Richmond - Around the Cone - April 2023

AROUND THE CONE
APRIL 2023
HAVE A SEAT AND ENJOY THIS ISSUE OF AROUND
THE CONE! WHETHER YOU’RE AT YOUR DESK, ON
YOUR COUCH OR MAYBE AT ONE OF THE TABLES
IN THE JSOC COURTYARD (PICTURED ABOVE, DON’T
FORGET TO OPEN THE UMBRELLAS IF IT’S SUNNY),
THIS NEWSLETTER IS FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE
VDOT RICHMOND DISTRICT, BY YOUR RICHMOND
DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS TEAM.
WE HAVE A PACKED ISSUE, FILLED WITH EMPLOYEE
ACHIEVEMENTS, DISTRICT ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
PRAISE FROM CUSTOMERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS
AND SO MUCH MORE.
YOU CAN HELP DECIDE WHAT GOES INTO OUR
NEXT EDITION! EMAIL STORY TIPS AND IDEAS TO
RICHMONDPUBAFF@VDOT.VIRGINIA.GOV. WE
WANT TO FILL THESE PAGES WITH AS MUCH
DISTRICT NEWS AS POSSIBLE.
HAPPY READING!
THIS ISSUE:
MESSAGE FROM DALE
PAGE 2
MESSAGE FROM LEZLIE
PAGE 3
I-64 GAP PUBLIC HEARING
PAGE 4
OVERHEIGHT DETECTION
PAGE 6
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
MARK IRVING
PAGE 7
PRESERVED PIECE OF
HISTORY IN ASHLAND
PAGE 10
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 01

Message from Dale Totten, P.E.-
Richmond District Engineer
I wanted to start my remarks for this edition of Around
the Cone by saying a very hearty thank you.
Thank you to the entire district, from South Hill to Sandston,
from Ashland to Amelia and all points in between. You, the
district’s nearly 900 employees, do such a fantastic job every
day keeping Virginia moving. Your hard work deserves
commendation.
I’d also like to extend a special thank you to three specific
district leadership members for their work these past few
months, starting with Lezlie Ellis.
Lezlie has accepted and is now serving in the position of Deputy District Administrator. She brings
more than 32 years of VDOT service to this role. You’ll read more from Lezlie below, but I want to
make sure I mention that I am greatly looking forward to seeing her thrive in this role. Her
leadership presence in the Richmond district has been strongly felt for many years and she knows the
agency inside and out.
Next, I would like to thank Rebecca Worley for serving as the Acting Deputy District Engineer while
the search for a permanent hire took place. She has now resumed the role of Chesterfield Resident
Engineer.
Finally, I’d like to say thanks to Adam Wilkerson for serving as the Acting Chesterfield Resident
Engineer while Rebecca worked in the district office. Adam has now resumed the role of the
Chesterfield Residency’s Area Land Use Engineer.
Again, a special thank you to Lezlie, Rebecca and Adam for all their continued hard work and service
to the district and to every Richmond district employee reading this newsletter.
I also wanted to touch on a safety topic today. As we move into warmer weather and more
construction projects start, I want all VDOT employees and contractors to be mindful of work zones.
National Work Zone Awareness Week 2023 is set for April 17-21 and will remind drivers that they
play a very important role in work zone safety. Our crews also have an important role in making sure
that work zones are both safe and effective at temporary traffic control. Be sure to follow your
project’s work zone plans and the MUTCD guidance on work zones - and talk to our district Safety
office if you have any questions.
Safety of VDOT employees, contractors and the traveling public is the department’s top priority. We
all play a part in keeping our highways safe. Let’s make it a safe 2023 on district roads and highways.
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 2

