VTCA Calendar

2013 VTCA Annual Meeting

July 11, 2013 - July 14, 2013 - The Homestead, Hot Springs

The 2013 VTCA Annual Meeting will be held at The Homestead.  Watch for details and registration information to plan your trip.

2013 VTCA Spring Conference & Trade Show

April 17, 2013 - April 19, 2013 - Hampton Roads Convention Center & Embassy Suites, Hampton

The 2013 VTCA Spring Conference and Trade Show will held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and Embassy Suites Hotel in Hampton, VA.  Watch for details and registration information in early 2013.

2013 VTCA Winter Meeting

February 07, 2013 - February 10, 2013 - Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL

The 2013 VTCA Winter Meeting will be held at the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL.  Watch for details and registration information to plan your trip

2012 VTCA-VDOT Consultant Forum

September 13, 2012 - Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump, Richmond

Join us for the only conference dedicated to the consultant industry engaged in transportation design and inspection. The 2012 VTCA-VDOT Consultant Forum will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump in Richmond, VA.  Look for details in mid-July.

2012 VTCA Annual Meeting

July 11, 2012 - July 15, 2012 - Wyndham, Virginia Beach

The 2012 VTCA Annual Meeting will be held at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. 

“We’re All on the Same Team”

We all have challenges. Some are in the field. Some are in the office. Some are at the drawing board. Some are at home. During the VTCA Annual Meeting, you will learn from some of the brightest and most entertaining minds around, teaching us how to become better communicators, better leaders, better partners. You’ll come away better informed and better prepared to meet your challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that await you.

Our keynote speaker is Bruce Christopher, an outrageously funny and dynamic psychologist who has earned distinction as one of the most sought after speakers among Fortune 500 companies.

Bruce will be joined by Mark Fernandez, Chief Leadership Officer with Luck Stone Corporation. Having served as President of two of Luck’s divisions, Mark has become passionate about values-based leadership and spends a good deal of his time sharing that message in board rooms and classrooms across the Commonwealth.

VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley and senior VDOT leadership will join us for interactive discussion on industry issues.

And back by popular demand is Sidney Mays of Vulcan Materials who will give us the economic and construction outlook for 2012-2013.

As you know, rooms at the beach will go fast. And the early bird registration discount end on June 8. So may we suggest you act now?  If you need more information or have any questions, contact or at the VTCA office. We look forward to seeing you and your family on the beach!

Registration Information

View Annual Meeting Brochure >>
Register by Mail or Fax: Download Registration Package >>
Register for Meeting Online >>
Make Online Hotel Reservations >>

ESCCC

June 08, 2012 - Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program.  This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way.  Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant. 

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

June 8, 2012 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Stone Bids for May 9, 2012

May 14, 2012 -

ESCCC

May 11, 2012 - Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center, Richmond

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program.  This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way.  Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant. 

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

May 11, 2012 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Transportation Project Management Institute

May 08, 2012 - May 17, 2013 - Charlottesville, Va

The Transportation Project Management Institute (TPMI) is a 9-day intensive residential training program exclusively designed for managing the development phase of transportation projects. The program’s objective is to enhance the knowledge and skills of project managers in order to complete projects on-time and on-budget. The program has been developed specifically for project management practitioners from VDOT, local government, and private consulting firms. Participants will be able to directly apply their learning of project management principles, practices, and techniques to their day-to-day jobs. Instructional hours in this program may qualify for meeting Virginia professional engineer licensure (or other) continuing education requirements.

Additional details and registration information can be found online at http://cts.virginia.edu/tpmi/

National Labor Relations Board Quickie Union Election Rules Have Taken Effect

May 07, 2012 -

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Dialogue with the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts

May 03, 2012 - Fredericksburg Hospitality House, Fredericksburg

Join your fellow VTCA members for this unique opportunity to meet the VDOT Culpeper & Fredericksburg District staffs and discuss the important issues that affect you as you do business within the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts.

• First, brief presentations on what’s going on in the District - construction, maintenance, operations engineering & contracting, consultant engineering and CEI opportunities.
• Next, an interactive panel discussion on project and program delivery - the advantages and issues surrounding various delivery methods, including PPTA, Design/Build, Design/Bid/Build.
• Third, open discussion on today’s most important industry issues.  What’s on your mind?
• Last, a casual lunch will give you an opportunity to build beneficial working relationships with your industry colleagues.

If you wish to attend the Dialogue please register online or fill out the registration form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration - No longer available

Or

Printable Registration Form

Bluetop Newsletter May 2012

May 02, 2012 -

Stone Bids for April 25, 2012

May 01, 2012 -

Virginia Vermiculite Wins Interstate Mining Compact Commission Award

May 01, 2012 -

The Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) recently announced the recipients of its annual national reclamation awards. The awards are presented each year to mining operations in the coal and non-coal categories that have demonstrated excellence in reclamation based on achievement in five categories: compliance, contemporaneous reclamation, drainage control, bond release and innovativeness. 

