WYDOT issues caution on Big Piney Cutoff
by Wyoming Department of Transportation
March 7, 2005
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) would like to remind motorists of the increased industrial traffic on Highway 351 or the Big Piney Cutoff and that it is illegal to litter. Residents along Highway 351 have complained about the increase in litter due partly because of the development in the area, but also because it is the road to the county landfill.
Wyoming statute (W.S. 6-3-204) states littering carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a fine up to $750 or both. Littering of containers of bodily fluid carries a penalty of up to nine months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The statute also states a judge may instead order the convicted person to conduct 40 hours of cleaning up litter in public places.
WYDOT has the Adopt-A-Highway program in place where civic groups can adopt segments of the highway and then perform clean-up duties whenever they see fit. Currently, Highway 351 has just two groups in the program. The Barnyard Bunch 4-H Club has a two-mile section near Big Piney and Shell Rocky Mountain Production, LLC, has a two-mile section near U.S. Highway 191. That leaves 20 miles that could be adopted to help keep the highway litter free.
Highway 351 also has a diverse group utilizing the highway. Ranchers in the area typically move their cattle in the spring and fall onto grazing land. These moves typically stretch across the highway and causes motorists to be delayed. In addition, there are slower moving vehicles transporting debris to the landfill, combined with the regular up-to-speed traffic.
"We really want motorists to be aware of the changing vehicle conditions on Highway 351," said Public Involvement Specialist Laura Grossnickle. "And we would appreciate people respecting our public lands and picking up after themselves or waiting to find a trash can. A little effort on the part of many can go a long way."
For more information about the WyDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program, please contact Grossnickle at 307-352-3065.
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