around
the cone
Summer 2019
Vol. 5, No. 1
Cover: Nash Road Bridge completed in August
In this issue New District Leadership VDOT/VSP Joint Facility Update VDOT of Tomorrow Change Champions Bridge Dedication Statewide Roadeo Employee Spotlight: Lynn Poole A Heroic Rescue - Brandon Trevillian Holiday Helpers Update VDOT of Tomorrow Survey Results Safety Solutions Compliments on a Job Well Done Employee Update
2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8-10 11
A Message from Shane Mann, P.E. - Richmond District Engineer First and foremost, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Richmond District. I was born in Nottoway, and have continued to live in this area for almost my entire life. I truly believe that our district is the best in the Commonwealth, mainly due to the friendly faces of our hardworking staff and the top notch work that we do. Even with the eventful summer we experienced, I continue to be impressed by your prompt response to the task at hand, as well as the urgent planning for what’s to come. Recently, I was able to observe teams districtwide prepare for Hurricane Dorian. Even though the district saw minimal impact from the storm, my years of VDOT service have taught me that you can never be too prepared for emergency operations. The detailed plans that were received from district teams proved that you were staffed, fueled and ready for the worst. That being said, we are not free from hurricane season just yet. Please continue to pay attention to forecasts and be ready to switch back into emergency operations, if needed. In the spirit of healthy competition, I want to congratulate and thank the team members who participated in Roadeo 2019 at the residency, district and state levels. Richmond District took three awards home from the 30th annual state games, which is a great accomplishment! Lloyd T. Smith (Clarksville Area Headquarters) came in third place for the tandem axle dump truck competition, Timmy Osborne (Sturgeonville Area Headquarters) placed second in the single axle dump truck event, and John Eckert (District Equipment Shop) took home the gold in the Low Boy category. Well done, gentlemen–you continue to make the district proud! As we all settle in for some cooler weather, I encourage you to talk to team members that you may not know and build valuable relationships. I have gotten to know many of you during my years in various positions in Construction, and it has helped guide my vision and expectations for the future of the district. As we move forward with the new Joint Safety and Operations Complex in Colonial Heights, I am excited to learn more about many of you as we transition to the new building. Keep an eye out for more updates as the move-in date approaches, and feel free to communicate any questions to your supervisor. As we get up to speed, know that your patience is always appreciated and it is an exciting time to be a part of the Richmond District. As Bart would say, "take care and be safe," Shane
VDOT/VSP Joint Facility update Work continues on the new VDOT Richmond District/Virginia State Police Division 1 joint facility. Crews are currently finalizing the building's exterior, completing paving operations for the new parking lot, and beginning interior work to include floors, ceilings, wiring and paint. Elevators inside the building are functional and furnishings will be moved into place soon. Weather permitting, the first phase of move-in is expected to occur in November. Remaining teams will move in December/early January as crews demolish the bridge and environmental buildings. How can I prepare for the move? If you are a Richmond District Complex employee moving into the joint facility, the time is now to prepare for our move. • Shred as many documents as possible in accordance with record retention schedules. • Minimize the amount of knick-knacks that you will bring to your new workspace. • Follow any instructions that the business and IT teams provide as we near our move-in date. Questions about the building? Lezlie Ellis has seating charts in her office and welcomes inquiring minds. Around the Cone 2
Richmond District teammates graduate from leadership program On Friday, September 13, employees from across the Richmond District graduated from the Leadership Development Program for Teammates (LDPT). The 10+ week program provides prospective VDOT supervisors with the tools they need to lead a team and guide employees through their careers. Topics covered include conflict resolution, problem solving, building trust and customer service. Following remarks from Training Program Manager Chad Baker, 20 employees received their certificates of completion from District Training Manager Jimmy Powell and Acting District Engineer Robbie Williams. If you are interested in participating in future LDPT courses, contact your district training manager. More training resources also are available on VDOT University.
