August 27, 2019 -- Reconstruction of a section of central Grand Avenue in Laramie has prompted local officials to recommend alternative routes for students moving into University of Wyoming residence halls -- and possibly people traveling to attend UW's football game against Missouri this weekend.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation reports that the Grand Avenue project is nearing completion, but there's a good chance all four lanes will not open between Third and 16th streets until sometime Saturday.
Recommended alternative routes for UW Move-In Day Friday, Aug. 30, are:

-- For those coming from the south on U.S. Highway 287, take Interstate 80 east to the Grand Avenue exit, then west on Grand Avenue to 15th Street.

-- For those coming from the north on U.S. Highway 30/287, take Harney Street east to 22nd Street, then south to Grand Avenue and proceed west to 15th Street.

-- For those coming from the west on Interstate 80, take the Snowy Range exit 311, then proceed east on Snowy Range Road to Harney Street, continuing east to 22nd Street, then south to Grand Avenue and then west to 15th Street.

WYDOT reports that traffic controls will be in place in the area of 15th Street and Ivinson Avenue for UW Move-In Day, and the UW Police Department will provide staff to help move traffic as quickly as possible through the residence hall area. Laramie residents may want to avoid that area of Grand Avenue from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday because of anticipate high traffic from students moving in.

In the event the Grand Avenue project is not completed as of Saturday morning, travelers to the 5:30 p.m. UW-Missouri football game are advised to use the following routes:

-- For those coming from the south on U.S. Highway 287, take Interstate 80 east to the Grand Avenue exit, then west on Grand Avenue to War Memorial Stadium.  

-- For those coming from the north on U.S. Highway 30/287, take Harney Street east to 22nd Street, then south to War Memorial Stadium.

-- For those coming from the west on Interstate 80, take the Snowy Range exit 311, then proceed east on Snowy Range Road to Harney Street, continuing east to 22nd Street, then south to War Memorial Stadium.

"It's possible all of Grand Avenue will be open during the day on Saturday, but we just don't know at this point," UW Vice President for Administration Bill Mai says. "Our hope is that will be the case, and that would help at least those traveling after the football game. We appreciate the patience of those coming to campus this weekend, as well as the efforts of many to complete the project as soon as possible."