The Wyoming Transportation Commission has approved 10 highway construction contracts worth approximately $109 million, delivering a substantial pipeline of work for paving, bridge rehabilitation, and excavation contractors across the state. The awards, announced following the commission's latest meeting, span multiple corridors including Interstate 80, US Highway 20/26, and key routes serving Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Rawlins, and eastern Wyoming communities.
The largest single award—a $42.4 million contract for I-80 bridge rehabilitation near Rock Springs—anchors the package and represents the most significant Wyoming bridge rehabilitation project in this funding round. For contractors and subcontractors specializing in excavation material handling, structural work, and earthmoving operations, these 10 Wyoming highway contracts worth $109 million create immediate opportunities for equipment deployment, material sourcing, and workforce mobilization throughout 2024 and 2025.
Complete Breakdown: Who Won Wyoming Highway Construction Contracts
Understanding who won Wyoming highway construction contracts and where the work will occur is essential for excavation contractors, dump site operators, and material suppliers planning their project calendars. Here's the comprehensive project-by-project breakdown:
Simon Contractors of Cheyenne secured the largest award at $42,426,969.85 for bridge rehabilitation work on Interstate 80 in Sweetwater County. The project encompasses structural repairs, concrete restoration, steel maintenance, bridge deck overlays, railing upgrades, and extensive traffic control measures across multiple structures between Rock Springs and Rawlins. This Wyoming I-80 bridge rehabilitation project contractors assignment involves milling existing surfaces, repairing or replacing deteriorated concrete and steel components, installing new overlays, and upgrading safety features—all while maintaining traffic flow on Wyoming's busiest east-west freight corridor.
McGarvin-Moberly Construction Company of Cheyenne won two significant contracts. The first, valued at $18,663,815.25, covers bridge rehabilitation on US Highway 20/26 in Natrona County near Casper. The second award totals $7,515,153.75 for bridge work on State Highway 219 in Laramie County. Both projects involve similar scopes: milling, overlays, concrete repairs, steel maintenance, railings, and traffic control infrastructure.
S&S Builders, LLC of Gillette received a $15,556,270.70 contract for bridge rehabilitation on US Highway 85 in Goshen County, incorporating the full range of structural improvements from deck overlays to railing replacements.
Reiman Corp. of Cheyenne was awarded $8,773,170.19 for roadway reconstruction on Interstate 25 Business Loop in Laramie County, a project that will require substantial excavation work, grading, base course placement, and pavement reconstruction in the Cheyenne metropolitan area.
Oftedal Construction, Inc. of Casper won a $6,860,844.55 contract for chip seal work on State Highway 789 in Fremont County, providing pavement preservation across rural corridors.
Croell, Inc. of Cheyenne secured $3,877,721.00 for bridge rehabilitation on State Highway 215 in Laramie County, continuing the pattern of structural improvements near Wyoming's capital city.
High Country Asphalt, LLC of Riverton received $2,740,696.70 for patching work on US Highway 287 in Fremont County, addressing pavement deterioration on this north-south connector.
Two smaller contracts round out the awards: Knife River won $1,543,337.50 for maintenance work on US Highway 30 in Carbon County, while WYDOT forces will handle a $1,018,158.00 project on State Highway 130 in Albany County using in-house crews.
Excavation and Earthwork Opportunities in Wyoming Transportation Commission Contracts
For Wyoming excavation contractors and businesses operating fill dirt sources or dump sites, these awards present multiple engagement points. The Reiman Corp. project on I-25 Business Loop in Cheyenne involves full roadway reconstruction, which typically requires excavation of existing pavement and subgrade, removal and disposal of unsuitable material, import of select fill and base course aggregates, and precise grading to meet drainage and elevation specifications.
Bridge rehabilitation projects—while focused on structural elements—also generate excavation-related work. Approaches to rehabilitated bridges often require grading adjustments, shoulder reconstruction, and drainage improvements. Contractors working on the I-80 bridges, US 20/26 structures, and other Wyoming bridge rehabilitation projects will need access to quality fill material for embankment work and approved dump sites for removed concrete, asphalt millings, and excavated soil.
The scale of the $42.4 million I-80 project alone suggests substantial material volumes. Bridge deck overlays generate significant quantities of milled asphalt and concrete debris. Structural repairs may require excavation around pier foundations, abutments, and approach slabs. Traffic control and staging areas demand site preparation, often including excavation, grading, and temporary access construction.
Subcontractors specializing in excavation, grading, erosion control, and material hauling should monitor project schedules and pre-construction meetings. Prime contractors typically subcontract earthwork scopes, creating opportunities for regional excavation companies with appropriate equipment, bonding capacity, and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) certification.
Geographic Impact: Where the $109 Million Will Be Spent
The geographic distribution of these Wyoming Transportation Commission contracts reflects infrastructure priorities across multiple regions. Laramie County, home to Cheyenne, receives the heaviest concentration with four separate projects totaling approximately $38 million. This includes the McGarvin-Moberly bridge rehabilitation on State Highway 219, the Croell bridge project on State Highway 215, and the Reiman roadway reconstruction on I-25 Business Loop.
Sweetwater County claims the single largest project—the $42.4 million I-80 bridge rehabilitation—underscoring the critical importance of maintaining the Interstate 80 corridor for interstate commerce and local economic activity around Rock Springs and Rawlins.
Natrona County's $18.6 million bridge rehabilitation award for US 20/26 near Casper addresses infrastructure serving both urban traffic and energy sector transportation needs. Fremont County receives two awards totaling approximately $9.6 million for chip seal and patching work on State Highways 789 and US 287.