Pictured above (left to right): Richmond District Training Manager Jimmy Powell, Les Mansfield – Kenbridge AHQ, Frank Huffman – Basie Road AHQ, Chad Hawthorne – Kenbridge AHQ, Jonathan Heare – Prince George AHQ, Steve Snell – Ashland Residency, Milton Crowder – Victoria AHQ, Vincent Fogg – Kenbridge AHQ, Matthew Harvey – Beach AHQ, Jessica Brockwell – Petersburg Residency, Morris Prince – Prince George AHQ, William Orr – District Roadside, Micah Eubanks – Traffic Engineering/CRO, Lavar Briggs – Pocahontas AHQ, Carlos Worsham – Chesterfield Residency, Marty Little – Beach AHQ, Acting Richmond District Engineer Robbie Williams, Rosalind Thorpe – Beach AHQ and Christopher Barnes – Pocahontas AHQ. Not pictured: Jehoshaun Hampton – Basie Road AHQ, Andrea Miller – District Land Acquisition and Ryan Phillips – Bon Air AHQ.
Ask me about VDOT of Tomorrow! The Richmond District Change Champions are focused on learning the latest on VDOT of Tomorrow. Learn their names and faces and let them know your questions and feedback! Pictured left to right: Mary-Margaret Allen Cathy Layne Kevin Smith Scott Thornton Bethanie Glover Robb Alexander Gary Jennings Robert Poutier Phillip Frazer Jimmy Powell Kyle Bates
Around the Cone 3
Richmond District marks completion of I-64 widening in Henrico and New Kent On Thursday, September 26, representatives from VDOT, Corman-Branch, a Joint Venture (CBJV), local law enforcement and county partners gathered at the I-64 east weigh station near mile marker 203 to mark the completion of the Interstate 64 widening project between I-295 (mile marker 200) and Bottoms Bridge (mile marker 205). The $46.4 million project to add a lane in each direction on I-64 and widen two bridges over the Chickahominy River was awarded to CBJV in 2017, and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget in August 2019. The program began with opening remarks from Richmond District Engineer Shane Mann, followed by project highlights from VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich. “For the upwards of 100,000 vehicles that travel through this area each day, this project provides critical congestion relief and added driver safety within the I-64 corridor,” said Commissioner Brich. “This project’s success was the culmination of strong partnerships, and I thank [the project team] for [its] efforts in bringing this project to completion, ahead of schedule and under budget.” Commissioner Brich especially thanked Richmond District Mega Projects Manager Scott Fisher for his leadership throughout the project’s life cycle. Following the commissioner’s remarks, Ryan Gorman, Design Build Integrator and Deputy Design-Build Project Manager for CBJV commented on the successes and challenges that came with delivering the project in only two years. Bart Thrasher, VDOT Chief Engineer, closed the event with remarks on the benefits of the widening to the Richmond District. Project team members and VDOT leadership then gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon.
Bridge dedication honors fallen trooper On Friday, September 13, Virginia State Police (VSP) held a bridge dedication event to honor Trooper Mark Barrett, who passed away during a 2010 State Police Search and Recovery Team training exercise at Lake Anna. Trooper Barrett's family, along with multiple officials, remarked on his life and service to VSP. Signs were unveiled at the event and on the Meadow Road overpass above I-64, dedicating the bridge to Trooper Barrett's memory. Many thanks to the VDOT sign shop, the Ashland Residency and Elko Area Headquarters staff for their work to install the bridge signs and prepare mementos for Trooper Barrett's family.