We are excited to announce that the 2012 winner in the non-coal category is the R. E. Sansom Mine and Mill of Virginia Vermiculite, LLC, located in Louisa County.  A long time member of VTCA, Virginia Vermiculite is the fourth VTCA member to win this prestigious award in less than ten years.

ESCCC

April 27, 2012 - Marriott Fairfax at Fair Oaks, Fairfax

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program.  This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way.  Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant. 

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

April 27, 2012 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

Hilliard Charity Fellowship Outing

April 27, 2012 - Front Royal, VA

Join your friends and colleagues for the next Hilliard Charity and Fellowship Golf Tournament, April 27, 2012 in Front Royal, VA.  The tournament is being held on three courses this Spring:  Bowling Green South and North and Shenandoah Country Club.

Hilliard Charity and Fellowship Outing Flyer

Hilliard Charity and Fellowship Outing Registration Form

Belstar Honored

April 26, 2012 -

Belstar, Inc. has been named a recipient of the Top 100 MBEs by the Center for Business Inclusion & Diversity and the State of Maryland.  The Top 100 MBE awards were created to recognize those enterprising women and minority entrepreneurs that fuel the nation’s economy through their innovation, sacrifices, and dedication. These business owners are living their dreams and making significant contributions to their clients, professions, industries and communities.  Congratulations to Belstar for this outstanding achievement.

Phil Lohr Promoted at Volkert

April 26, 2012 -

Volkert has named Phil Lohr, PE, PTOE Assistant Vice President.  He has over 22 years of extensive experience in civil and traffic engineering, 16 of which have been with Volkert.  Lohr received his BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech.

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Proposed Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program Released

April 23, 2012 -

Public input sought on draft plan, meetings to be held across the state.

RICHMOND – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) released today the state’s working draft of the Fiscal Years 2013-2018 Six-Year Improvement Program. The program allocates $10.6 billion in funding to transportation improvements over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1, 2012. Funding goes toward highway, road and bridge projects as well as rail, transit, bicycle, pedestrian and other transportation improvements across the state.

The proposed six-year program is dependent on the General Assembly approving a two-year budget that does not include major earmarks.

Each year the six-year program is updated to reflect the latest projected revenues and transportation priorities. The overall size of the draft program is the same as the program approved last year.  Allocations are based on the following priorities:

• Complete projects under construction
• Complete preliminary engineering or right of way phases of other projects
• Maximize federal funding
• Address safety issues by funding deficient bridges and pavements
• Support transportation projects procured under the Public Private Transportation Act and the Governor’s ongoing transportation priorities

Further details will be known once public meetings are held over the next month and the board has reviewed the comments.  The final six-year program will be released in June 2012.

Draft six-year program funding breakdown:

Roads, highways and bridges - $8.3 billion

Rail, transit and other improvements - $2.3 billion
Total - $10.6 billion

Public meetings:

The draft six-year program is online at  www.syip.virginiadot.org/Pages/allProjects.aspx.  Other sources are www.VirginiaDOT.org and www.DRPT.Virginia.gov. The program can also be reviewed at Virginia Department of Transportation’s district and residency offices and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s Richmond office.

The public may comment about essential rail, public transportation, commuter service, bicycle, pedestrian and highway projects (except local/secondary roads) at the hearings. Public comments will be considered before the board adopts a final program in June. The FY 20013-18 program will go into effect July 1, 2012.

Public meeting schedule:

Citizens can send their comments to:

Public Information Office
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219
drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov

Programming Director
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov

Comments must be received by May 18, 2012.

Design Build Committee - April

April 18, 2012 - Embassy Suites - Hampton, VA

The Design Build Committee will be meeting prior to the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference in Hampton.  The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Structure and Bridge

April 18, 2012 - Embassy Suites - Hampton, VA

The Structure & Bridge committee will be meeting prior to the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference in Hampton.  The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Contract Administration Committee - April

April 18, 2012 - Embassy Suites - Hampton, VA

The Contract Administration Committee will be meeting prior to the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference in Hampton.  The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m.

VTCA Spring Transportation Construction Conference & Trade Show

April 18, 2012 - April 20, 2012 - Hampton Roads Convention Center & Embassy Suites, Hampton

The statewide conference and trade show for transportation contractors, aggregate producers, consultant engineers, material suppliers, and government transportation officials. 

