VAA Virginia Asphalt Fall/Winter 2020

VAASPHALT.ORG 09 GETTING TO KNOW VDOT CHIEF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT H. CARY, P.E., L.S. We’ve worked proactively to introduce new technologies. The VDOT of the future puts more technology in the hands of our field employees. need to be sure we’re designing roads and infrastructure to accommodate this technology and ensure that we’re encourag- ing the most efficient flow of traffic at higher volumes. Lastly, one ongoing challenge is preparing and maintaining a skilled, robust work- force, from engineering and design to maintenance and operations. VDOT continues to develop training programs and partnerships with community colleges and four-year institutions to make sure our current and future employees are ready and capable of performing our industry’s jobs. With transportation projects becoming increasingly important and complex, a skilled workforce is necessary to deliver them. VAA→ Since you have a glass half full mindset, what are the great- est opportunities on the horizon for VDOT and the industry? CARY→ We have robust bridge and pave- ment programs that continue to evolve with planning and effective funding. Through SMART SCALE, we have an excellent meth- odology for determining our greatest needs; through our State of Good Repair Program, we’re putting dollars where it makes the most sense; and through our Comprehen- sive Maintenance Review, we are ensur- ing that we’re providing uniform assets and pavements statewide. For example, a primary roadway carrying more than 3,500 vehicles a day in the densely populated Northern Virginia region will be treated identically to one near a more rural area like Bristol or Lynchburg, and a secondary route near the state capital Richmond is treated the same as one near Staunton to the west. This model and approach allow us to more effectively and efficiently distribute our funding, providing an opportunity to give Virginians the same level of service statewide. Another opportunity from the Comprehen- sive Maintenance Review was developing a maintenance plan and funding source to address our 25 largest, most complex Cary at VDOT 2019 Roadeo. continues on page 10 △