Around the Cone 4
VDOT Statewide Roadeo 2019 The Richmond District Roadeo team did a great job at the 30th annual Statewide Roadeo, held at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Competitors from the district put their best foot (and wheels) forward for the games, winning three individual awards: Lowboy (First Place): John Eckert, Richmond District Equipment Shop Single Axle (Second Place): Timmy Osborne, Sturgeonville Area Headquarters Tandem Axle (Third Place): Lloyd T. Smith, Clarksville Area Headquarters
John Eckert
Timmy Osborne
Lloyd T. Smith
Employees participate in Governor's Tournament Employees from the South Hill residency have gone fishing! Sharon Jones, Chase City Area Headquarters supervisor, and her son, Justin Elliott, Richmond District structure and bridge inspector, along with grandsons Gage, 12, and Case Jones, 8, fished in the Governor's Tournament held September 28 at Occoneechee State Park. Justin placed fifth in his group, Gage placed second and Case placed fifth. Great job!
Employee Spotlight: Lynn Poole Lynn Poole is a business coordinator in the Richmond District's Equipment Section with 22 years of state service. She started her career in the business/military field in 1998 with The Department of Military Affairs. In her career, she has done a wide range of tasks from payroll to probation. She holds a certificate as a Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) from the Virginia Institute of Procurement. When asked what she enjoys most about the Richmond District, Lynn says she enjoys the family environment here and how everyone here is eager to help their fellow co-workers.
Around the Cone 5
Richmond District employee provides life-saving CPR Brandon Trevillian knows what to do in an emergency situation, but he hoped he’d never have to prove it. An operator at VDOT’s Powhatan Area Headquarters, Brandon usually comes to work and performs routine road maintenance activities. Little did he know how quickly he would need to jump into action. While driving to a guardrail job with a contractor, he noticed a woman attempting to revive her husband in their front yard. He and his colleague stopped, called 911, and retrieved a first aid kit from the truck. Brandon took over chest compressions and breaths in 90+ degree heat until medical services arrived. “I just wanted to do all I could to save this lady’s best friend,” Brandon said. “As a husband and a daddy, I can’t imagine losing one of my family members. I would want someone’s help if it were me in her shoes.” Because of Brandon’s quick response, the gentleman was revived and is on a path to recovery. Soon, Brandon will be teaching adult CPR and first aid to VDOT employees as a certified instructor. To sign up for the next CPR/first aid course near you, visit VDOT University or talk to your area’s training manager.
Christmas in July Holiday Helpers Christmas in July was a huge success this year, thanks to the generosity of VDOT Richmond District employees. The total donated to Holiday Helpers exceeded previous years with $5,257.45 in donations, including a record 21 bicycles. It took three pickup trucks to deliver all of the donations to Fort Lee in August. Soldiers and their families can shop for their children's holiday gifts at the Fort Lee Toy Store this December. About 25 VDOT employees will have the opportunity to volunteer to wrap gifts and shop with the soldiers. A special thanks to those who led the efforts: Kim Ampy, Betty Corell, Lydia Edwards, Carolyn Hodges, Dana Mann, Janet Santerre and Tally Watson. VDOT also received an award, pictured left, for last year's contributions as one of the top three contributors.
Keeping Virginia moving! Keith Carper and Robert Cochrane from Traffic Engineering completed work to improve a signalized intersection near the Petersburg Residency on Route 1 this summer.
Around the Cone 6
Safety Solutions Journey to Zero The Journey to Zero campaign is a high priority for Richmond District Engineer Shane Mann. "The Richmond District Safety Team has been hard at work on this campaign, and it's really important that we all work hard to improve safety in the workplace and make zero accidents a reality," he said. All employees should know the VDOT Safety Rules and VDOT Maintenance Best Practices. For a refresher, visit the District Safety page on InsideVDOT.
New Safety Officer Welcome to Jason Dodge, compliance/safety officer in the Richmond District. He can help with any safety-related questions, CESE questions or submissions, VDOT-related road incidents and safety policies and procedures. The safety team is available any time at 804-837-9118.
VDOT of Tomorrow survey results More than 4,100 employees provided input through the VDOT of Tomorrow Employee Survey in September. These comments will be used to help shape changes throughout the organization and implement the VDOT of Tomorrow project. Below are results for the Richmond District.