Focusing on Virginia’s constantly changing environment and the impact it has on the transportation construction, engineering and aggregate industries this year’s conference will explore the outcome of the latest funding efforts by the General Assembly. The potential for new funding as our economy recovers will have significant impact on how VDOT and the industry pursue the delivery of the Commonwealth’s Transportation Program. In addition to specifics on the future of transportation funding the conference will include multiple technical and business development sessions led by VDOT and industry personnel. Throughout the duration of the conference industry exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services during the conference trade show.

2012 VTCA Spring Transportation Construction Conference Agenda

Conference Lodging Information
The Embassy Suites and Courtyard Marriott are now full.  We have secured two overflow hotels the Hilton Garden Inn and the Spring Hill Suites. 

Hilton Garden Inn
Block Expires: Friday, April 6, 2012 (based on availability)
Reservations: 757-310-6323
Conference Code: VTCA

SpringHill Suites
Block Expires:  Friday, April 6, 2012 (based on availability)
Reservations: 757-310-6333
Mention you are with the VTCA 2012 Conference Group

For any questions concerning lodging, please contact

Registration Information
Online Registration
Register by Mail or Fax: Download Registration Package >>
View the Conference Brochure >>
Trade Show Floor Plan >>

2012 VTCA Spring Transportation Construction Conference Sponsors

2012 VTCA Spring Transportation Construction Conference Exhibitors

Contractor Leadership Committee - April

April 18, 2012 - Embassy Suites - Hampton, VA

The CLC will be meeting prior to the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference in Hampton.  The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee - April

April 18, 2012 - Embassy Suites - Hampton, VA

The ECLC will be meeting prior to the VTCA Spring Transportation Conference in Hampton.  The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Baker Appoints Lorna Parkins Assistant Vice President for Transportation Planning

April 17, 2012 -

Lorna Parkins, AICP has appointed Assistant Vice President in the Transportation Planning Group of Michael Baker Jr., Inc.  Parkins manages the Planning Department in the Richmond office and is Baker’s technical service manager for planning.  She specializes in the relationships between transportation, land use and economic development and has managed a variety of projects varying in size, up to $5 million in contract value.

Parkins holds a B.A. degree in Planning/Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science Degree in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota.

“Lorna has been with Baker since 1998 and has consistently been a high-performing professional who goes well beyond her job description to make the company function more efficiently and to promote Baker’s name throughout the industry,“ said Paul Prideaux, Baker’s Vice President for Transportation.

VDOT and Reach Financial Close on Midtown Tunnel

April 16, 2012 -

Governor Bob McDonnell announced Monday that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) reached financial close to begin construction on a new Midtown Tunnel. Financial close releases all funding needed to build the $2.1 billion project, which also includes extending the Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard and rehabilitating the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels, providing a network of transportation improvements and congestion relief to motorists in the Hampton Roads region. Construction will begin in Fall 2012.

Toll collection, originally scheduled to begin in late summer, may be delayed until January 2014 pending action by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to allocate funding. The governor is requesting the CTB allocate funds for this purpose. The project will be financed through tolls, initially ranging from $1.59 to $1.84 per car for the tunnels and $.50 for the MLK Extension for tunnel users and $1 for non-tunnel users. This is approximately 40 percent lower than the $2.89 toll rate estimated under the interim agreement signed in January 2010 before the McDonnell administration took office.

“I am requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) allocate up to $100 million to cover the costs of delaying tolls until January 2014. This is in addition to the significant funding VDOT has already contributed to the project to the lower tolls,“ said Governor McDonnell. “VDOT has also implemented a second toll relief measure. The parties have agreed to limit toll charges for High Street ramps to be built on the new MLK Extension. Vehicles entering or exiting the new extension from the High Street or London Boulevard ramps and taking a local trip in Portsmouth will not be required to pay tolls.”
Anticipated funding for the toll delay will largely come from funds set aside for the state’s contribution at financial close that were not needed due to current low interest rates. VDOT will present the governor’s request to the CTB at its April 18 board meeting in Richmond.

Under the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA), VDOT continues ownership of the infrastructure and oversees ERC’s activities. ERC will finance, build, operate and maintain the facilities for a 58-year concession period. ERC also assumes risk of delivering the project on a performance-based, fixed-price, fixed-date contract, protecting users and taxpayers from cost overruns and delays. In addition, ERC will be responsible for long-term routine and life-cycle maintenance of the project for the term of the concession.

