News
WYDOT seeking public input on Bighorn Y intersection alternatives
Wyoming Department of Transportation Senior Public Relations Specialist Laura Dalles and WYDOT District Traffic Engineer for NE Wyoming District 4 Michelle Edwards made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the alternative options being proposed for the Bighorn Y intersection.
The intersection of US 87, WY 332, and WY 335, known as the Bighorn Y intersection, underwent a study through a contractor paid for by WYDOT. The intersection has accumulated many reported near-miss accidents and WYDOT receives concerning reports about merging and speeds in the area.
The intention of the study was to determine if the department should change the intersection to allow for safer and more efficient traffic flow. The contractor proposed three alternatives to WYDOT that span from making no changes to emplacing a traffic circle to make for more efficient and safer traffic flow.
M. Edwards
According to Edwards, nothing has been decided and WYDOT would like to gather as much public comment on each of the alternatives for the future of the intersection as possible before moving forward.
The first alternative is to make no changes. This is a standard option per procedure according to Edwards. The intersection would remain the same as it is currently laid out.
M. Edwards
The second alternative would be the installation of a single-lane roundabout or traffic circle.
M. Edwards
Edwards said with the roundabout option, surrounding properties would be impacted as traffic circles do require larger amounts of space with realignments of streets entering and exiting the roundabout. Positives include the reduction of speeds on the roadway that a roundabout would cause.
The third option is a traditional four-way stop.
M. Edwards
The fourth option of installing a traffic signal is not being carried forward as the traffic volumes are not high enough according to federal standards to meet signal warrants.
WYDOT is inviting the public to comment on each of the alternatives and add any input the public feels may be relevant to each option.
Make a comment and learn more by clicking here.
Ira roadifer
December 16, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Roundabout are faster and more efficient. You see them in the Billings area all the time and everyone seem says they are better than a four way stop. Wyoming needs to upgrade their traffic plans.
Jarett olsen
December 17, 2024 at 8:57 pm
I do feel a roundabout is the most efficient solution to this Y intersection. It’s just keeps traffic flowing , and they seem to work very very well! Each time I m up in Billings and going through one of those roundabout, I just think that this is a smart way to move traffic smoothly! In Europe they also have these everywhere!!
Gillian Malone
December 16, 2024 at 8:50 pm
I think a roundabout is the best solution to this traffic challenge, which will only be more difficult with more volumes of traffic.
Thanks for accepting my comment.
Gene Chase
December 17, 2024 at 7:50 am
NO. A roundabout is crazy! As is a 4 way stop! ON A HIWAY???? Do these “people” that co.e up with this shit have any common sense or intelligence?
Bj Arguello
December 17, 2024 at 8:20 am
No a roundabout isn’t going solve this issue and a traffic signal would probably be best but drives don’t pay attention to the road so none these are good options. we could make all roads safe and still the drivers would make it unsafe.
Linda Rice Brownell
December 17, 2024 at 3:38 pm
Roundabout are stupid and,confusing, especially if its the first time. Leave it alone. It works for the volume of cars driving this route.
Jerry L Oneil
December 18, 2024 at 5:13 am
I prefer to leave it as it is except for the merge lane coming from the south. I have witnessed several instances with close calls because of traffic. One problem with it is the visibility. The merging driver needs to look carefully for north bound traffic while still travelling at the speed limit. Regarding the roundabout, I think this would create a big problem with the amount of semitruck traffic. This is still a farming/ranching community with the necessary stock trucks and hay haulers.
Carol Webb
December 18, 2024 at 7:07 pm
I hate roundabouts. I lived with several in the town we lived in TX. I get rather unhappy when I have to use them. They are confusing. If someone is not familiar with the area and there are large trucks, a big mess could result. I think slowing the traffic coming from US Hwy 87 would solve part of the difficulty. Actually, slowing down the traffic in every direction would help the whole area.
Annie Hendrickson
December 19, 2024 at 5:54 am
If drivers southbound on 87 could learn to yield as the sign says, there wouldn’t be a problem. Maybe a flashing light there? Or direct all that traffic to the stop sign that is there for left turn. Also speed limit could be lower through that area.
Shelly Morris
December 19, 2024 at 11:57 am
Good ideas! People just need to slow down.
Jeffry Davis
December 19, 2024 at 7:56 am
Leave it like it is. It’s the drivers who are creating the hazardous conditions.
A roundabout will only cause more problems.
Sam Giese
December 19, 2024 at 12:13 pm
Roundabouts are not the answer.
Stan Quade
December 19, 2024 at 4:25 pm
The biggest problems I see at this junction are “rolling stops” on Big Horn road and failure to yield. I have had to brake hard to avoid a collision on several occasions with someone running the stop sign on Big Horn road.
The north bound merge lane is largely used properly. But some motorists will accelerate to cut you off.
Perhaps stationing a law enforcement person there and have issue a few citations would help.
The least expensive alternative would be a speed reduction in the area in question. Then enforce it.