resurfacing project.

Crews have begun work on a $6.8 million project near Bar Nunn that includes installing a new interchange that will provide a second access to the town, and making minor modifications to Westwinds Road and Old Salt Creek Highway.

Near Douglas, crews will work on a $9.7 million project to raise the southbound bridge on I-25 about 6 feet to provide additional clearance for traffic using the La Prele Interchange. 

WYDOT will also complete work in the southwestern part of the state. On I-80, crews will resurface 6 miles of the eastbound lane between Granger Junction and Green River for $7.5 million, and 10 miles in both lanes between Lyman and Granger Junction for $14.7 million

Non-interstate projects

WYDOT will continue work on the $23.5 million Harney Street viaduct and road project in Laramie. The work includes replacing the 53-year-old Clark Street viaduct, connecting traffic from Snowy Range Road (WYO 230) to downtown Laramie and widening the Laramie River Bridge to four lanes. 

On WYO 220 in Casper, crews will complete a $5 million bridge project that includes replacing the deck and increasing the bridge’s width to accommodate pedestrians.

South of Jackson, crews will continue work on a $33 million road reconstruction project on US 89. The project will resolve existing roadway deficiencies while safely and efficiently accommodating increased traffic volumes.

Work includes widening the road to five lanes consisting of two lanes for traffic in both directions and a center turn lane, replacing the existing bridges over the Snake River and Flat Creek, installing a wildlife underpass, installing turnouts, adding a pedestrian/bike pathway, constructing wildlife fencing and various other improvement.

WYDOT anticipates awarding a contract having similar work on the south section extending toward Hoback Junction in 2019.

Crews will work on a $3.3 million asphalt roadway rehabilitation project that includes two locations - US 16 near Buffalo and WYO 136 near Riverton. Crews will use equipment that will grind the existing material and mix it with another material which will bond it together. Then, crews will recompact the material to provide a new roadway surface.

In Riverton, crews will reconstruct 2 miles of North Federal Boulevard (WYO 789).

Besides reconstruction, the $13.9 million project includes sidewalk upgrades, utility work, storm sewer work and new traffic signal installation.