“Financial close marks a significant step forward for transportation improvements in Hampton Roads,” added the governor. “We would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for approving a $422 million TIFIA loan to help pay for construction, making financial close possible and lowering the projected tolls. Once this project is completed, motorists will save about a half-hour round trip everyday plus benefit from a much improved transportation network that will better connect the region, stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

Because of the low interest rates and flexible repayment terms, demand for loans made under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (TIFIA) is strong among states across the country. Due to the importance of the project and the firm commitment of the public and private partners, ERC was granted $422 million to build the Midtown project. ERC will pay off the TIFIA loan through toll collection.

“The Midtown Tunnel project is ranked as the number one transportation priority by the region’s leaders and is the largest project to get under way in the region in almost 30 years,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton. “Procurement as a public private partnership is the only feasible way to fund a project of this magnitude, and that depends on tolls.”

“VDOT and ERC are ready to begin this project now,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “The existing Midtown Tunnel is a half-century old and in dire need of expanded capacity for the sake of safety, reduced congestion, better travel times and improved connectivity. The project not only involves building a tunnel, but improving the transportation network in the region.”

Background information

The key components of the project include:

• Listed as the region’s top priority by the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and local elected leaders
• Doubling the capacity of the Midtown Tunnel by building an additional two-lane tunnel near the existing one under the Elizabeth River
• Reduce congestion that now causes back-ups stretching over two miles at the tunnels during peak periods – will lower fuel consumption and emissions
• Commuters to save an average of 30 minutes per day
• Reduce traffic (including heavy truck traffic) on Portsmouth city streets
• Increasing transit service between Portsmouth and Norfolk
• Rehabilitating the existing Midtown Tunnel and both of the Downtown Tunnels
• Extending the Martin Luther King Boulevard from London Boulevard to I-264, with an interchange at High Street
• Modifying the interchange at Brambleton Avenue/Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk
• Financed through tolls, initially ranging from $1.59 to $1.84 per car for the tunnels and $.50 for the MLK Extension for tunnel users and $1 for non-tunnel users. This is significantly lower than the $2.89 toll rate estimated under the interim agreement signed in January 2010 before the McDonnell administration took office
• Tolls will be collected electronically using E-ZPass, eliminating the need for toll booths
• More than 500 jobs will support construction activities and another 1,000 jobs in other sectors of the local economy. ERC plans to spend over $550 million on construction materials and supplies as well as provide subcontracting opportunities to disadvantaged business enterprises and small, women-owned, and minority businesses.
• When completed in 2018, the project is expected to cut round-trip travel time by a half-hour a day. Results will be improved safety, reliability and connectivity to the region’s transportation network.

Financing:

• The comprehensive agreement was signed last December for a value of $2.1 billion. This includes total project costs such as financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the tunnels and the MLK extension
• Project and its financing mechanism were endorsed by the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and local elected leaders in January 2012
• VDOT’s contribution is more than $300 million specifically designated to lower the tolls by 40 percent compared to initial rates under the interim agreement signed in January 2010. Funds provided are from the Governor’s 2011 Transportation Funding Package.
• VDOT’s contribution is reduced from $362 million because it was able to secure a lower interest rate at financial close. Money saved will go back into toll relief
• The U.S. Department of Transportation provided a $422 million low interest TIFIA loan. This loan enabled the toll rates to be reduced to current levels.
• The comprehensive agreement requires ERC to take full responsibility to design, finance, build, operate and maintain the project. ERC is investing a significant amount of their own equity and is borrowing another $1.1 billion at their risk to build the project. ERC is solely responsible for obtaining and repaying all project debt.
• Toll escalation limited to the greater of 3.5 percent or changes to CPI. This is comparable to annual increase in VDOTs operations and maintenance costs.
• The comprehensive agreement does not guarantee a profit to ERC and the agreement has controls in place so ERC’s return stays at a reasonable rate. Revenues from toll collection must first be used to pay operations and maintenance expenses, debt, taxes and reserve accounts before any possible return would be realized by ERC’s equity investors.
• Should gross toll revenues reach a certain level, a percentage of the revenues would go to VDOT, which would be used for transportation improvements in and around Portsmouth and Norfolk.

Online resources:

Comprehensive Agreement:
www.midtowntunnel.org/comprehensive_agreement.asp

Amendment #1 to Comprehensive Agreement that provides VDOT with option lower tolls:
www.midtowntunnel.org/documents/CA_Amendment_No._1_web.pdf

Amendment #2 to Comprehensive Agreement that limits tolls on MLK Extension:
www.midtowntunnel.org/documents/dtmtmlk_CA_Amendment_No_2_web.pdf

Project website:
www.midtowntunnel.org

Road Construction May Stop Due to Budget Impasse

April 13, 2012 -

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began notifying its contractors Friday that they must prepare to suspend work should the state budget impasse continue.  The suspension could impact 473 construction and maintenance projects valued at $2.7 billion across the state.  These are interstate, primary, urban and secondary road and bridge improvement projects.

