The new roadway will provide a second north-south access to north WYO 59. (county17.com photo)

A partnership between WYDOT, Campbell County Commission, Contura Coal West, Western Fuels Wyoming Inc. and WYODAK Resource Development Corporation LLC, has resulted in the construction of a new route to accommodate heavy truck traffic in Gillette. This new roadway will provide a second north-south access to north WYO 59. This new access will shorten the existing route through Gillette via U.S. 14-16 by 4.5 mi.

North Garner Lake Road will be a two-lane road and begin near the Dry Fork Station power plant and extends roughly 3 mi. east to Garner Lake Road and include a new overpass and double-track railroad bridge. This is a two-phase project scheduled for 2018 and 2019.

Slated to be part of phase one, the railroad bridge is behind schedule and will be completed during the winter season. A temporary tie-in to Garner Lake Road will be constructed using the existing overpass. The second phase, scheduled for 2019, includes a realignment — connecting the two roads — and mill, widen and overlay of the existing Garner Lake Road.

The cost of this new construction project was estimated at $34.2 million. WYDOT's portion of the funding of $24.2 million came from the state of Wyoming Mineral Impacted Road account established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2016. This fund is earmarked for relocation, construction or improvement of roads and bridges directly impacted by development of coal resources. Campbell County Commission, Contura Coal West, Western Fuels Wyoming Inc. and WYODAK Resource Development Corporation LLC added another $10 million.

Today's top stories

Florida's Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Sees $105M Terminal Expansion

Louisville Pump Station Receives $230M Update

Rokbak Haul Track Telematics Boost Uptime With Proactive Maintenance

SISO Air, InTerra Form Strategic Reseller Agreement

Hitachi Construction Machinery Wins Silver in 2024 Anthem Award

Balfour Beatty's Carolinas Operations Selected for Over $36M in Special Project Works

Caterpillar to Spotlight 'Next 100 Years' at CES 2025

Liebherr to Exhibit at World of Concrete 2025