Friday, April 10, 2026 |
Photo – Image from City of Rawlins website – Courtesy City of Rawlins
City staff in Rawlins say the Edinburgh Street project is on track to be finished this fall.
In 2019, Rawlins’ residents approved the use of Specific Purpose 6th Penny Tax funds to reconstruct Edinburgh Street between Dunphail and Murray. The project includes replacing the existing water main and sanitary sewer system, installing a new stormwater collection system, and reconstructing the road with new curb, gutter, sidewalks, and ADA‑accessible pedestrian friendly ramps.
Last fall, Rawlins officials submitted an RFP, or request for proposal, seeking contractors for the project. In November, the City Council voted to accept a $7.9 million bid from Lewis and Lewis Incorporated. The agreement gives the Rock Springs contractor 250 working days to remove and replace 10,500 square yards of asphalt and install 3,000 feet of new water lines and 2,900 feet of storm sewer pipe. The contract allows Lewis and Lewis to shut down for the winter if necessary and includes a provision granting the contractor five additional days beyond the expected completion date for every five hours lost to adverse weather.
Work on the Edinburgh Street Project officially began on Monday, November 24th.
During the April 7th Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Derek Elliott asked for an update on the project. Public Works Director Cody Dill said Lewis and Lewis are on track to finish in October.
Councilman Elliot asked if the city would provide the asphalt needed to repave Edinburgh Street. Dill replied that the city’s plant cannot supply enough asphalt for the project.
Next, Councilman Elliot asked when the crumbling 6th Street bridge would be addressed. Due to its deteriorating condition, the Wyoming Department of Transportation determined that the bridge qualifies for repairs or replacement under the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Public Works Director Dill said WYDOT intends to begin work within a year.
Councilman Elliot recommended painting murals on the bridge supports to make the structure more visually appealing.
WYDOT is also working on a pedestrian underpass beneath North Higley Bouvard. The tunnel will allow residents to travel between the Highland Hills residential area, nearby school campuses, and the Carbon County Higher Education Center without having to cross over the busy highway. Last month, the Rawlins City Council chose to name the underpass after 10-year-old Patrick Casey McMorrow, who was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross North Higley Boulevard in 1983.
Speaking at the April 7th meeting, City Manager Matt Hall announced that after more than 40 years, construction of the Patrick McMorrow Pedestrian Underpass is scheduled to begin on May 1st. Hall warned residents that heavy truck traffic will be detoured around the work site.
For more information on the Edinburgh Street Project, visit the Rawlins city website at www.rawlinswy.gov and click the banner titled “Edinburgh Updates” at the top of the page.
