Weight or wait

Wind is such an ever present force in the state of Wyoming it is often joked if it were to stop blowing, everyone in the Cowboy State would fall down.

Nowhere is the wind more present than perhaps Interstate 80 and Wyoming’s highways, where it has caused numbers of vehicle blowovers over the years. Due to that, messaging often seen on I-80, interstate onramps and highways warns of blow over risk for “light, high-profile vehicles.” Now, that messaging will be more specific according to a press release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

According to the press release, the “Closed to Light, High Profile Vehicles” messaging first began in 2011 during high wind events. Data collected from 2016 to 2020 showed most blow overs occurred in February and December while the overall trends showed more blow over crashes during the winter months. According to the press release, WYDOT is now able to “more confidently give actual weight restrictions during high wind events” thanks to recent research from the University of Wyoming.

“Better messaging means more informed drivers,” said Vince Garcia, WYDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems program manager. “Unfortunately, some of the areas we see the strongest crosswinds are also highways that carry important goods and services. Our goal with this updated messaging is to facilitate as much movement as possible while keeping motorists safe.”

The first of the new messaging was seen on the overhead digital messaging signs at WYO 28 in South Pass on Wednesday afternoon. It was seen again on a portion of I-80 on Thursday. The new messaging will only be implemented in areas where there is adequate signage, according to the press release. Sections of highway without signage will continue showing “Extreme Blow Over Risk” messaging.

To display the most accurate messaging, WYDOT will monitor current and forecasted wind speeds along with road geometry. This data will be used to determine how heavy a commercial vehicle or other trailer would need to be to in order to avoid the extreme blow over risk. Messaging will be updated in real time. According to the press release, drivers should still use their best judgment when traveling on windy days.

“When in doubt, wait it out,” said Garcia.

Along with the new messaging showing on the digital displays over the interstate and highways, the press release said weight-based wind restrictions will also show on WYDOT’s 511 tools which include the 511 map.