Around the Cone 7
Compliments on a Job Well Done Ashland Residency "Just wanted to say thank you for the quick response to my ditch cleanup request. I reported my request on Thursday, 9/5/19 and a crew was at my home Friday a.m. 9/6/19. I really appreciate your assistance in getting the ditch back to normal and everyone I spoke with (Philip and David) were so pleasant and assured me that they would make sure my request was addressed and taken care of. Thank you again." Pamela
"Citizen states the day after he called, the VDOT crew came out and fixed the pothole. He is very thankful for the work that was done." Jarett
"Work order #1158928 8/26/19 Citizen wanted to thank VDOT for taking care of this so quickly." Charles
"Citizen reported at Bell Creek Road,& Loralea Drive Mechanicsville, VA: I sent in this request on July 31, 2019 at approximately 9:30 PM. When I left home this morning, August 1, 2019 at approximately 10:00 AM, there was a crew at the scene and the bushes had already been trimmed. I applaud VDOT for the quick and excellent response to this request." William
"I certainly hope that I have the correct place to pass along my appreciation for some good work. I had previously reported a clogged culvert. A team came out several days ago to clear the debris. Yesterday, we experienced some very heavy rains, and the drainage system flowed just as one would expect. Thanks to the folks that took care of the problem in such an expeditious and professional manner!!" Kurt "Work order #1142589 -- Thank you for the work order done right at the corner of 634 & 635. It is appreciated." William "In reference to SR#1151161, citizen wanted to thank Tammy Puckett for taking his call and submitting a request for him. He really appreciated her help. He also wanted to thank the crew for taking care of his request." Robert
"Citizen wanted to say thank you to the crew that fixed the shoulder in front of the mailbox at 7640 Elko Road. She said that they did a wonderful job and she appreciates how fast it was completed. Thank you." Eva
Chesterfield Residency "Caller had a previous work order #1144040 to have this area cut back, she stated that they did this area and it looks great and she can see! Thanks again! Skinquarter Rd. & Hull St Rd., Moseley." Eileen "Work order #1142549 Thank you for so promptly addressing these pothole issues." Ann "Citizen and neighbors wanted to say thank you to the VDOT crews for doing such a great job at removing the tree at this location. Says they appreciate all of their hard work." Anna
"Please thank the area headquarters for mowing through this area. Hard to see coming out of the driveway but now it is great. Thank you so much." Bonnie
"Very happy with ditch that was cleaned at 7701 Robinwood Dr, Rt 2888. Work order #1076050. Looks great and she no longer has standing water or feels trapped that she can't get out of her driveway." Margie
"Citizen is thankful for work completed at his property. He was advised by JT that the equipment was broken. JT took the clippers out of his vehicle and cut the vegetation back so that the citizen could see oncoming traffic. Citizen is very thankful and would like to have JT recognized for the work he did." Forest
"Citizen called to say the paving being done on Hull Street Road is incredible. He would like VDOT to know it's a great job." Frank "Caller would like to compliment two outstanding VDOT workers. Jack Allen and Sam Brown [Chester AHQ] repaired the curb and gutter in this area and they took the time to answer questions and speak with the neighbors. They are both great representatives of VDOT and they appreciate their good work." James
Around the Cone 8
Compliments on a Job Well Done Chesterfield Residency
Petersburg Residency
"I want to praise the crew who removed the tree that fell across Iredell blocking my driveway on Monday 8/26/19. They did a fantastic job and were so accommodating to this old 75-year-old woman and my 89-year-old ill husband. Bless the crew!" Anne
"Work order #1152575. Citizen called to thank the crew that took care of the leaning tree yesterday at 284 Raccoon Crossing Rd, Burkeville. Said the whole neighborhood appreciates it and everyone was tickled about the whole thing." Frank
"Citizen wanted to say thank you for fixing the timing on the light at the Maidens Road and Anderson Highway intersection. It is working a lot better now and he wanted to express his gratitude." Raymond "Citizen called to compliment the VDOT crew mowing along Genito Road. Said they did a fantastic job and she appreciates the hard work they did. She lives on Rocky Ford Road and said she doesn't have a visibility issue at Genito and they did an exceptional job." Anna
