VAA Virginia Asphalt Fall/Winter 2020

10 FALL/WINTER 2020 △ continued from page 09 structures, such as the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, the Varina-Enon cable- stayed Bridge, the Benjamin Harrison Bridge, and others. In the past, we made repairs on an as-needed basis because we didn’t have the resources to do more. We can now ensure those structures have committed funding for the routine and extraordinary maintenance that will keep them safe and operational for decades to come. Having a plan that brings sustainability to our pavements, bridges, and special structures is a huge opportunity we haven’t had in the past. Its benefits meet the taxpayers’ expectations. VAA→ What is one thing people who do not know you will find interesting? CARY→ I raced sailboats competitively in the United States and Canada. When I was young, I spent summers with my grand- mother in Rochester, New York. She signed me up for sailing lessons, and I found a lifelong love for the water. I raced smaller I’d like to remind everyone that, in our business, safety is priority. We need to continue observing safety precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. boats like Lasers, 470s, and 420s, and I’ve sailed on the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay, and in the Atlantic Ocean. I sold my boat in 2015, but I’d love to take up racing again, maybe as a crew member on a larger team instead of having my own vessel. VAA→ Any other thoughts you would like to share with our readers? CARY→ I’d first like to thank everyone for their efforts during this pandemic. VDOT has continued service without interrup- tion and has made tremendous strides. It has been a challenging time, but between VDOT and our industry partners, we’ve been able to keep our programs and projects moving to make a positive difference in quality of life. I’d also like to remind everyone that, in our business, safety is priority. We need to continue observing safety precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep ourselves, our families, and our colleagues healthy. We also need to be vigilant in our work zones. During this pandemic, I’ve seen the level of speeding and reckless driving in Virginia increase. We have thousands of people working on our roadsides, and we need to make sure they’re able to return home safely each day to their families. GETTING TO KNOW VDOT CHIEF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ROBERT H. CARY, P.E., L.S.