The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) began ramping up construction on the Kemmerer South wildlife crossings project in late March 2026 on a 30-mi. stretch of U.S. 189 between Evanston and Kemmerer.
The project, which was awarded to Oftedal Construction Inc. last year, is funded by a $24.3 million federal grant and an additional $8.8 million in partner contributions. The work will include the construction of seven underpasses, one overpass and fencing along both sides of the 30-mile stretch of highway.
Those features will protect prized Wyoming Range mule deer, Wyoming Game and Fish officials said.
State Game and Fish officials say about 80 deer-vehicle collisions are reported in the area annually but believe the figures are underreported. And the stretch of highway is also a likely location for increased development and traffic with a planned nuclear power facility being built nearby.
Work began last fall as contractors began the installation of about 20 mi. of posts for the deer fence and dirt work in preparation for the detours around the underpass structures. Crews will be returning to the area to work on cattle guard installations and fencing.
Beginning in April, motorists will see traffic impacts as crews begin work on milling and the construction of the underpasses. Traffic will be detoured onto a gravel surface around the work area. Multiple work zones, spaced miles apart, will be active all summer.
"The contractor is working hard, fine-tuning the schedule and keeping things on track for the project," WYDOT Resident Engineer Jennifer Hoffman said. If things go well, our goal is to have all eight structures constructed in 2026, weather and schedule permitting."
The project's completion date is set for Oct. 31, 2027.
Existing wildlife crossing improvements along U.S. 189 include the Trapper's Point crossing and the recently completed Dry Piney Connectivity Project, with 33.4 mi. of 8-ft.-tall deer fence and nine underpasses.