VDOT is providing contractors with a two-month notice to wind-down their operations on a site. Since the current state budget will expire June 30, 2012, the two month wind-down period will begin May 1, 2012. VDOT has to begin the work suspension process in advance of the June 30th deadline so contractors have adequate time to stop work and get paid. It takes weeks to shut down construction projects because of extensive coordination involving VDOT and contractors regarding materials, heavy equipment, crews, work zones and several other factors. 

The wind down period would be suspended and/or projects would resume once a state budget is in place for the next fiscal year beginning in July 2012. Should the state budget be approved Tuesday all projects will continue uninterrupted.

Unresolved Budget Could Lead To Shutdown Notice

April 13, 2012 -

Stone Bids for April 11, 2012

April 13, 2012 -

ARTBA Fly-In May 30-31

April 09, 2012 -

“Make Transportation Job #1”

Meaningful reauthorization of federal transportation legislation remains elusive.  Inaction on the part of America’s transportation construction industry is not an option.  Yes, that means you, personally.

Join your industry colleagues and come to Washington to tell your elected officials there is no one piece of legislation now before Congress that could do more to immediately create jobs and boost U.S. competitiveness than the transportation bill.

May 30-31 are the dates for the Transportation Construction Coalition’s 2012 Legislative Fly-In.  The theme is “Make Transportation Job #1.”

For more information and to register, visit www.artba.org/news-events/artba-events/federal-issues-program-tcc-fly-in/

Make your room reservations directly with the Marriott Metro Center by calling 1-877-212-5752. Ask for the ARTBA Federal Issues Program rate of $274 per night which is guaranteed through April 30th.

VTCA members planning to attend are asked to let VTCA’s Jan Morehead know. She will coordinate the Virginia contingent.

VTCA Board of Directors Meeting

April 04, 2012 - VTCA Past Presidents Board Room

VTCA Spring Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the VTCA Office in the Past Presidents Board Room from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm.

Barry Dewberry Elected Chairman of Dewberry

April 02, 2012 -

Dewberry has announced the election of Barry K. Dewberry to the position of chairman of the board. Sidney O. Dewberry, outgoing chairman, will transition into the role of chairman emeritus and founder.  Sid Dewberry will continue to serve on the Dewberry Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance to Dewberry’s chairman and officers.

“I am humbled by the role I am about to take, knowing that I have the support of my father, family, and the officers of this company,” says Barry Dewberry. “As chairman, I will focus on maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients and employees and perpetuating this company as a healthy, family-owned business well into the future.”

Bluetop Newsletter April 2012

March 30, 2012 -

Congress Approves 90-Day Extension

March 30, 2012 -

Wyatt Walton of Rutherfoord Elected to TRIP Board of Directors

March 27, 2012 -

Rutherfoord’s Wyatt H. Walton, Senior Vice President– Surety, has been elected to the board of directors of TRIP, a national transportation nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Walton to the TRIP board of directors,” said Kenneth L. Lanford, TRIP Chairman. “Wyatt’s experience in working to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure will be an asset to the TRIP Board and will further TRIP’s mission to increase public awareness of America’s tremendous transportation infrastructure needs.”

“I look forward to serving the industry as a member of TRIP’s board, Mr. Walton said. “Improving America’s surface transportation system not only saves lives and creates jobs, it also impacts our lives every day by increasing our mobility and accessibility.”

Spring Smoke Schools

March 24, 2012 - March 27, 2012 - Glade Spring, Manakin & Blue Ridge

VTCA will be sponsoring Visible Emissions (Smoke) Schools in the Spring.  The schools are designed to produce qualified observers who can make plume opacity determinations that are accurate and minimally affected by variable field conditions.

We are offering three Smoke Schools for the Spring session:

March 24, 2012 - Mountain Materials, Glade Spring, VA
March 26, 2012 - Boxley, Blue Ridge, VA
March 27, 2012 - Luck Stone, Manakin, VA

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

Spring Smoke School Printable Registration Form

RDD12_presentation

March 22, 2012 -

Stone Bids for March 21, 2012

March 22, 2012 -

Dialogue with the Richmond District

March 22, 2012 - Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center, Richmond

Join your fellow VTCA members for this unique opportunity to meet the VDOT Richmond District staff and discuss the important issues that affect you as you do business within the Richmond District.

• First, brief presentations on what’s going on in the District - construction, maintenance, operations engineering & contracting, consultant engineering and CEI opportunities.
• Next, an interactive panel discussion on project and program delivery - the advantages and issues surrounding various delivery methods, including PPTA, Design/Build, Design/Bid/Build.
• Third, open discussion on today’s most important industry issues.  What’s on your mind?
• Last, and most dynamic, discussion will continue at lunch Round Tables where VDOT professionals will host topic tables - you choose your topic and sit with those VDOT experts.

