Thursday, OCTOBER 2, 2025 |
Photo – 1940’s photo of Highway 130 and Bridge Avenue in Saratoga – Courtesy Dyrt Road Realty
Saratoga officials addressed the importance of improving pedestrian safety along Highway 130.
Back in April, the Saratoga Town Council discussed the need to increase pedestrian safety in the center of town. Police Chief John Moore suggested installing a traffic light at the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Highway 130, but the idea was quickly dismissed. Instead, Chief Moore announced that the Wyoming Department of Transportation is planning to install pedestrian curb extensions during a 2029 Highway 130 repaving project.
Curb-outs, also known as bulb-outs, are sidewalk extensions that project into the parking lane, narrowing the roadway to improve pedestrian visibility and create safer crossing points at the intersection.
Chief Moore informed the governing body that WYDOT plans to conduct a traffic study at the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Highway 130 next year. The results will help determine what measures are needed to improve safety.
The matter was revisited during the September 16th Saratoga Town Council meeting. Public Works Director Emery Penner said WYDOT representatives told the town it could install flashing warning beacons to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection. However, Penner said the state agency is uncertain if the devices are necessary.
Penner said the decision to install the flashing beacons is ultimately up to the governing body.
Councilman Bub Barkhurst emphasized the need for additional safety measures at the corner of Bridge Avenue and Highway 130, saying that he personally witnessed a large tanker truck nearly strike someone crossing the intersection.
Councilman Barkhurst said the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Highway 130 is the most dangerous place for pedestrians.
Public Works Director Penner replied that WYDOT would require limiting the number of crossing points along the highway if the town chooses to install the flashing beacons.
Penner reiterated that the decision is entirely up to the governing body. However, the Public Works Director said WYDOT District One Engineer Ralph Tarango recommended waiting until the curb-outs are installed during the Highway 130 repaving project, slated for 2029.
With the project still four years away, Councilman Barkhurst said something must be done to protect people in the meantime. The Councilman warned that Saratoga’s traffic volume is steadily increasing.
Police Chief John Moore pointed out that the Town of Sinclair installed a flashing pedestrian beacon on Lincoln Avenue, which has proven effective at keeping people safe from commercial truck traffic.
The Saratoga Town Council agreed that something must be done to improve pedestrian safety. While they consider how to proceed, the governing body encouraged residents and visitors to use extra caution when crossing Highway 130.
