The Pipeline: September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

VOLUME 27 | ISSUE 9

The Charlottesville Bridge crew recently removed the truss span on Route 606 (Dickerson Road) as part of a rehabilitation project. The team will prepare for the arrival of the new truss. Weather permitting, the road will reopen in December.

PUBLISHED FOR AND ABOUT VDOT’S CULPEPER DISTRICT TEAM Albemarle

Culpeper

Fauquier

Fluvanna

Greene

Louisa

Madison

Orange

Rappahannock

VDOT of Tomorrow: 'The Times They Are A-Changin' Program will help prepare employees for future of transportation

For more than 100 years, VDOT has kept Virginia moving. And, VDOT has evolved with the times. Anyone who has looked at old photos of VDOT activities and workers knows how much our tools, our projects, and our people have changed.

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Today, change is accelerating, and nowhere is that change more evident than in the transportation business. Managing and adapting to this change is critical for VDOT and our employees as we move into the future of transportation.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

New Chief of Maintenance and Operations Shares Vision Kevin Gregg, VDOT’s recently named chief of maintenance and operations, visited Culpeper District earlier this month and talked with district staff. In his new position, Gregg will provide strategic oversight of some of VDOT’s most visible activities across Virginia’s 124,000 lane-mile network, including asset management, traffic engineering, maintenance, operations and land use.

In his 25 years with VDOT, including leadership positions in Richmond and Hampton Roads districts, Gregg has implemented innovative programs focused on efficiently and safely managing incidents, optimizing emergency response, developing a maintenance budgeting system and maximizing investments in asset

Kevin Gregg, Chief of Maintenance and Operations, discussed his vision for VDOT in his new role at the September district staff meeting.

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CULPEPER FAST FIVE 1

Golf tournament | The 3rd Annual Fore Kids Golf Tournament is scheduled for

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Robotic mowers | See how robotic mowers help VDOT crews make their jobs safer,

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Weight Watchers | CommonHealth is running a special promotion. Employees who

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Be healthy | Enjoy a safe and healthy fall season with these autumn health tips from

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Columbus Day | State offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of

Thursday, Oct. 3 at Lake Monticello Golf Course. Be on the lookout for more CVC events.

easier and more efficient in the latest episode of VDOT TV.

join Weight Watchers between now and Oct. 18 can redeem a free starter kit ( value $70+).

the National Safety Council.

Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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VDOT (continued) The VDOT of Tomorrow program is focused on preparing VDOT for the future. It began by identifying how changes in our industry as well as technology, government, environmental and social factors will impact the agency and our staff. Based on those identified impactors, VDOT’s leadership established a vision for our future: To become a comprehensive transportation agency that will deliver safer, faster and more reliable mobility for Virginia’s citizens and the traveling public.

Making this vision a reality will require everyone at VDOT to participate. Whether you’ve recently joined the agency, are wellestablished in your career or looking forward to retirement, the VDOT of Tomorrow initiative will prepare you for the future by strengthening employee skills, updating the agency’s methods

and processes and empowering innovation by all employees in every field.

This will not be a quick makeover. It will require time, effort and commitment. But one thing is certain: Change will continue, and it will accelerate. The VDOT of Tomorrow project will prepare our current employees to be successful in a dynamic, evolving industry and update the ways we work to support the VDOT of the future.

More information about the program, including a short video that explains the initiative, is on the InsideVDOT website’s VDOT of Tomorrow page. You can also get more information from one of Culpeper District’s Change Champions: Bethel Kefyalew, Ben Davison, Adam Moore, Corey Clinton, Nicole Peyton, Jan Pearce and Lou Hatter. 

VDOT Prepares for Arrival of Winter Maintenance staff from across the district recently gathered to discuss winter weather procedures. The meeting reviewed road condition reporting systems, contract monitors and other required procedures during winter weather operations. 

District Maintenance Engineer David Pearce and Infrastructure

Residency staff and superintendents from across the district listen to a

Manager Travis Estes review winter weather procedures with a room full of maintenance staff.

presentation from District Maintenance leadership about winter weather operations.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

JEFF GARR MADISON AHQ

Madison Area Headquarters Superintendent Jeff Garr is a 25-year VDOT veteran and Madison County native. Get to know more about him from this recent interview.

never a dull moment, that’s for sure!

Q: What are three words that describe you?

