Rockfall work scheduled on two highways near Cody

A $2.2 million project to mitigate effects of falling rock involving two Wyoming highways is scheduled to begin in July on WYO 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway) northwest of Cody and September on US 14-16-20 west of Cody.

Prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley.

Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes, with traffic being controlled by flaggers and pilot vehicles at both work sites.

Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody said the focus of Chief Joseph Scenic Highway improvements is in Paint Creek Canyon near the Northwest College Field Camp.

“Work includes removal of existing damaged rockfall mesh, scaling loose rocks from the slopes and installation of new rockfall mesh in the same location,” Frost said. “Work is scheduled to begin about July 10, dependent upon favorable weather, and is scheduled to be completed prior to Aug. 31.”

Frost said the contractor’s work west of the tunnels on US 14-16-20 is scheduled to start after Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4) and should be completed around Nov. 1, depending on favorable weather.

“The purpose of this project at both locations is to address safety issues from falling rock and potential hazardous conditions,” Frost said. “Some of this work is being done to address concerns received by WYDOT from citizens who use the highways.”

Wilson’s work includes grading, rockfall mitigation, milling asphalt, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt paving and other work on 1.31 miles of the two highways between Cody and Yellowstone National Park.

The highway improvements west of Cody are just west of the tunnels and adjacent to Buffalo Bill Reservoir on US 14-16-20. “The area is located immediately outside the west portal of the long tunnel and as you head west through the canyon area," Frost said.

Wilson’s scope of work west of Cody includes rock excavation for removal of overhanging rock, including blasting, scaling of loose rock, installation of rock bolts to stabilize slopes, and installation of rockfall mesh and a rockfall attenuator system at several locations.

Contract completion date is May 31, 2018.

WYDOT contact for this news release is WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers at (307) 431-1803.