WYDOT finishes projects on I-80, US 191
by Wyoming Department of Transportation
November 2, 2011
Residents and travelers have noticed the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s new Variable Speed Limit signs that have been placed across the I-80 corridor through Sweetwater County. The signs are situated at 12 new locations between milepost 88 to milepost 110 to warn drivers of varying speed limits. The new VSL signs are a part of WYDOT’s winter safety initiatives and have been placed to slow traffic speeds in hazardous weather conditions. The locations span from Airport Road east of Rock Springs to the Covered Wagon exit just west of Green River. The last location, near the Elk Street interchange, will become operational this week.
"The Variable Speed Limit signs will reduce accidents and the subsequent road closures, by alerting traffic of the safe roadway speed for the conditions," Resident Engineer for District 3 Clint Lockman said.
In December, bidding will begin for a WYDOT project to add two more VSL locations at milepost 94 and the eastbound onramp into Green River. In addition, communication upgrades and speed sensors will be added to the new and existing VSLs.
"Speed sensors as well as input from Highway Patrol and plow operators will allow adjustment of speed limit to the road conditions and average traffic speeds. This has already been proven on the section of I-80 between Rawlins and Laramie," Lockman added.
In addition to the VSL signs, residents and travelers will also notice additional improvements on 191 North including road widening, safer slopes on the shoulder and an added turning lane in Farson and Eden. These improvements come in addition to the added passing lanes that were completed last year.
"The additional travel lanes and turn lanes on section of 191 between Eden and Farson allow safe passing and turning movements," Lockman said.
"Also, the widening of the dirt shoulders add more recovery for vehicles that leave the road," he added.
WYDOT is now turning their attention from construction projects to road maintenance as winter conditions begin to take form in southwest Wyoming. For more information about weather and road conditions, visit http://www.wyoroad.info.
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