A: Positive, compassionate and energetic. I try not to have a bad day. I stay positive because if you don’t, others around you won’t either.

Q: What led you to begin your career with the agency?

A: My uncle, Tommy Berry, worked for VDOT at Q: Tell us about your crew.

Rhoadesville AHQ and I had A: They are a highly-skilled experience operating farm team. They can do anything equipment, so I figured I’d Jeff Garr, pictured at right, accepts his 25-year from construction to basic service award from DE John Lynch earlier this year. give it a whirl! I started my maintenance. They all have a career as an operator at good attitude and are willing Rhoadesville AHQ. My cousin, to help others. They work Tony Berry, also works for VDOT on the sign crew. well together and learn from one another. I also Q: How have your previous experiences with VDOT helped you with the role you’re in today?

A: I’ve learned a lot from some highly-skilled guys over the years. They’ve taken me under their wings and put their faith in me. Opportunities just fell into the right place at the right time.

Q: What are some of your responsibilities as superintendent?

A: We maintain about 1,000 lane miles of pavement, respond to work requests from the public, schedule surface treatments and perform tree trimming. We cover the entire county of Madison, plus parts of Culpeper and Rappahannock counties.

Q: What are some of your favorite moments in working with VDOT so far?

A: I enjoy what I do — helping others and learning new things. I enjoy working during and after storms, and seeing people come together to achieve a common goal, like we did during the 2018 mud slides in Greene County. At VDOT there’s

appreciate my two supervisors, Tony Cooke and Thomas McDaniel. One is skilled in the field while the other excels at technical aspects of the job, and they’re both willing to step in to help when needed.

Q: Have you faced any challenges recently?

A: It's been a challenge trying to do more with less at VDOT, but we find ways to get as much accomplished as possible, while doing it safely.

I make my crew a part of our decision-making process. It empowers them and I've found it's important to use the talent and wisdom of those around you.

Q: Where is your favorite travel destination? Why? A: I visit Nags Head, North Carolina yearly. At the beach you've got water, sand, peace and quiet.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I enjoy camping, fishing and playing basketball.

In the winter, I like to join pick-up games because it provides good stress relief and I enjoy the comradery. 

SEPTEMBER 2019

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Chief (continued) management.

Gregg talked about how his experience transfers into his current role, using teamwork and competition as an example. “We are all one team, but it’s OK to set up some competition.

When I was in Richmond [where he was deputy district administrator] all I wanted to do was to beat John Lynch. Now, I want VDOT to be the best.”

Gregg also talked about other aspects of his approach to the task of managing the nation’s third-largest state-maintained highway network.

“We have to have commitment, and back that up with action. People watch what you do a lot more than what you say.”

Urgency and purpose are also essential, he said. And, “you’ve got to own it. That’s what it’s all about no matter what area you work in. It is yours, and that pride of ownership becomes commitment to excellence. It is getting back to

basics.” He suggested, as an example, the basic task that area headquarters superintendents use: “You’ve got to ride the roads. How else do you know what’s going on?”

That commitment to excellence leads to positive outcomes, he continued. “If we are doing the right things for the right reasons, we will be OK.” Gregg also stressed that managers, at all levels, are expected to work with the resources they are provided with. “We all have a budget, and we need to live within it.”

Finally and most important, Gregg emphasized his focus on safety. “It is easy to forget but it can have significant consequences. Stupid things can end up costing a lot of money, an injury or even your life.”

“No job,” he said, “is more important than doing it safely. If we can’t do it safely, we need to figure out another way.” 

Wildlife and Highway Safety The time period between early October and December, includes hunting, deer mating and crop harvest season.

These activities result in a greater number of deer on Virginia's highways, which poses a risk for drivers.

Deer are most often seen crossing roads in the evening and early morning, particularly around dusk and dawn.

As you drive this fall, it is important that you prepare yourself by anticipating the problem and paying special attention to your surroundings. Below are some driving tips that will help you avoid hitting a deer or minimize the dangers associated, if a collision occurs.

Be sure to share these with loved ones to keep them safe on the road as well!

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Compliments on Job Well Done Boyd Tavern AHQ

Keene AHQ

“Thank you for the dust control application on Willow Dale Lane. The work has made living on the road enjoyable to be outside, visit and see the beauty versus the dust and hiding inside. Thank you! Even my neighbor noticed a refreshing difference.”

“Thank you for fixing our road in Esmont.

