2023 Consultant Forum – Partnering Theme Well-Received

This year’s Engineering Consultant Forum drew participation more typical of pre-pandemic times.  The 425 folks registered included roughly 75% industry and 25% government.  In addition to strong VDOT participation, government attendees included the FHWA, the Department of Rail & Public Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), the Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, the Office of Intermodal Planning & Investment (OIPI), regional Transportation Authorities from NOVA and Central Virginia, and the Transportation Accountability Commission from Hampton Roads.   

The Forum’s theme, Partnering to Deliver Virginia’s Transportation Program, was well-received.  Charlie Kilpatrick (Lane Construction) and Kathleen Linehan (Alpha Corp) dropped some real “gems” in an opening round table discussion that prompted complementing insight from VDOT’s Chief Engineer and other panel leads from VPRA and DEQ.   The partnering theme continued into the afternoon with a discussion on building teams with DBE & SWaM firms. A concurrent panel on Forecasting Infrastructure Investment included a presentation on SMARTSCALE followed by a facilitated discussion that addressed both statewide and unique regional interests.  Finally, an “innovation” session on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and related technology ran alongside a well-attended session that featured ongoing and upcoming activities within VDOT’s Consultant Administration programs – L&D, Environmental, Traffic Operations, Structure & Bridge, and Construction. 

2023 Transportation Engineering Awards

The Engineering Consultant Leadership Committee (ECLC) of VTCA presented its annual VTCA Transportation Engineering Awards at the Consultant Forum. This program recognizes outstanding design work in the Transportation industry. Congratulations to all the winners and honorable mentions!

		Overall Winner: JMT Modular Roundabouts
		Less Than $10M - VDOT Project Winner: JMT I-95 SB Exit Arthur Ashe Boulevard
		Less Than $10M - Other Project Winner: JMT Buckroe Beach Boardwalk Improvements
		Greater Than $10M - VDOT Project Winner: Whitman, Requardt and Associates Bridge Replacement on Route 211
		Greater Than $10M - Other Project Winner: Rinker Design Associates Route 28 Widening
		Design-Build Winner:Dewberry Engineers Inc. Skiffes Creek Connector

Honorable Mentions

• Less Than $10M - Other: RK&K
  South Washington Street Intermodal Transit Plaza
• Less Than $10M - Other: Whitman, Requardt and Associates
  Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail Project
• Less Than $10M - Other: Rinker Design Associates
  Jefferson Manor Phase IIIA
• Greater Than $10M - VDOT: A. Morton, Thomas and Associates
  Route 277 Fairfax Pike Widening