Lezlie Ellis, was named Deputy District
Administrator in late February. Lezlie
transitioned into the role with 32 years of
VDOT service, 28 of which she completed in
the Richmond District. Lezlie worked mainly
on the administrative side, but began her
career in the Maintenance Division as a
Business Associate for 18 months. She also
spent four months in the Sandston Residency
as the acting Residency Administrator.
When asked what she enjoys the most about
working with VDOT Lezlie says, “I have
always enjoyed the work that I have been
given the opportunity to do, but I really enjoy
the people. Anytime you can come into the
office and work hard, but have fun working
with a really diverse group of people it makes
for a great career.”
Congratulations,
Lezlie!
Message from Lezlie:
I am excited to begin this new chapter in my career with VDOT and to have the
opportunity to explore parts of the organization that I have not had the chance to work
with directly throughout my career. I am looking forward to collaborating with the
district’s executive team to ensure efficient and effective operations and to identify and
remove any barriers to success for the four Residencies, Interstate Maintenance office,
District Land Use and Safety.
I am dedicated to working with Dale to implement VDOT and the Richmond District’s
goals and objectives in hopes that the roadways of the Richmond District continue to be
safe and efficient for motorists and that we foster an environment in which you will
have the opportunity to achieve your own goals.
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 3

I-64 GAP
P U B L I C H E A R I N G
A large crowd gathered into the New Kent Visitors and Commerce
Center just before the turn of the year to learn more about the I-64 GAP
project.
Several project team members and other VDOT Richmond District
employees were on hand at the December 13, 2022 design public
hearing to answer public questions and hear comments about the
“Segment A” widening project, which will add an additional travel lane
on I-64 east and west between Bottoms Bridge (mile marker 205) and
mile marker 215 in New Kent County. In all, the GAP project will
continue east, adding a third travel lane in both directions until mile
marker 234 in York County.
“I really appreciate all the
VDOT staff members and our
consultant (WRA) for their
hard work on this meeting
and the I-64 GAP project as a
whole,” said Scott Fisher,
Richmond District Mega
Projects Engineer.
This 29-miles of interstate is referred to as a “gap” because it is the lone
stretch of I-64 between the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions
without three travel lanes in each direction. Closing that gap is expected
to increase safety, economic development, and traffic flow.
VDOT will release a Request for Proposals for Segment A in spring 2023
and expects to award a Design-Build contract in the fall of 2023. The
estimated completion of this section is winter 2026-27.
“I really appreciate all the VDOT staff members and our consultant
(WRA) for their hard work on this meeting and the I-64 GAP project as a
whole,” said Scott Fisher, Richmond District Mega Projects Engineer.
“These meetings give VDOT a chance to show the public that we have a
strong plan in place to meet the expanding needs of the traveling public
along I-64. I also want to thank Tony Haverly, Project Manager, for his
continued leadership as this project moves forward.”
In addition to the roadway widening, the project will widen and
rehabilitate multiple bridges, and install new overhead signs, cameras to
help with incident alerts, sound barrier walls, culvert and pipe repairs,
and storm drainage and stormwater management systems.
Thanks to each Richmond District employee who participated in this
important public meeting.

SSP AND TOC ANNUAL REPORT
The VDOT Richmond District operations team and contractor AECOM’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) and Safety Service
Patrol (SSP) had a busy 2022 serving the district’s travelers and highway workers.
In all, the Richmond District TOC, which coordinates traffic incidents, work zones, weather events and work requests in the
district, managed nearly 76,000 total events in 2022. Of those events, the vast majority were dedicated to incidents (48%)
and work zones (40%).
The TOC helps to feed traffic information to Virginia 511, keeping drivers informed. Nearly 70,000 events were sent to 511
by the TOC team in 2022.
Another service the TOC provides comes in the form of VDOT’s overhead highway Changeable Message Signs. The
Richmond TOC posted nearly 2.3 million messages to those signs, displaying important messages to drivers for more than
277,000 hours.
SSP drivers patrolled more than 1.5 million miles and assisted more than 26,000 motorists in the two districts in 2022.
Crews pushed 136 vehicles to a safer location and removed 520 objects safely from travel lanes. More than 1,900 drivers
provided feedback from SSP crews, with all reporting a positive experience. SSP coverage also expanded to I-295 in 2022.
“Thank you to AECOM and our talented and dedicated TOC operators and SSP crew members,” said Ollie Rose, Richmond
District traffic operations manager. “The hard work this team puts in every single second of the day may not always be
seen by drivers, but they certainly feel it when a crash clears faster thanks to TOC assistance, or when a stranded motorist
gets a tire change from SSP.”
Here’s to an even more successful 2023 for the SSP and TOC!
LABURNUM AVENUE RAMP REOPENED
VDOT recently reopened the ramp from Laburnum Avenue (Route 197) to I-64 west (and over I-95) in the City of
Richmond, following a rehabilitation project.
The $4.5 million project featured many improvements, including a joint replacement, deck repairs and structural
steel repairs. This project will extend the ramp’s life cycle.
“I would like to thank residents and commuters in the area for their patience as they navigated this detour,” said
Robert Poutier, PE, Richmond District Construction Engineer. “This is an important ramp for Northside residents
and Richmond Raceway fans – and we are excited to allow traffic to flow on this ramp once again.”
Work on this project started in March 2022. Full completion of the project is currently scheduled for spring 2023,
weather permitting.
Thanks to the VDOT Richmond district construction team for their hard work on this project!
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 5