If you wish to attend the Dialogue please register online or fill out the registration form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

Printable Registration Form

Design-Build RFP Issued for the New Market Heights Phase of the Virginia Capital Trail Project

March 20, 2012 -

VDOT issued a Design-Build Request for Proposal (RFP) for the New Market Heights Phase of the Virginia Capital Trail Project.  The project is located in Henrico County and Charles City County, Virginia.

A project information meeting will be held on March 28, 2012 for potential offerors at the Richmond District Office of the Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pineforest Drive, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 in the District Auditorium at 1 p.m.

The RFR is due April 25, 2012, 4:00 p.m.

Access http://www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-proposals.asp to download the RFP.

ESCCC

March 16, 2012 - Omni Newport News

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program.  This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way.  Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant. 

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

March 16, 2012 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

March 15, 2012

March 15, 2012 -

Stone Bids for March 7, 2012

March 14, 2012 -

American Infrastructure Named Contractor of the Year by ABC

March 13, 2012 -

American Infrastructure has been named 2011 Contractor of the Year by Associated Builders and Contractors.  American Infrastructure Chairman and CEO, A. Ross Myers, accepted the award on behalf of the company during ABC’s 22nd annual Excellence in Construction and National Safety Excellence Award program held February 22 at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Each year, ABC recognizes an individual or company that attains a level of achievement that raises the bar for all of us, and American Infrastructure certainly fits the bill,” said 2012 ABC National Chairman Eric Regelin, president of Granix, LLC, Ellicott City, Md. “Their commitment to excellence and safety on all levels helps to advance our organization, the construction industry and the principles of free enterprise.”

American Infrastructure was founded in 1939 by Allan A. Myers, and his son, Allan C. Myers, as a local hauling firm in the Philadelphia suburbs. The company continues to operate as Allan A. Myers in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and as American Infrastructure in Maryland and Virginia, with 1800 employees and nearly $500 million in annual revenue.

March 12, 2012

March 12, 2012 -

Heather M. Hamm, PE Joins Pennoni as Norfolk Office Director

March 08, 2012 -

Pennoni Associates is pleased to announce that Heather M. Ham, PE, has joined the firm as the Office Director for the Norfolk office. Ms. Ham previously served as Transportation Program Manager for the City of Virginia Beach’s Department of Public Works. “Heather is a well-respected leader in the region with a track record of getting things done,” said Pennoni Regional Vice President Susan Wolford, LA, AICP, LEED Green Associate. “We are excited about her joining the firm and leveraging her expertise to advance our operations in the transportation and land development markets.”

Ms. Ham’s responsibilities will include client service and business development efforts for the Tidewater area, as well as the management, growth and success of the Norfolk office. She has a wide range of civil engineering experience, working both in the private and public sector. She specializes in transportation project and program management. She earned a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University.

Court Sides with ARTBA, Declines Expansion of “Navigable”

March 08, 2012 -

On February 22 all nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the American Road & Transportation Builders Association and refused to widen the scope of the federal Clean Water Act. In PPL Montana, LLC v. Montana, the Court unanimously declined to expand the definition of what is considered “navigable” under federal law. The ruling removes a road block that could have needlessly delayed transportation improvements.

ARTBA, the only transportation construction association involved in the case, joined with eight other industry associations in filing a brief, urging the Court to overturn a lower court holding that the entire span of three rivers in Montana was “navigable” because certain remote sections are used for recreational purposes.
For purposes of transportation development, once something is considered “navigable” it is under federal control, and subject to the permitting authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). An expanded definition of “navigability” could have resulted in a scenario where the EPA and Corps would have the option of exerting jurisdiction over roadside ditches, potentially adding years to already expansive review and approval process for transportation infrastructure projects that are needed for increased mobility and improved safety.
The full text of the association’s brief can be found in the “current advocacy efforts” section of www.artba.org.

March 8, 2012

March 08, 2012 -

I-395 HOV Ramp at Seminary Road with I-395 NB Auxiliary Lane Extension RFQ Released

March 07, 2012 -

VDOT issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on March 7, 2012 to solicit Design-Build Statement of Qualifications from those entities interested in contracting to serve as the Design-Builder for the I-395 HOV Ramp at Seminary Road with I-395 NB Auxiliary Lane Extension project in the City of Alexandria, Virginia.

A project information meeting will be held on March 20, 2012 for potential Offerors at the Virginia Megaprojects Office of the Virginia Department of Transportation, 6363 Walker Lane, Suite 500, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 in at 10 a.m.

