Winter shutdown begins west of Cody on rock removal project

A $1.68 million rockfall mitigation project west of Cody has shut down for the winter.

The project involves removal of more than 10,000 cubic yards of rock above the highway, and includes removal of loose rock through scaling, and installation of rock bolts and rockfall barriers.

"The suspension of work is based on current weather conditions," according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody.

The project work is between mileposts 44.39 and 45.37, which begins about a mile west of the long tunnel on US 14-16-20 and ends at the long tunnel.

Prime contractor on the project is Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley.

Frost said the contractor has moved traffic off the detour at milepost 44.40, and striping and sign placement were completed on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

"Once this work is complete, traffic delays will end until March when project work resumes," Frost said. "The 30 mph speed limit at this location will remain in effect through the winter."

Contract completion date is May 31, 2018.

For information about this news release, contact WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.