Goshen County's $15.5 million US Highway 85 bridge rehabilitation improves a key north-south route in eastern Wyoming. Smaller awards in Carbon and Albany counties round out statewide coverage, ensuring rural corridors receive maintenance attention alongside major freight routes.
This distribution pattern creates regional mobilization opportunities. Contractors already operating in the Cheyenne area can potentially share resources, equipment, and personnel across multiple Laramie County projects. Similarly, companies working the I-80 corridor may find efficiency in coordinating Sweetwater County operations with Carbon County work on US Highway 30.
Understanding Bridge Rehabilitation Versus Replacement
A significant portion of these awards focuses on bridge rehabilitation rather than replacement—a distinction that matters for contractors and material suppliers. Bridge rehabilitation extends structure lifespan through targeted repairs while keeping original foundations and primary structural elements intact. This approach proves more cost-effective than full replacement when underlying bridge components remain sound.
Typical bridge rehabilitation scopes in these Wyoming projects include:
- Milling: Removing deteriorated surface layers from bridge decks using specialized equipment
- Concrete restoration: Repairing spalled, cracked, or damaged concrete on decks, abutments, piers, and approach slabs
- Steel maintenance: Cleaning, repairing, and protecting structural steel beams and reinforcement
- Overlay installation: Placing new wearing surfaces, often polymer-modified or latex-modified concrete, to restore deck surfaces
- Railing upgrades: Replacing outdated or damaged bridge railings to meet current safety standards
- Drainage improvements: Installing or refurbishing deck drains, scuppers, and approach drainage structures
- Traffic control: Implementing lane closures, temporary barriers, signage, and work-zone safety measures
For excavation-focused contractors, bridge rehabilitation projects typically involve less earthwork than new construction but still require site preparation, erosion control, temporary access roads, and material staging areas. Removed concrete and asphalt from milling operations must be transported to approved dump sites or recycling facilities, creating hauling opportunities.
Construction Timing and Traveler Impacts
While Wyoming Department of Transportation has not released specific construction schedules for all 10 awards, contractors can anticipate mobilization beginning in spring 2024 with work extending into 2025 for larger projects. The $42.4 million I-80 bridge rehabilitation likely represents a multi-season undertaking given its scope and the need to maintain traffic on this critical transcontinental freight route.
Interstate 80 serves as Wyoming's primary east-west corridor, carrying heavy truck traffic between the West Coast and eastern markets. Any lane closures or traffic restrictions on I-80 bridges require careful planning and off-peak scheduling to minimize economic impacts. Contractors working this project should expect night and weekend work requirements, strict traffic control protocols, and coordination with WYDOT maintenance forces.
The US 20/26 project near Casper and the US 85 work in Goshen County similarly affect major highways where lane closures will impact both commercial and commuter traffic. Contractors should plan for alternating lane closures, flagging operations, and potentially accelerated construction schedules to minimize disruption duration.
Cheyenne-area projects on I-25 Business Loop, State Highway 215, and State Highway 219 will require coordination with local traffic patterns, school routes, and business access needs. The Reiman Corp. roadway reconstruction on I-25 Business Loop may necessitate detours or temporary access arrangements for adjacent properties.
Economic Implications for Wyoming-Based Contractors
The dominance of Wyoming-based contractors among award winners reflects both competitive pricing and logistical advantages. Simon Contractors, McGarvin-Moberly Construction, Reiman Corp., and Croell—all headquartered in Cheyenne—collectively won approximately $81 million of the $109 million total. S&S Builders of Gillette, Oftedal Construction of Casper, and High Country Asphalt of Riverton represent additional in-state capacity.
This local contractor success translates into Wyoming employment, equipment purchases from regional suppliers, and demand for in-state materials including aggregates, asphalt, concrete, and fuel. Subcontracting opportunities will largely flow to Wyoming excavation contractors, trucking companies, concrete suppliers, and specialized trades.
For businesses operating fill dirt sources, quarries, or approved dump sites near project locations, these awards represent potential long-term relationships. Establishing approved vendor status with prime contractors now positions material suppliers for immediate call-up when construction begins.
The awards also signal continued Wyoming Transportation Commission commitment to infrastructure investment despite budget pressures. Comparing this $109 million round with previous commission meetings shows consistent funding levels, suggesting stable demand for highway construction services through the current planning cycle.
Next Steps for Excavation Contractors and Material Suppliers
Contractors and suppliers interested in subcontracting or material supply opportunities should take immediate action. Contact prime contractors directly to express interest in excavation, grading, hauling, erosion control, or material supply scopes. Many firms maintain preferred vendor lists and conduct pre-qualification for subcontractors before project mobilization.
Review Wyoming Department of Transportation's DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and certification programs, as prime contractors often seek certified subcontractors to meet project goals. Ensure equipment fleets, bonding capacity, and insurance coverage meet WYDOT requirements for subcontracted work.
Monitor WYDOT project websites and attend pre-construction meetings when announced. These sessions provide critical details on construction phasing, material specifications, staging areas, haul routes, and dump site requirements. Early engagement helps excavation contractors position equipment and personnel for rapid mobilization.
For dump site and fill dirt operators, confirm that facilities meet WYDOT approval requirements for material disposal or sourcing. Documentation, testing, and certification completed now streamlines contractor procurement when projects begin.
The 10 Wyoming highway contracts worth $109 million represent significant work volume entering the state's construction pipeline. For excavation contractors and material suppliers, these awards translate into tangible business opportunities across multiple counties and project types throughout the coming construction seasons.