OVERHEIGHT VEHICLE DETECTION
The VDOT Richmond District recently installed overheight vehicle detection systems on five interstate segments
approaching the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights and Petersburg.
These systems were installed primarily to help prevent damage to interstate overpasses with a short vertical
height clearance in the cities by alerting overheight vehicles before they reach the bridge. Visible alerts now
signal drivers to pull over in designated areas to make alternate plans and prevent bridge strikes.
The new detection systems will flag overheight vehicles at the following locations:
I-95 north at mile marker 41.5 (Templeton) in Prince George County
I-64 west at mile marker 207.4 (two miles east of Bottoms Bridge) in New Kent County
I-95 south mile marker 88.7 (just south of Lewistown Road) in Hanover County
I-64 east at mile marker 172.6 (just west of Rockville) in Goochland County
I-85 north at mile marker 60 (one mile south of Route 460) in Dinwiddie County
“Many of the overpasses within Richmond city limits have existing low vertical height clearances, and most have
Richmond city utilities such as gas and water running beneath the bridge decks,” said Tanveer Chowdhury, PE,
Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “The same concerns extend to bridges in Colonial Heights and
Petersburg.”
“Until the bridges can be replaced and the vertical height clearance raised, these warning systems will ideally
reduce bridge strikes and costly damage to VDOT infrastructure and our trucking partners’ equipment,” said
Robb Alexander, PE, Richmond District Traffic Operations Director. “Additionally, bridge strikes can close one or
more lanes of traffic and cause heavy delays for other drivers while those incidents are cleared.”
The Richmond region’s first overheight detection system was installed at the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge
on Route 156 in Prince George and Charles City counties in 2017. Since its implementation, the bridge has seen a
100 percent decrease in bridge strikes and a major improvement in operations, with fewer incidents requiring
drivers to use a detour route that can add up to 30 minutes to their travels.
The Richmond District continues to consider and implement innovative ways to protect structures and save
money for the entire Commonwealth.

