WYO 50 from W. Lakeway Road south to Southern Drive to be widened to five lanes

WYDOT and Simon Contractors will begin work on widening WYO 50 from W. Lakeway Road south to Southern Drive beginning April 1. 

This project is located along Wyoming State Highway 50 beginning at the south leg of the intersection with W. Lakeway Road, and extending south for approximately 2.06 miles through the intersection with Southern Drive ending at RM 5.08.

The purpose of this project is to upgrade the highway to current standards, improve safety and increase the capacity of this section of highway. WYO 50 has seen an increase in traffic resulting in congestion, higher frequency of crashes at intersections, and an increase in large and oversize loads supporting the energy industry, thus warranting the need for the upgrade. 

The existing route is primarily a two-lane roadway with dedicated turning lanes at major intersections including Hamilton St., Washington St, Hidden Valley Rd., Force Rd/4J Rd., and Southern Drive.  This project will widen the existing rural two-lane roadway to a five-lane section with curb and gutter.  Travel lanes will be 12’ wide with a continuous 11’ center left turn lane.  

“This is an urban project within city limits but the roadway is part of the Wyoming Department of Transportations system.” said Josh Jundt, resident engineer for WYDOT in Gillette. “WYDOT will be working closely with the City of Gillette but WYDOT will be administering the project.  Any questions or concerns should be directed to either myself or Mike Bush who will be project lead on this job,” he adds. 

In order to complete the project on time, and decrease the impact to the traveling public, a portion of Hwy 50 from W. Lakeway Road  to Force/4J Road will be closed from May 28 through Aug. 17. The detour route will be west on Lakeway Road  to Oakcrest Drive, south to 4J Road  and then back onto Hwy 50. No detour will be allowed while school is in session.  The detour is not on an established truck route and through truck traffic will need to utilize Interstate 90, Highway 59 and Southern Drive.
Residents of Spring Hill Road and Patriot Estates will have access at all times as will all businesses located along Hwy 50.  

In addition, a 10 foot multi-use path will be installed on the east side of the road to provide continuity with the pathway located north of the project and also provide a connection to the City of Gillette pathway system within the project limits. A 5 foot sidewalk will be installed on the west side of the project.

A temporary signal presently exists at the Lakeway Road intersection and at the 4J Road/Force Road intersection.  Both temporary signals will be replaced with permanent signals as part of this project.

For information about this news release, contact WYDOT District 4 public information specialist Laura Dalles at (307) 752-3022.