During a recent government meeting, officials discussed traffic concerns related to the ongoing development project at Chalk Bluffs Road and US 85. The conversation highlighted the findings of traffic studies conducted by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT), which indicated that the projected traffic from the project did not necessitate the addition of a turn lane. Laramie County Planning representative Bryce Hamilton noted that YDOT had no significant concerns regarding traffic levels during the project's 18-month construction period.

Molly Bennett from Laramie County Public Works confirmed that there are plans for construction at the intersection to add a turn lane, although the timing of this work remains unclear. She emphasized that the county is negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Enbridge, the project applicant, to ensure that Chalk Bluffs Road is rebuilt before heavy construction traffic begins.

Further clarifications were provided by Cody Dix, who explained that the peak traffic generated by the project would occur over a six-month period, rather than consistently throughout the entire construction timeline. He noted that approximately 91% of the traffic would consist of labor vehicles, with the remaining 9% attributed to equipment deliveries. Dix also reassured attendees that the traffic flow would largely involve a reverse commute, minimizing potential conflicts with local traffic patterns.

Concerns regarding fire risks associated with the project were addressed, with Dix stating that Enbridge has coordinated with local fire officials for over two years and allocated $686,000 to support fire district needs. Additionally, he clarified that all infrastructure upgrades required for the project would be funded by Enbridge, not local ratepayers, alleviating concerns about potential increases in utility rates.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, indicating ongoing community engagement in the project’s development.