Your team did a fantastic job smoothing out the potholes on the road. The response was quick and I felt the effort was above the usual.”

—— Ms. O’Brien of Albemarle County

—— Ms. Burnett-Lehne of Albemarle County

Charlottesville Bridge “Thank you to the crew that replaced the Hammocks Gap Road bridge. The crew did a great job. Thank you!”

—— Ms. Gentry of Albemarle County

Free Union AHQ “Thank you to the great crew that repaired Decca Lane. We truly appreciate the hard work you do to keep our road in good shape!”

—— Ms. O’Connor of Albemarle County

Gordonsville AHQ “Thank you for clearing the vegetation on Matthews Mill Road. It is very much appreciated!”

—— Ms. Murphy of Orange County

“I want to thank Scooter Alexander for mowing Scottsville Road. It looks amazing and I couldn’t be happier. The crew really needs a pat on the back for all they did to beautify this area.”

—— Mr. Pitt of Albemarle County

“Thank you for repairing Howardsville Turnpike. The crew did a great job!”

—— Mr. Riplin of Albemarle County

Stanardsville AHQ “Thank you for fixing Wyatt Mountain Road in Dyke. It is 100% better now. I appreciate your hard work.”

—— Mr. Morris of Greene County

Warrenton AHQ “Your crew did a fantastic job fixing Old Bust Head Road. Thank you for your hard work.”

—— Ms. Wisor of Fauquier County

SEPTEMBER 2019

VDOT Staff Thanked for Contributions During “Cut The Hills" Project The VDOT Design-Build Team recently thanked staff from the Warrenton Residency and the large contingent of VDOT operators who supported the project team during the full closure of northbound Route 29 near Vint Hill Road as part of the “Cut the Hills” project.

Communications Manager Lou Hatter was also recognized for overseeing public outreach throughout the project. 

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Wildlife (continued) 1. Wear seat belts, stay alert and drive at the posted speed limits.

2. Drive with caution during dawn and dusk, and in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.

3. If you see one deer — use caution — there may be more.

4. Using high-beam lights will illuminate a deer's eyes to allow for maximum response time.

5. Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid hitting a deer. Although this may seem odd, it is important to maintain control of the vehicle if a collision with a deer is inevitable.

Warrenton Resident Engineer Mark Nesbit, center, holds a piece of rock leftover from the blasting operations on northbound Route 29. The design-build team presented the rock to residency staff and several maintenance operators who worked weekends and extended schedules to support the project team.

6. If collision with a deer is unavoidable, stay in your lane and let off the brake just before impact.

(This will cause the nose of your vehicle to come back up, reducing the chance of the deer rolling into your windshield).

7. Report any deer-vehicle collisions to local authorities. 

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SEPTEMBER 2019

BENEFITS CONTACTS Anthem Member Services Medical, prescription drug, optional vision/hearing 1-800-552-2682

www.anthem.com/cova

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) 1-877-451-7244

www.benefitadminsolutions.com/anthem Employee Assistance Program 1-855-223-9277

www.anthemeap.com

Get a

at your local pharmacy.

COVA HealthAware (Aetna)

Medical, dental, EAP, prescription drug, vision, hearing 1-855-414-1901 www.covahealthaware.com

BEFORE IT STOPS YOU

Kaiser Permanente

Medical insurance 1-800-777-7902 www.kp.org/mida/commonwealthofvirginia

Protect yourself and your family this flu season.

Be sure to bring a photo ID and health plan ID card.

Delta Dental

Dental insurance 1-888-335-8296

www.deltadentalva.com Securian Group & Optional Life Insurance

Group and optional life insurance 1-800-441-2258 www.varetire.org/members/benefits/life-insurance/ index.asp September 2019

ReedGroup

Disability insurance 1-877-928-7021 www.varetire.org/members/disability/vsdp/index.asp reedgroup.com/vrs/vrs-employee-virginia-sicknessdisability-program/

MC Innovations (MCI)

Workers’ Compensation Administrator 1-804-649-2288 www.covwc.com

VDOT is on Social Media Stay up to date with the latest VDOT news by following our social media accounts. Click on the buttons below to visit the official pages.

ICMA-RC

Defined compensation plans 1-877-327-5261 www.varetire.org/members/Benefits/definedcontribution/index.asp

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) State retirement benefits 1-888-VARETIR (1-888-827-3847) www.varetire.org