A new four-lane road intended to decrease traffic through parts of Casper and Mills is now scheduled to begin in 2009, a Wyoming Department of Transportation official said Wednesday.

Originally set to begin in 2008, it was delayed to 2010 and then moved ahead to 2009.

"Usually when we delay projects, it's for funding," Public Involvement Specialist Jeff Goetz said. "And this was no different."

WYDOT is currently going through its budget process for 2009. If all goes as planned - and weather permitting - construction will begin early in 2009.

As WYDOT prepares to begin the project, it's working to make sure each element is in place to begin, including arrangements with the city for a water line replacement.

Goetz said most of the inter-agency agreements will be with Natrona County, since the West Belt Loop will primarily be on county land.

The first phase of the project, which will include grading and dirt work, will cost WYDOT roughly $29.1 million. The second phase, paving the road, isn't scheduled to begin until 2012.

During construction, one of the city's water lines will have to move, according to Gary Clough, the city's public services director, which is not "untypical" during large projects. He doesn't expect any other issues with the West Belt Loop between WYDOT and the city.

WYDOT also plans to reconstruct part of Robertson and Poison Spider roads, Goetz said.

The project isn't scheduled to begin until 2011 and the roads will be "totally reconstructed."

"It will be more like it is toward the bridge by CY Avenue," he said. "With the nice wide road and four-foot shoulders."

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com