Press release from WYDOT
The early morning commute to Riverton from the west is being slowed by the resurfacing project between Eight Mile Road and Pilot Butte on Highway 26 (U.S. 26).
A $5.85-million pavement improvement project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday on U.S. 26 between Riverton and Pilot Butte Reservoir west of Riverton.
The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, milling, chip sealing, drainage, and other work on 12.1 miles of U.S. 26 between mileposts 125.11 (Eight Mile Road) and 112.98 (just east of Pilot Butte Reservoir). One inch of asphalt will be removed and a two-inch resurface will be put down during this project.
The prime contractor on the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. “The contractor’s schedule calls for asphalt milling, dirt grading, and delineator post removal beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Motorists should expect 20-minute traffic delays with stopped conditions and a milled driving surface beginning Tuesday.”
Due to the contractor’s October start, the contractor will be limited to two miles of milled highway at any one time. If winter sets in, and with shorter days, the project may be shut down for the winter. “To pave, the contractor must wait until the temperature meets WYDOT temperature specifications, 40 degrees and rising, so working days will be shorter than typical paving projects that occur during the summer,” Scheidemantel said. “The contractor’s work schedule calls for paving six days a week, including Saturdays, through late November.”
The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co. in March. The contract completion date is scheduled for Oct. 31, but the weather is going to play a big role in the project.
Project questions may be directed to WYDOT Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel, P.E., at 307-856-1341, or by email at robert.scheidemantel@wyo.gov.