The RFQ is due April 27, 2012

Access http://www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-qualifications.asp  to download the RFQ.

G.A. & F.C. Wagman Acquires Earth Support Division of GeoConstructors

March 07, 2012 -

G.A. & F.C. Wagman, Inc. has announced the acquisition of the Earth Support Division of GeoConstructors, Inc., a Virginia corporation headquartered in Purcellville, VA.  The Earth Support Division provides a wide range of geotechnical design and construction services including temporary and permanent wall-systems as well as tiebacks, tie downs, soil nails, rock anchors, micropiles (which include hollow bar micropiles, pin piles and helical anchors).  The Earth Support Division is currently involved in design-build projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, DC, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.  The acquisition further expands Wagman’s geotechnical construction services, particularly for the Southern Region.  Rich Wagman, Chairman & CEO of G.A. & F.C. Wagman, Inc. said, “The acquisition allows us to increase our services, equipment and skilled personnel and expand the geotechnical services in the Southern Region.” 

The operation, formerly known as GeoConstructors’ Earth Support Division, will operate as “G.A. & F.C. Wagman, Inc.” and be part of G.A. & F.C. Wagman’s Geotechnical Construction Services.  They will operate out of an office and equipment yard located in Berryville, Virginia. 

JMT Announces New Appointments

March 07, 2012 -

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is pleased to announce several new appointments.  John A. (Jack) Moeller, PE, was appointed President.  Moeller was previously JMT’s Chief Operating Officer.  As President, he will be responsible for the operations of JMT’s 16 offices and will also have the responsibility of developing and implementing the strategic initiatives and growth strategies for the firm.

Fred F. Mirmiran, PE, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  of JMT.  With more than 48 years of engineering and business growth experience, Fred will lead JMT’s mergers and acquisition practice.

Daniel T. Cheng, PE has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).  Dan will continue to lead JMT’s strategic growth plans and business development initiatives.

Celebrating Fifty Years of Membership!

March 01, 2012 -

In 1962 the four companies listed below joined the Virginia Road Builders Association.  With deep gratitude, we celebrate these members for fifty years of support:

Austin Powder Company
Protection Services, Inc.
Vecellio & Grogan
S. T. Wooten Corporation

March 1, 2012

March 01, 2012 -

Bluetop Newsletter March 2012

March 01, 2012 -

February 29, 2012

February 29, 2012 -

Stone Bids for February 23, 2012

February 27, 2012 -

February 23, 2012

February 23, 2012 -

Contractor Leadership Committee - February

February 23, 2012 - VTCA

The Contractor Leadership Committee’s monthly meeting for February will be held on February 23rd at VTCA’s office in Richmond.  For details please contact VTCA.

February 21, 2012

February 21, 2012 -

February 16, 2012

February 16, 2012 -

2012 Transportation Construction Management Institute

February 15, 2012 - February 24, 2012 - Blacksburg

Designed as a full-time management development program, the Virginia Transportation Construction Management Institute is geared to meet the needs of transportation construction professionals in middle and upper management positions.

Those attendees who have benefitted most from past institutes are professionals responsible for the completion of projects, not just tasks, and those whose work focuses on communication and leadership in addition to the more technical construction management subjects such as scheduling, estimating, and contract law. Delegates concerned with setting organizational goals and values, and who view their own success as being closely allied to the success of the industry as a whole, have found the institute to be extremely valuable as well.  The 2012 session will be the 23rd annual offering of this highly regarded program for transportation construction leadership.

The program is cosponsored by the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance, Virginia Department of Transportation and The Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the College of Engineering and Continuing and Professional Education.

Additional details and registration are available at http://www.cpe.vt.edu/tcmi/index.html

February 15, 2012

February 15, 2012 -

VTCA Releases Scholarship Information

February 14, 2012 -

Each year VTCA proudly offers an array of scholarships.  Each scholarship program is unique and each offers a great opportunity for qualified applicants.  Scholarship applications are now online. 

You may also contact at the VTCA office (804-330-3312) for more information or an application package. 

Scholarship Program Information and Application Packages

February 10, 2012

February 10, 2012 -

ESCCC

February 10, 2012 - Holiday Inn Tanglewood, Roanoke

VTCA, in conjunction with VDOT, is offering the Erosion and Sediment Control Contractor Certification Program.  This course is intended to train individuals involved in implementing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans on VDOT projects and rights-of-way.  Participants who complete the course and pass the examination will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate meets VDOT’s E&S certification requirements.

If you wish to attend this course please fill out the enrollment form and submit it along with your payment to VTCA.  All course materials, breaks and lunch will be provided; lodging is the responsibility of the participant. 

Please contact VTCA’s with any questions.