RICHMOND DISTRICT OPERATIONS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
MARK IRVING
The entire Hawthorne Room started to applaud as
Mark Irving entered the room on a late December
morning in 2022.
Towing contractors and VDOT Richmond District
team members were on hand for the quarterly
Towing Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) meeting,
but paused to celebrate Mark, who received the
2022 Colonel Stephen Flaherty & Lieutenant Brad
Clark Traffic Incident Management Award. The
award recognized Mark “For exceptional support,
contributions and involvement in advancing the
Virginia Statewide Incident Management
Program.”
Mark serves as the Richmond District Operations
Incident Management Coordinator (IMC) and is part
of a fiveperson
team of IMCs in the district. The IMCs serve
as VDOT’s eyes and ears at crash scenes and other
incidents along roadsides throughout the district’s
14 counties.
2022 Colonel Stephen
Flaherty & Lieutenant Brad
Clark Traffic Incident
Management Award
Although his name is on the award, Mark said he believes the commendation is a group achievement.I
requested that the trophy I received be displayed in the lobby, because this is truly a team achievement,”
Mark said. “We have a dedicated team of IMCs, interstate maintenance workers, towing partners, Safety
Service Patrol members, Traffic Operations Center operators and so many more who make the district’s
incident response truly shine. I appreciate every day that I can work with them.”
“While I do agree that this is a team achievement, I truly believe Mark deserves this recognition for the
significant role he plays keeping the Richmond District moving,” said Robb Alexander, PE, Richmond
District Operations Director.
The award was presented by Melanie Clark (pictured with Mark), who lost her husband, Hanover County
Firefighter Brad Clark, in 2018 when a tractor-trailer crashed into his fire truck during Tropical Storm
Michael. The award’s other namesake, Colonel Stephen Flaherty, served as the Superintendent for
Virginia State Police for 14 years.
Thank you, Mark, for the excellent work on Virginia’s roads and highways.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER FOR TWO MEMBERS
OF THE RICHMOND DISTRICT EQUIPMENT TEAM!
Norman Docx, an Equipment Repair Tech II, earned
the 2021 VDOT State Technician of the Year award.
The award is presented each year to a technician
who is a model of excellence within the profession
and displays the best mastery of the heavy
equipment field. The 2021 award was presented in
2023 due to COVID-19.
Norman has more than 45 years of technician
experience (with 35 at VDOT). Norman has earned
the respect of his team and leadership through his
diligent work to find solutions and the dedication to
keep working on the most challenging jobs.
“Norman’s outstanding achievements, dedication to
work ethics and the desire to continue in his work
excellence make Norman very deserving if this
award,” said Bryan Maul, Richmond District
Equipment Manager. “He is well-respected among
his peers and sought out for his technical experience
and solutions in difficult equipment repairs
throughout the Richmond District and the entire
state.”
The entire District says Congratulations on this
statewide award, Norman!
Travis Elliott, an Equipment Repair Manager in the
Richmond District shop, has received his certification
as an Equipment Management Specialist (EMS) from
the Association of Equipment Management
Professionals.
The certificate involves a very thorough qualification
process, in which applicants complete knowledge
overviews of 17 different core competencies,
including risk management, parts management,
customer service and safety. Applicants must also
complete a difficult exam. The work towards
achieving the EMS certificate takes place outside
work hours.
Travis started his career with VDOT in 2014, quickly
rising to the role of a Technician II, before being
promoted to his current position in 2020.
“Travis displayed a lot of dedication and
determination in earning this certificate,” Bryan
said. “When I told the shop team members across
the district about this opportunity, I warned them
that it would be difficult and to only sign up if
you’re serious about the commitment it would take.
Travis demonstrates what he’s capable of every day
and this is only one of his latest achievements in an
impressive VDOT career.”
Congratulations from all of us in the Richmond
District, Travis!

5 Questions with...
Becca Greene
Chesterfield Residency, Admin and Office
Specialist III
Q. What is your favorite snack?
A. Honey roasted sesame sticks
Q. What show are you currently watching?
A. The Rookie, The Rookie: Feds, 911 and 911: Lonestar
Q. How many years have you worked with VDOT?
A. One year and 10 monthss
Q. What city were you born in?
A. Jacksonville, Florida
Q. If you can have any superpower, what would it be?
A. To be selectively invisible
Dante Rivers
Prince George AHQ, TOII
Q. What show are you currently watching?
A. Chicago PD
Q. What is your favorite meal?
A. Lasagna with garlic bread
Q. How many years have you worked with VDOT?
A. Four years
Q. Do you like snow?
A. Yes, It's fun and rewarding getting to clear the roads.
Q. If you can have any superpower, what would it be?
A. Save and help people
If you would like to nominate a Richmond District Team Member to be featured in
the next issue of Around the Cone please email Victoria.Marks@vdot.virginia.gov
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 9

