 April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month and National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 9‒13). In the first three months of 2018 Virginia has seen three distracted driving accidents in the work zone. One of which resulted in a worker fatality and the other in a serious injury. To help combat distracted driving and improve work zone safety, NAPA has launched the WatchForUs national public awareness campaign. WatchForUs includes a short film titled "One Moment Can Save a Life" that depicts the impacts of distracted driving on one family, as well as real-life testimonial videos from industry figures whose colleagues and friends have been directly affected by work zone accidents. Additional resources include an infographic that illustrates work zone safety statistics and graphics for use on social media channels.
VAA is asking members to engage via social media and other outreach efforts with the driving public on this critical issue. To help get you started, NAPA created a toolkit that provides recommended posts and mobilization ideas. In addition, you can visit the website watchfor.us that houses the toolkit, graphics, and videos. Please encourage your coworkers to participate and build a national discussion on the importance of work zone safety and ending distracted driving.
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In 2011, VDOT made a bold decision to rehabilitate a section of I-81 using various pavement recycling approaches. These approaches included cold in place recycling (CIR), cold central plant recycling (CCPR) and full-depth reclamation (FDR). While these approaches were not new, the combination of these recycling methods on a major interstate highway was. To assist in predicting the future performance of these rehabilitation processes, VDOT joined the pooled fund study at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track in Auburn, Alabama. In 2012, VDOT built 3 test sections very similar to the sections build on Interstate 81 south of Staunton. Since the original construction, researchers at NCAT, Auburn University and VTRC have been tracking and studying the structural and functional performance of each section.
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Gencor announced that effective April 1, 2018, Mr. Mark Spicer (District Sales Manager) will be adding to his Southeastern territory the sales responsibilities for the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Mr. Charlie Bartell (District Sales Manager) will add to his Northeastern territory the sales responsibilities for the states of Delaware, Maryland, and District of Columbia. These changes come in the wake of Ron Clark’s recent retirement.
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If you watched the third round of the Masters on April 7 and then closed your eyes and used your imagination, you might have envisioned the first Richard J. Schreck Scholarship Tournament of 2018. It was a breezy day with a brief shower (maybe 5 minutes). Depending on who you ask the refreshing moisture either helped the players’ game or had a negative impact on the greens (which of course affected their putting game just like Saturday at the Masters). Most of the scores were in the mid 60’s, similar to the leaders on "moving day" at the Masters. The main difference was the Pros played individual games (show offs), while the Captains Choice teams in the RJS tournament were given four attempts at each shot. It’s hard to imagine how the golfers at the Masters could have had more fun than we did at our tournament. It doesn’t get much better than a relaxing round of golf and a good meal with friends.
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 During the week of April 9 through 13, VECAT hosted its first Mix Design class at the VTTI facility in Blacksburg, VA. The partnership with VTTI is new for the 2018 class year and was developed to provide VECAT with the classroom and lab space it needed to be able to offer specialty classes in the western part of the state. This opportunity gives students who normally must drive to the Fredericksburg area an opportunity to learn in a local setting. VECAT is excited about the opportunities this partnership will provide, including an additional training facility, lab space, and place to conduct proficiency testing. In time, other classes may be hosted out of this location as well. We will return in 2019 for Plant I, Plant II and Mix Design classes.
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The ability to register for and complete proficiency testing through Germanna CC is now available. If you or someone who works for you has recently completed the Plant I, Plant II or Mix Design classes, there are proficiencies related to these courses that must be demonstrated before certification can be granted. The process to register for and complete proficiency testing for these classes is as follows:
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 MAY COLD RECYCLE CLASSES POSTPONEDThe cold recycling classes scheduled for May 15-17 have been postponed. We hope to reschedule them later in the fall, so keep an eye open for notice of this.
APPRENTICE CANDIDATES AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
As mentioned in the March edition of VECAT in the Spotlight, Branscome, Inc recently completed interviews of apprentice candidates from Richmond-based Highland Springs and Hermitage High Schools. A group of interested students attended an information session on the asphalt industry, then worked with Henrico County’s CTE program to build resumes and undergo practice interviews. From that pool of candidates, Branscome, Inc. selected and interviewed four students and made offers to three. There are still several well-qualified and interested students who would like to pursue a career in asphalt. If you are interested in employing an apprentice and would like to meet these students, contact Carter Iseman at ciseman@vaasphalt.com to arrange a time. It is preferred that meetings or interviews be held at either high school to minimize disruption to the students’ class schedules.
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GOVERNOR NORTHAM ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING DEQ
On April 3, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 6 titled "Executive Order Supporting the Critical Role of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in Protection of Virginia’s Air, Water, and Public Health." The Order, issued on the 25th Anniversary of DEQ, requires DEQ to review many of its permitting, monitoring, and enforcement activities, evaluate impacts of President Trump’s environmental policy changes, and improve communication with stakeholders and the public.
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 Following a nationwide search, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner Stephen C. Brich announced that Christopher G. Hall has been selected as the new Hampton Roads district engineer.
"Chris brings extensive leadership, strategic planning, technical expertise, project and resource management skills and experience, all vital to this critical role," said Brich. "The Hampton Roads region is one with many unique transportation opportunities, all of which Chris is equipped to manage." For full press release click here.
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At a recent VDOT-Industry co-op meeting, VDOT stated that Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) will now be enforcing the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (VWAPM). The VWAPM sets out the procedures used in work zones along with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). If VOSH officials identify non-compliance with these documents, then they will be able to cite the violator. Until recently, this function was only performed by VDOT unless an accident or incident occurred.
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In 2017, at least two incidents occurred where a contractor violated the MS4 regulations. What is MS4? It is the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. Unlike sanitary sewer systems that collect water and send it to a treatment facility, MS4 regulations cover the storm water systems that collect water and discharge it directly into a body of water such as a river, stream or pond. The systems do not treat the water; therefore, only rain water can be put into them. MS4 is required by state law in census urbanized areas.
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Don Silies officially announced his retirement this week after 41 years with VDOT. His last working day will be Monday, April 30, 2018 with a retirement date set for May 1st.
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Innovation: Scientific Solutions
June 26-27, 2018
GCC Daniel Technology Center
Culpeper, VA
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 SAVE THE DATE NOVA Region
Bull Run Golf Club
August 1, 2018
Haymarket, VA.
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 ARRA Semi-Annual MeetingOctober 15-18, 2018
Norfolk, VA.
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DIAMOND
Allan Myers
American Paving Fabrics
Associated Asphalt
Bitumar USA
Boxley
Branscome, Inc.
Branscome Paving Company
Chemung Contracting Corp.
Colony Construction, Inc.
James River Equipment
National Asphalt MFG. Corp.
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Slurry Pavers
Superior Paving Corp.
S. L. Williamson Co., Inc.
PLATINUM
Astec, Inc.
B & S Contracting, Inc.
Blacklidge Emulsions, Inc.
Carter Machinery Company, Inc.
F. O. Day
Lee Hy Paving Corp.
Virginia Paving Company
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