VDOT back in the crosshairs

Chris Graham

The state’s transportation system could benefit from input from local and regional elected leaders and an overhaul in the way the central office of the Virginia Department of Transportation selects and manages projects. Those were key among the recommendations in an audit done by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission presented on Tuesday to…

VDOT public hearing to discuss Rockingham bridge replacement

Chris Graham

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a design public hearing concerning the Cooks Creek Bridge replacement on Route 704 (Oakwood Drive) in Rockingham County. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, 4-7 p.m., at Turner Ashby High School, 800 N. Main St., Bridgewater. Citizens can come in during the meeting hours…

VDOT meeting to discuss I-64 exit in Augusta

Chris Graham

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a citizen information meeting concerning the Interstate 64 Exit 91 interchange in Augusta County. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, 4-7 p.m. at the Preston L. Yancey Volunteer Fire Department located at 2015 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville. Citizens can come in during the meeting hours…

VDOT fills senior staff positions

Chris Graham

The Virginia Department of Transportation, in a late-afternoon Friday news dump, made several announcements regarding staff additions, including the hiring of a new chief financial officer, John W. Lawson. The 21-year VDOT veteran will oversee VDOT’s $3.3 billion annual budget and will provide oversight and bring innovation to VDOT’s spending of state and federal resources….

The politics of the VDOT audit

Chris Graham

An audit should be, well, an audit – a review of facts and figures with a bottom line assessment. When an audit is not an audit – when it involves the great political football in Virginia politics. “We must demand better stewardship and utilization of existing funds. That is why I ordered this comprehensive performance…

VDOT road work schedule: The week of Aug. 16

Chris Graham

The following is a list of highway work that might affect traffic in the Augusta, Rockingham and Rockbridge areas in the coming weeks. Work scheduled is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. Also, when traveling through a work zone, be…

Whirley named new VDOT commissioner

Chris Graham

Edited by Chris Graham [email protected]   Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today the appointment of Gregory Whirley as the new commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Whirley had been serving as acting commissioner under McDonnell since January. A VDOT veteran, Whirley also served as acting commissioner of the department in 2005 and had served as…

Va. 907 bridge closed by VDOT

Chris Graham

   Staff Report News tips: [email protected] The Virginia Department of Transportation has closed the bridge over Christians Creek on Va. 907 in Augusta County. This location is just off Va. 612. Keith Weakley, the VDOT Staunton District bridge engineer, said that it appears that a vehicle struck the bridge causing extensive damage. A sign is…