ROCK SPRINGS — The Wyoming Department of Transportation recently began work on the bridge over the UPR tracks next to Rock Springs High School on the WYO 376 Belt Loop.

In an effort to maintain access and mobility, WYDOT and contract crews had set up two, narrow 9-foot lanes for two-way traffic over the bridge. However, this traffic control configuration created some issues for roadside workers and larger vehicles, such as busses and trucks.  

“Larger vehicles, like tractor trailers, busses and even some pickup trucks, were finding it difficult to drive through the project with the narrow lane width,” WYDOT Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Harsha said.  

The area restrictions needed to safely complete the construction work did not allow any expansion on the lane widths.  So, due to the protections of the roadside construction workers and the safety of the vehicles traveling through the project, the decision was made to close the bridge for the duration of the work.  

The closure will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12.  Variable message signs have been placed on popular routes near the work in order to notify motorists and commuters of the closures since Friday.  

WYDOT is asking that commuters to Rock Springs High School and the surrounding businesses plan accordingly for the closure and remember to detour around the bridge.

Work on the High School bridge was originally scheduled to taper off in June as crews geared up for work on the other two bridges on WYO 376 Belt Loop, but with the new closure, the work may be completed earlier.  Work on the two other bridges will not begin until traffic is moving on the Rock Springs High School bridge.

Work on the two bridges that connect Dewar Drive and Blair Ave. near Chopstix and AutoZone will follow the completion of the high school bridge.

Due to the nature of the work on these two bridges, both bridges will be completely closed to traffic during the course of work. WYDOT has set a 60 calendar day window for the closure.  

The contract was awarded to Reiman Corp. and Subsidary, out of Cheyenne, in September of 2015, for about $1.5 million. WYDOT has set a completion date for the project at the end of October this year.

WYDOT would like to remind all drivers to slow down in work zones, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic signs. For more information on road construction, closures and weather conditions, please visit their website.