The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) faces mounting costs and safety risks as sign vandalism and theft increase across the state, County 10 reports.
Vandalism of roadway signs is becoming a costly problem for Wyoming taxpayers and a growing concern for highway safety. According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), damaged or missing signs disrupt essential traffic guidance, putting drivers at risk.
Each year, WYDOT’s District 5 conducts inspections of approximately one-third of the signs across Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie, Big Horn, and Park counties, along with small portions of Teton and Natrona counties. These inspections aim to identify signs that are missing, vandalized, or in need of replacement due to wear and tear.
The financial burden on the state is significant. In 2024-2025, WYDOT plans to replace or upgrade 476 signs in northwest Wyoming. The reasons for replacement range from vandalism to natural wear, such as peeling, fading, or signs reaching the end of their lifespan.
“Vandalized and destroyed signs represent 11 percent of the total number of signs (53) being replaced this year, and missing signs (55) make up 12 percent of the signs being replaced,” said Steven Otto, WYDOT area traffic supervisor in Basin.
The costs of replacing these signs are substantial. For just one-third of District 5, the labor, materials, and equipment needed to replace vandalized or missing signs will total $13,972 in 2024.
Of the 476 signs scheduled for replacement, the majority — 368 signs or 77% — will be replaced due to natural wear and age-related damage. However, 108 signs, or 23%, will be replaced due to vandalism, theft, or because they are missing entirely.
The replacement process involves either installing entirely new signs or applying new aluminum overlays to existing signs. Of the 476 signs being replaced, 263 (55%) will be newly manufactured signs, while 213 (45%) will use aluminum overlays.
While the financial impact on taxpayers is considerable, the consequences for highway safety are more concerning. Missing or defaced traffic signs compromise driver safety by removing critical guidance for speed limits, directions, and warnings about road hazards. Drivers unfamiliar with local roads are particularly vulnerable to the dangers posed by missing or unclear signage.
“Sign damage, including vandalism, compromises highway safety,” said Captain Jeramy Pittsley of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We continue to use today’s technology to catch vandals in the act of destroying this public resource.”
The Wyoming Highway Patrol relies on surveillance and other technological tools to catch vandals. Pittsley also encourages citizens to report vandalism in progress by calling 1-800-442-9090. By reporting such incidents, residents can help protect public property and maintain safe driving conditions.
WYDOT and law enforcement officials are urging the public to report acts of vandalism as they occur. Vandals who steal or destroy traffic signs may face legal consequences, but catching them in the act requires timely intervention.
The financial and safety costs of sign vandalism are shared by all Wyoming residents, as taxpayer dollars fund the replacements. With hundreds of signs scheduled for replacement each year, the burden on the state budget continues to grow.
