CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation is taking a step forward in ensuring the safety of motorists during high-wind events. As of this week, the agency is implementing a more specific blowover risk messaging system that caters to vehicle weight, a marked enhancement from the general alerts first introduced a decade ago, according to a WYDOT news release.
WYDOT began its journey toward enhancing driver safety in 2011 with a messaging system that read “Closed to Light, High Profile Vehicles” during high wind conditions.
Now, thanks to recent research from the University of Wyoming, WYDOT can “more confidently give actual weight restrictions during high-wind events,” according to Vince Garcia, the WYDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems program manager.
“Better messaging means more informed drivers,” Garcia stated.
Throughout this winter, the department is rolling out its refined messaging system in areas known for wind-induced vehicular accidents, such as stretches of Interstate 80, Interstate 25 and Wyoming Highway 28. Notably, these sections have been identified as blowover hotspots based on historic data.
The move to enhance the messaging system during this season is strategic: Data spanning from 2016 to 2020 highlighted a significant spike in blowover crashes, particularly in February and December.
The debut of this new system was observed on digital signs at WYO 28’s South Pass on Wednesday and a part of I-80 the following day.
“Unfortunately, some of the areas we see the strongest crosswinds are also highways that carry important goods and services,” Garcia commented. “Our goal with this updated messaging is to facilitate as much movement as possible while keeping motorists safe.”
As part of its commitment to real-time safety, WYDOT will closely monitor wind speeds, forecast conditions and road geometry. Based on these parameters, the agency will determine the appropriate weight limits for vehicles during high-wind situations, ensuring they are not at extreme blowover risk.
Despite these measures, Garcia encourages motorists to prioritize their safety. “When in doubt, wait it out,” he advised.
For regions lacking appropriate signage, the usual “Extreme Blow Over Risk” alerts will remain. Over the upcoming months, drivers can also expect to see these weight-centric restrictions on WYDOT’s 511 tools, which includes the 511 map.
For additional details about this release, individuals can reach out to WYDOT Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jordan Young at 307-777-4013 or via email at jordan.young@wyo.gov. The latest road conditions are accessible at www.wyoroad.info, by calling 511 or by downloading the Wyoming 511 app. To stay updated, follow WYDOT on Facebook.