"I submitted a pothole repair request yesterday. We were driving down Fox Chase road this afternoon and much to my astonishment, the potholes had been filled in!! I want to thank you for such a quick response to my request. Kudos to your department and all who were involved in the process!!! The holes were in a curve, making it difficult to move over to avoid them. You have made our street and neighborhood a safer place. Thank you again!!" Susan "Citizen called in to compliment the VDOT worker who came to her house to assist with SR#1154335. Citizen stated that he did a wonderful job and would like to give him a special thanks. Citizen stated that if she ever needed any work done in the future, she would love to have him come get the job done." Linda "Work order #1160343. Citizen wanted to thank VDOT for removing the dead raccoon from the side of the road." Julie "I write to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mr. Ron Geisler, Road Side Assistance Operator Area 3, for his help in replacing a road impact damaged tire on my Lexus automobile. The date was Tuesday, August 9. I had tried to contact my husband and a number of friends. No one was able to help me at approximately 9:30 a.m. in rush hour traffic. I am very grateful for his expertise and willingness to help me in my predicament. I did offer to pay this kind 'Good Samaritan' but he refused to accept any payment. He felt he was just doing his job." Lenna
"The citizen called to thank VDOT for fixing potholes White Oak Church Road, Wilsons, VA." Stephen "Citizen states that the superintendent that is over this area where they cleared the sight distance on 645 is very prompt and respectful. He said that he wanted to give him an 'atta boy' shoutout for his services and says to keep up the great work. Thank you." "Citizen called in to give a compliment to workers who came out in regards to SR#1170346/#SR1170344 to assist with work order at 2746 Old Nottoway Rd. Citizen stated they came and got the job done in a timely manner and was very pleased. Citizen stated now her mother is secure and can get out of her driveway with no concerns. VDOT is awesome!" Patricia "Citizen called to give a compliment to the group that cut the grass and trees back on Weakley Road. She states they did a fantastic job." Wanda
South Hill Residency "This call was in reference to a claim for tar on the citizen's car. She said she was very pleased to have talked to Dana. Dana was very caring and professional and she loved her personality." Cathryn
Safety Service Patrol "Just wanted to give a big shout out and thanks to Safety Service Patrolman Dennis Driscoll. I had a flat tire this morning (5 a.m.) on I-95 south and Dennis stopped and gave me assistance. To say he was a big help would be an understatement. Thanks again to Dennis and all the VDOT workers out there making our VA roads safer." Michael
Around the Cone 9
Compliments on a Job Well Done Safety Service Patrol "On April 26, while en route to North Carolina on Interstate 95, our rental car developed a flat tire just north of Richmond. I managed to get safely on to a shoulder of the highway to call AAA for roadside assistance. The sight of an 80-year-old couple standing next to a disabled vehicle was disturbing to some passers-by, I am sure. As I am talking with the AAA representative, an emergency vehicle pulled up behind us with caution lights flashing and we were approached by a very personable young man who identified himself as Matthew, Safety Service Patrol-VDOT. All this in the space of 15 minutes. After laying out his safety cones, Matthew explained his mission which included changing the tire if we desired, and advised he was being backed up by a Highway Patrol Car. You can imagine the relief we experienced at this point in this situation. He further explained the rental's "donut" tire limited the range and speed on further travel and that we should proceed to the Richmond Airport for another rental car. Matthew then patiently gave us directions to the airport which we easily followed without incident. Please accept our gratitude for this great service initiative of the Virginia Department of Transportation and our admiration for those in the field that make it work."
