WEDNESDAY, October 14, 2026|
Photo – Medicine Bow Estates road project – Courtesy Town of Medicine Bow
Medicine Bow officials received a higher‑than‑expected estimate to build roads on the west side of town.
In the late 1970s, when coal and uranium mining were in high demand, the Town of Medicine Bow experienced a population boom, growing to over 1,000 residents. To house the influx of workers, the town established a new subdivision, called Medicine Bow Estates, located west of Highway 487. However, the mining industry collapsed soon after the subdivision was laid out, and the town’s population quickly declined. With no need for additional housing, construction stopped and the lots remained undeveloped, with no paved roads or utility lines.
Earlier this year, the town hired Cheyenne‑based Sunrise Engineering to create a road construction plan for the subdivision. The goal of the project is to grade new roads for the neighborhood and shape the area for better drainage.
During Monday evening’s Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Sunrise Engineering Professional Engineer CJ Walker presented his estimate for the road construction plan. Walker said even he was surprised to learn the project would cost $800,000.
The town has allocated $475,000 in Gateway South transmission line impact‑assistance funding for road construction in Medicine Bow Estates. The money cannot be used for any other purpose. Walker advised the governing body not to move forward with the project in its current form and to consider splitting it into smaller phases to spread the cost out over time. He noted that $800,000 is the lowest estimate, with costs possibly climbing to $1 million.
For that price, Walker said Medicine Bow Estates would end up with basic dirt‑and‑gravel roads and no sidewalks. Councilman Lee Cook asked if the roads would be susceptible to wind erosion. Walker said they would.
Walker again urged the governing body not to move forward with the project. He said the town would be unlikely to recover its costs by selling the lots because, even with graded roads, the parcels still have no electrical service.
Public Works Director Brian Lashley noted that the town could save $26,000 by removing unwanted shrubbery itself. He added that the town could also supply its own drainage culverts to further reduce expenses. Walker acknowledged that there are ways to save money, but said the project will still cost around $800,000.
Public Works Director Lashley said splitting the project into multiple phases will increase the overall price because contractors will charge extra to mobilize their crews and equipment every time they have to return to town. Sunrise Engineering’s Walker instead suggested seeking grant opportunities to help offset the cost of the road construction. He said the town could use its $475,000 as a grant match.
Mayor Justin George expressed his support for pursuing a grant, noting that the town can cover more than 50 percent of the cost. Mayor George said a grant would allow the project to be finished in a single phase.
Mayor Justin George directed Public Works Director Brian Lashley to work with Sunrise Engineering on potential grants for the Medicine Bow Estates road construction project and present his findings at a future Town Council meeting.
