JANUARY 7, 2025|
Photo – Closure gate for county road – Courtesy Carbon County website
Carbon County officials have asked WYDOT to install flashing road closure signs on key roads to warn unwary winter travelers looking for a shortcut around storms.
During the December 3rd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz announced the closure of County Road 401, which connects to Highway 71, south of Rawlins, and County Road 500, located west of Saratoga. Fritz explained that both roads will remain closed through winter, allowing road crews to focus their efforts on keeping the county’s remaining roads passable. However, despite the county’s best efforts to indicate the closures, Fritz and the board agreed that travelers will likely continue using the roads.
Commissioner John Espy said the Wyoming Department of Transportation has placed a sign outside of Savery warning travelers that the road ahead is closed. Commissioner Espy asked why the state agency can’t do the same thing for the county.
The board approved having have Fritz send a letter to WYDOT officially requesting signage for the county roads.
During the December 17th County Commissioners meeting, the road and bridge superintendent presented her letter requesting that WYDOT place a flashing sign on Highway 71, also known as Sage Creek Road, whenever the state agency closes Interstate 80.
Reading from her letter to WYDOT, Fritz explained that motorists often use Highway 71 to bypass closures on the interstate. Poor road conditions and limited cell phone service in the area during winter months can endanger the lives of unsuspecting travelers unfamiliar with the area.
Fritz also asked WYDOT to remove Highway 71 from GPS devices whenever Interstate 80 is closed. The road and bridge director said that the closed gate on County Road 401 does not deter all motorists.
Fritz added that County Road 401 is always open to local traffic.
The road and bridge supervisor said she isn’t sure if WYDOT will grant the county’s requests. Fritz said the state agency’s reluctance to close Highway 71 can put people’s lives in danger.
Fritz explained that WYDOT is often responsible for creating issues on the county’s roads. The road and bridge superintendent mentioned how truckers used County Road 500, also known as Jack Creek Road, to avoid a recent closure on Interstate 80.
Commissioner John Johnson said even a flashing road sign won’t prevent everyone from driving on County Road 401 when it is closed. However, the formal request to WYDOT shows that the county is taking the problem seriously.
The board unanimously voted to authorize Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones to sign and send the letter requesting increased signage from WYDOT.
