Striping crews preparing to paint highways; drivers asked to slow down

Wyoming Department of Transportation striping crews are preparing to begin striping highways in central and northwest Wyoming next week, and crews are asking for help from drivers.

"We really need people to give us a brake. Spring striping is center line striping, which is a 15 mph process," said WYDOT rural striping foreman Dan Hahn of Lander. "Please slow down."

WYDOT's urban striping crew starts its spring striping in early April, and WYDOT's rural crew launches its spring/summer striping season about April 1. All work is dependent upon favorable weather.

"We are focusing our efforts on highways south of Wind River Canyon right now, especially with the wet weather we've been receiving," Hahn said.

WYDOT's urban striping crew will start its work north of Wind River Canyon about April 8, according to WYDOT urban striping foreman Joseph Keele of Basin.

Hahn offers tips for drivers and citizens who encounter WYDOT striping crews:

• Decrease speed (the law requires it);
• Pay attention to digital message boards near the striping operation;
• Do not pass in and out of striping equipment. If possible and if it's safe and legal, pass all vehicles at once;
• Don't forget about Wyoming's Move Over Law; drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit on two-lane highways (or move over at reduced speeds on multi-lane highways) when approaching WYDOT vehicles/workers with flashing yellow lights.

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