Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND - Work is ahead of schedule on the city of Worland's three-phase project at the intersection of 15th and Big Horn with the new pedestrian bridges arriving Tuesday as the third phase.

Mike Donnell of Donnell & Allred said, "The three-phase project is going really well. Viper now have all the sewer line in. They are working on the water line [Tuesday]. All of the lines are in under Big Horn and under the canal. They are ahead of schedule."

He said Viper Underground needs to finish up the water line project south of Big Horn.

The next part of the project is the concrete for the curb, gutter and sidewalk. Donnell added that once they have nice weather they will put down the concrete pavement on 15th, a half a block south and north.

The pedestrian bridges, City of Worland Streets Supervisor Jeff Taylor said were set in place on Tuesday, but will require concrete work before they are ready for pedestrian traffic. He said the concrete work will be done in conjunction with the road work.

"That street is closed off for walking and motorized vehicle traffic. It's unsafe to walk through all the obstacles right now," Taylor said.

The first phase of the project was a new water line on Bower Avenue.

Donnell said, "This is a really good project and it will finish ahead of schedule if weather allows."

Taylor also reported on the bids for the Newell Sargent Park restroom. He said the city received one bid from UBC out of Idaho for $46,191. The bid is a pre-cast restroom with the city setting the foundation and new plumbing.

Taylor said the old existing restroom by the softball fields will be torn down. He said there is a newer restroom that will remain. The new restroom will be near field 3 in the parking lot area.

Taylor said if the restroom works out well it might be something the city tries at the golf course for the front nine.

The bid was approved by the council contingent upon approval of Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky.

In other public works news, Taylor reported that the city crew started on Bomgaar's water and sewer service lines.

He added that the city crews have been sweeping for three week. Anyone needing to know when their area of the city will be swept so they can remove vehicles from the streets, should contact Taylor at the city shop, 307-347-8978.

He also reported that the opening on park restrooms is on hold because it is still too cold at night. He noted pipes would have frozen up Monday night with a sub-freezing temperature of 17 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Worland also set a record low of 5 degrees on Tuesday night.

REPORTS

During department head reports, Airport Manager Lynne Murdoch reported that the taxiway expansion project is on hold for another year while they await some additional funding. She said the Wyoming Department of Transportation will be able to assist with the project next year but did not have funds this year.

She said she is also working with City Attorney Kent Richins to write a letter seeking an extension on the warranty for the snow removal broom that continues to break down.

Police Chief Gabe Elliott said he will be seeking funding in the next fiscal year's budget for radar speed zone signs similar to those at Greybull.

He said he would like three signs at the east, north and south entrances to the city.

Next week the department will be doing a familiarization program at West Side School.He said it is by invitation of the principal and law enforcement officers come in the various uniforms they may wear when responding to an emergency at the school.

"It's good for the kids and good for the schools," he said.