Preserved piece of VDOT’s past sits in
Ashland Residency’s complex
At first, it’s easy to miss the bell situated at the back corner of the
VDOT Richmond District’s Ashland Residency. It stands about four
feet tall and faces the Ashland Area Headquarters in the adjacent
lot.
Many people might not know the bell’s story, but it represents a
piece of VDOT’s past.
Before Cardinal, the bell was used by a timekeeper, who kept track
of employee work each day. Marshall Winn, VDOT Ashland
Residency administrator, started working for the Ashland Area
Headquarters in 1977 and said the bell predates his employment.
“The timekeeper when I started was named Dot Southworth,”
Marshall said, as he stood near the bell and recounted its history.
“Dot would ring that bell at 8 a.m. each morning to signal the start
of work. Then at noon, she would ring the bell again to let people
know it was time for lunch. She rang the bell again at 12:30 to let us
know lunch was over. Then at 4:30 p.m., the bell rang one more
time to let us know it was time to go home for the day.”
Marshall decided to preserve the bell when renovations were made
to the residency and area headquarters. It now sits just off the path
to the residency’s back entrance. As it turns out, Marshall
didn’t just follow the bell’s instructions each day, he also took over
timekeeper duties and would ring the bell.
“When Dot was unavailable or on vacation, I was asked to fill in as
the timekeeper,” Marshall said. “My supervisor asked if I could do it,
so I looked over Dot’s records and employee logs and decided it was
something I could handle.”
Next time you submit your timesheet, remember the bell at the
Ashland Residency and the employees who started and ended work
to its chimes. We track time differently now, but share one thing in
common with the employees who came before: Doing the best work
possible for residents and travelers in the Richmond District.
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 10

Compliments on a job well done!
Ashland Residency
Thank you, JT for taking of my work order. I
appreciate your time and effort in getting the
issue taken care of.
- Linda F., Mechanicsville
Citizen called to compliment the work crew that
addressed his traffic study request and got the
yellow lines put down. Words could not express
his gratitude. Great Job!
-Keith A., Mechanicsville
Thanks for an outstanding job by the New Kent
residency. I appreciate their efforts.
- Jeff L., New Kent
Thank you so much for the pothole repairs!
- Carol C., Mechanicsville
I'd like to compliment the VDOT staff and
workers for removing the overgrowth of
vegetation along the sides of Tyler Station Rd. on
Thursday, 26 January. Thanks for a job well done!
- Gordon H., Beaverdam
I had a tree threatening to fall in the road and it
was very quickly taken care of along with a
couple of others that were looking bad. Thanks
for the quick service and easy communication.
- Linda F., Mechanicsville
Citizen called to submit a compliment to VDOT
and the crew that came out recently to do work
on her road. Said she called last month about a
drainage issue which was resolved then said
VDOT repaired the road and cleaned the area up
as well without her requesting it. She really
appreciates it and always wants to compliment a
job well done.
- Gladys B., Mineral
Chesterfield Residency
I was so impressed with how quickly this was
taken care of!! Less than 24 hours!
- Ashley L., Midlothian
Thank you for filling the pothole on the road.
- Debbie S., Midlothian
To the person or team that picked up the tire
piles from Cloverleaf Dr. and Starview Ln., your
work is very much appreciated!
- Summer B., Chesterfield
Yesterday I submitted a work request to report a
couch dumped in the ditch of Hull St., near the La
Parade Library. I drove by there today and it was
GONE! Thank you so much for your quick
response, it is genuinely appreciated!
- Summer B., Chesterfield
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 11