Online Registration

Or

February 10, 2012 ESCCC Printable Registration Form

February 9, 2012

February 09, 2012 -

February 8, 2012

February 08, 2012 -

Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee - February

February 08, 2012 - VTCA

The ECLC will be holding their monthly meeting on February 8, 2012 at VTCA’s office.  For meeting details please contact VTCA.

February 6, 2012

February 06, 2012 -

Stone Bids for January 26, 2012

February 02, 2012 -

Contract Administration Minutes 4-6-11

February 02, 2012 -

Contract Administration Minutes 2-16-11

February 02, 2012 -

APLC Operations Subcommittee Meeting

February 02, 2012 - Charlottesville

VTCA’s Aggregate Producers Operations Subcommittee is meeting at 10:00 a.m. in Charlottesville, VA.  Contact for details.

February 2, 2012

February 02, 2012 -

Lanford Brothers, VDOT Gain National Recognition for Recycling Methods

February 01, 2012 -

Governor Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gaining national recognition for using pavement recycling methods to rebuild aging roadways, saving significant time and money.

VDOT and VTCA contractor Lanford Brothers Company, Inc. of Roanoke rebuilt a section of Interstate 81 in Augusta County by recycling existing road material back into the new pavement structure.  This paving method reduced construction time by about two-thirds and saved millions of dollars, earning VDOT a national award by the asphalt recycling industry.

“Using these pavement recycling methods has the potential to revolutionize how we rehabilitate our aging roads, both in Virginia and nationally,” said Governor McDonnell.  “We expect to continue using these processes, where appropriate, to save money and materials as we rebuild older roads throughout the commonwealth.  VDOT next plans to use cold in-place recycling to rebuild a section of U.S. 17 in Isle of Wight County in Hampton Roads during the 2012 paving season.”

VDOT rehabilitated a 3.7-mile southbound section of I-81 near Staunton in 2011 using three processes known in the paving industry as:
• Cold in-place recycling
• Cold central-plant recycling
• Full-depth reclamation

This was the first time these three processes were used together on a single interstate project in the United States. The processes were performed both “in place” within the roadbed and adjacent to the highway, and they reused existing material from the underlying road structure. The driving surface received a new overlay of hot-mix asphalt.

“Savings on the I-81 in-place pavement recycling project go beyond time, money and materials,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley.  “It saved fuel because it reduced the need to transport as much new and old materials. It increased safety for drivers and road workers on the project, because it reduced work-zone congestion. This section of rebuilt pavement also will be stronger from bottom to top, extending its service life and reducing the need for such complex maintenance for many years.”

The project used a novel traffic-management plan that detoured cars onto U.S. 11 away from the construction, while large trucks used one lane on I-81 while the other lane was under construction. VDOT alerted motorists to the construction several hundred miles from the project via on-road, Web and other communication tools.

Roads & Bridges magazine and the Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association (ARRA) will present VDOT with the 2012 Recycling Award in the “Cold in-Place” category at the ARRA annual meeting in late February. The awards recognize the top asphalt road recycling projects in North America. Winners are selected based on the amount of recycled pavement material used, cost savings and project challenges.

Jeff Harmon Joins ILUKA

February 01, 2012 -

Iluka Resources Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Harmon as the Health & Safety Specialist for its US Region.  Jeff comes to Iluka with ten years of mine safety and health experience; he most recently was the Safety Representative for Vulcan Materials‘ Mid-East Region. 

Ken Lanford to Lead TRIP

February 01, 2012 -

Kenneth L. Lanford, President of Lanford Brothers Company, Inc., has been named Chairman of the Board of TRIP (The Road Information Program), having served on the TRIP Board since 2006.  “Lanford Brothers has supported TRIP’s efforts to increase public awareness of the need to invest in America’s surface transportation system for over two decades, and I’m proud to carry on that tradition,” he said.

Bluetop Newsletter February 2012

February 01, 2012 -

February 1, 2012

February 01, 2012 -

VTCA Contractor Safety Awards

February 01, 2012 -

VTCA is seeking submissions from contractor members for the 2011 VTCA Contractor Safety Awards. VTCA proudly encourages its members to implement and maintain programs providing a safe work environment for their employees as well as the general welfare of the public who travel through their work zones.  Through the annual VTCA Transportation Contractor Safety Award Program the Alliance is proud to recognize its contractor members who successfully demonstrate their commitment to a safe and healthy working environment.

Following a significant update to the award program and criteria VTCA is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2011 VTCA Contractor Safety Awards.  This year’s winners will be announced in April at the VTCA Spring Transportation Construction Conference.

The safety award application is available for download in pdf format here.  The deadline for the submission of applications is March 16, 2012.