JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced that construction crews paving sections of Broadway in Jackson are a day ahead of schedule on the project, with completion expected the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3.
On Thursday, crews will be working to finish paving operations between the Y intersection and the Flat Creek Bridge, according to WYDOT. Work hours remain from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for paving operations. Drivers are still asked to expect heavy traffic congestion during this time period and plan accordingly.
With pavement operations nearing completion, WYDOT traffic crews will be striping the new pavement on US 26/89 Broadway from the intersection with High School Road to the Flat Creek Bridge south of Jackson, as well a short section of WY22 near the Y intersection. The striping work will start at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 and is scheduled to be completed by 11 p.m. Unpredictable weather and other variables could necessitate last-minute changes to the schedule.
WYDOT reminds drivers to be aware of the striping trucks on the road and to slow down accordingly. Stripers travel at reduced speeds while applying the paint and travel with a shadow car, which watches for traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to not follow stripers too closely and only pass when it is safe to do so. Striping operations are slow moving and can cause minor traffic delays.
Traffic crews would also like to remind drivers that driving over wet paint can reduce the reflectivity of the markings, and can stick to vehicles. If a motorist unfortunately does get paint on their vehicle, WYDOT recommends the following tips:
- As soon as possible, take the vehicle to a car wash. This will loosen and remove most of the paint, unless it has dried for more than one full day.
- If the car wash does not remove the paint, allow the water to dry off the vehicle. On the dry surface, spray the paint residue with WD-40 and allow it to stay on the area for one to two hours and rewash the vehicle. The WD-40 will soften the paint without hurting the vehicle’s finish. If there is a heavy concentration of paint, repeat the procedure.
- For heavy accumulations of paint that have dried for several days, apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly to the dried traffic paint and allow it to stay on overnight. Take the vehicle to a pressure car wash. Repeat the process if necessary.
- Do not scrub the surface of a vehicle with a solvent or scouring cleanser when removing the paint. This will only damage the finish.
- Paint is often difficult to remove from wheel wells, due to their flat finish. Apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly and leave it on for several days. Then use a pressure washer to wash away the residue. Applying rubbing alcohol to the area in the wheel well will help to soften any residue left after the petroleum jelly is washed away. Do not scrub the surface, just apply with a rag or sponge.