"This past Saturday morning (10/4) my vehicle died on me as a I traveled north on I-95 near Chester. It was 1 a.m. After I pulled to the shoulder, I contacted AAA to get a tow. Then I waited. In the dark, on the edge of the woods I was unfamiliar with. Alone. About 10-15 minutes later, your team member pulled up to check things out. He gave me a seta in his truck, laid out flares and said he would remain until the wrecker arrived. He did just that. Fifteen minutes later, he was gone. I know he was 'doing his job' but, in my opinion, he did it beyond what I expected. He did it around 1:30 on a chily Saturday morning. And to me, he did it because he wanted to help. Unfortunately I didn't get his name. But for all he did, I thank him." Bob "The citizen was driving along and her car lost power. She pulled over to call AAA and then she was surprised to see a SSP pull up behind her. The SSP was Richard Crowder he helped her with gas for her car. She wants to make sure that Mr. Crowder gets the kudos. She was very happy to see VDOT pull up behind her. She did not feel safe on the side of the road alone." Heather
Around the Cone is a quarterly newsletter written for, by and about the employees of the VDOT Richmond District. Amelia Brunswick Charles City Chesterfield Dinwiddie Goochland Hanover
Henrico Lunenburg Mecklenburg New Kent Nottoway Powhatan Prince George
We want to hear good news from you! Send your story ideas for the next issue of Around the Cone, the electronic bulletin boards (EBBs), or InsideVDOT News to VDOTRVA@VDOT.Virginia.gov.
Around the Cone 10
Richmond District Employee Update
Welcome to our new Richmond District employees
June, July and August 2019
Dwayne Adkins, Operator Maintenance, Charles City Area Headquarters Gregory Allen, Jr., Operator Maintenance, Mechanicsville Area Headquarters Michael Blalock, Operator Maintenance, Kenbridge Area Headquarters Sherry Bleistein, Contract Administrative Specialist, Richmond District Construction Brooke Botterill, Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Richmond District Environmental Ginger Clore, Senior Engineering Tech, Richmond District Materials Jason Dodge, Safety Manager, Richmond District Safety Frank Fields, Inspector, Southern Region Construction Dale Franklin, II, Operator Maintenance, Powhatan Area Headquarters Kenneth Gee, Supervisor, South Hill Structure & Bridge James Gibbs, Operator Maintenance, Sturgeonville Area Headquarters Brandon Mitchell, Operator Maintenance, New Kent Area Headquarters Troy Parham, Operator Maintenance, Ashland Area Headquarters Corbin Stynes, Roadway Design Engineer, Richmond District Location & Design Eric Swann, Operator Maintenance, Beach Area Headquarters John Taylor, II, Operator Maintenance, Ashland Area Headquarters Christopher Williams, Operator Maintenance, Montpelier Area Headquarters
A fond farewell to our retirees
June, July and August 2019
Cynthia Chorinos, Equipment Shop Administrative Specialist, Richmond District Equipment Larry Christian, Operator Maintenance, New Kent Area Headquarters Emmett Hamner, Operator Maintenance, Chester Area Headquarters Vertig McDougald, Administrative Assistant, Chesterfield Residency Roger Payne, Operator Maintenance, Sandy Hook Area Headquarters Winston Phillips, Project Management Engineer, Richmond District Location & Design Randall Rock, Operator Maintenance, Charles City Area Headquarters Robert Szymczak, Inspector, Richmond District Structure & Bridge Linda Tomlin, Fiscal Technician, Ashland Residency Maxie Wright, Construction Manager, Richmond District Local Assistance
30 years of service 18 years of service 30 years of service 29 years of service 30 years of service 30 years of service 13 years of service 19 years of service 13 years of service 31 years of service
In memory William "Buzz" Bryant, Superintendent, Beach Area Headquarters James "JET" Thornton, Jr., Operator Maintenance, Ashland Area Headquarters
30+ years of service 36+ years of service
Around the Cone 11