Compliments on a job well done!
Thank you for patching the potholes on Old
Beach Road!
- Larry E., Chesterfield
Excellent work done by crew!
- Michael S., Richmond
I reported a safety issue at this location and it was
resolved expeditiously. Thanks, VDOT- you guys
saved a few lives!
- Robert G., Chesterfield
Thank you for your amazingly quick response to
my request. Sort of unbelievable! If I hear
anybody talking trash about VDOT in the future, I
will be sure to correct them.
- Michael M., Richmond
I am pro flashing yellow light on the intersection
on Woolridge Rd. and Timber Bluff. The
westbound left turn lane of Woolridge traffic. The
flashing yellow light helps with the flow of traffic
turning left when there is no oncoming traffic. It's
good that cars don't have to wait for a green
arrow. Thank you for the flashing yellow lights.
It's a nice change in Virginia!
- Brad., Moseley
Thanks for the great job under SR 1707302, you
did an excellent, excellent job!
- Tony W., Amelia Court House
I had to put in a ticket to clear my culvert pipes
and was surprised at how quickly VDOT came to
dig it out, especially around the holidays. It was
not broken, but the ends were clogged. Thank
you for your quick response!
- Margie R., Chesterfield
Petersburg Residency
Citizen called to thank VDOT and the crew that
came out and picked up the orange bags on
Sunnybrook Rd. She really appreciates them
doing so.
- Caroline C., Petersburg
South Hill Residency
Citizen states the crew that graded and put down
gravel on Doswell Town Rd., did a great job and
she appreciates it!
- Joyce M., Meherrin
Thank you for repairing the road. The crew was
out the next day, repaired the entire road. The
crew was prompt and did a wonderful job! Kudos
and thank you.
- Andrea L., Kenbridge
Citizen is appreciative of the work done and is
looking forward to the mowing in the Spring.
Thank you very very very very much.
- Libby W., White Plains
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 12

Richmond District Employee Update
Welcome to our new Richmond District employees!
December 2022- March 2023
Robert Alexander, Equipment Repair Tech, South Hill Shop
Kelvin Alsina, Operator Maintenance, Basie Road Area Headquarters
Keith Bradbury, Construction Inspector, Richmond Construction Central
Kathleen Cabe, Land Use Engineer, Ashland Land Use
Gerald Eastwood, Operator Lead Fuel Truck Trailer, Richmond District Shop
Ryan Elder, Operator Maintenance, McKenney Area Headquarters
Tyler Foore, Equipment Repair Tech, Amelia Shop
Chad Fortune, Senior Survey Tech, Richmond Location & Design
James Frazier, Operator Maintenance, McKenney Area Headquarters
Bobby Garrison, Operator Maintenance, Ashland Area Headquarters
Kelvaughn Harris, Operator Maintenance, Elko Area Headquarters
Delonte Kearney, Operator Maintenance, Pocahontas Area Headquarters
Christopher Liverman, Contract Monitor Interstate, Richmond Interstate Maintenance North
Heath Locke, Contract Manager Residency Supervisor, Petersburg Maintenance
Alexander Marino, Equipment Repair Tech, Ashland Shop
Willis McGee, Operator Maintenance, Pocahontas Area Headquarters
Victor Owusu, Traffic Design Engineer, CRO Traffic Engineering
Michael Price, Operator Maintenance, Prince George Area Headquarters
Charles Pritchett, Traffic Signal Technician, CRO Asset Management
Wilhelmenia Reid, Operator Maintenance, Bon Air Area Headquarters
Jeremy Richardson, Operator Maintenance, Chester Area Headquarters
Zaynon Robinson, Operator Maintenance, Pocahontas Area Headquarters
Steven Sears, Construction Manager, Richmond Construction Central
Chance Shelton, Operator Maintenance, Pocahontas Area Headquarters
Janice Smith, Contract Admin Supervisor Interstate, Richmond Interstate Maintenance South
Dylan Toth, Operator Maintenance, Nottoway Area Headquarters
Codi Ward, Construction Inspector, Richmond Construction North
Glenn Witt, Operator Maintenance, Ashland Area Headquarters
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 13

A fond farewell to our retirees
January
March
James Gammon, Larry Hicks,
James Rose, Jerry Baisey, James
Creekmore, and John Smiley
Earl Rowley, Jr.
Upcoming Events
Work Zone Awareness Week: April 17-21
April 19
Wear Orange Day
VDOT Workers Memorial Ceremony on Afton Mountain
April 21
WZAW Moment of Silence
April 24
Richmond District SYIP, 4 p.m., Hawthorne Room
April 24-28
Richmond District Roadeo, Chesterfield Fairgrounds
Around the Cone is a 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,
and 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 DOTi
News to VDOTRVA@VDOT.Virginia.gov
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 14