ASHE Potomac Section Newsletter Spring/Summer 2013
THE DELINEATOR
Board Officers & Members
President,
Dennis Morrison, Volkert
1st Vice President David Hieber, Dewberry
2nd Vice President
Peter Vigliotti, VDOT
Secretary, Tim Belcher, Dewberry
Treasurer
Dave Palfrey McDonough Bolyard Peck
Director 2013-14 Phil Lohr, Volkert
Director 2013-14
Adam Welschenbach Rinker Design Associates
Director 2012-15 Leonard Coleman
Prince William County
Director 2012-15, Mark Warden, So-Deep
Director 2013-2016
Wayne Ma DMY Engineering Consultants
Director 2013-2016
Carolyn Witzig Rinker Design Associates
Past President,
Anand Patel, RK&K
Young Member Coordinator, Robert Cade
Parsons Brinkerhoff
Articles and Ideas Welcome!
I hope everyone had a great summer. As we begin our
2013/2014 year, I am excited to share with you our plans
for this year’s ASHE Dinner Program. It is our goal to
provide you with transportation information that will help
you grow professionally, enhance your knowledge of what
is happening in our industry regionally, and provide you an
opportunity to network with your Clients and peers.
Our program this year consists of the following:
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division Programs
VDOT NOVA District Administrator / VDOT Programs
DDOT Chief Engineer / DDOT Programs
VCTIR – VA Research Update
General Assembly Update
Fairfax / Prince William / Loudoun County Panel
Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance Presentation
To Be Announced Field Trip to a Transportation Project
Baseball – for the fun of it….
ASHE is committed to the support of our industry and profession. We also
believe in giving back to the community in which we live and serve and at each
monthly meeting we choose a community service agency to support.
We will be having a dinner meeting at the NOVA District office and others at
various venues to be announced.
I encourage you to get “involved” with ASHE, to invite a friend, and to learn more
about ASHE and the vibrant, local transportation industry we support.
It is only through ASHE membership and attendance that we are able to support
our goal and provide monthly key industry speakers.
We appreciate those faithful members who already support ASHE and look
forward to continuing to expand our programs and industry participation.
Get involved with ASHE and see how you can grow with us.
Sincerely,
Dennis Morrison, ASHE Potomac President
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Members know that attending the monthly ASHE Potomac meetings is a great way to learn more about what
is going on in our industry, network with colleagues, and enjoy a meal...but did you also know that you can
earn 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) simply by attending a meeting and completing a
learning objectives questionnaire! Mark your calendars for the upcoming ASHE Potomac meetings:
October 16, 2013— VDOT Nova District (@ NOVA District Office)
December 2013– Annual ASHE Christmas Party
Meetings are held are at P.J. Skidoos in Fairfax and begin at 5:30 pm with networking and a cash bar.
Dinner begins at 6:30 and the program follows at approximately 7:00 pm.
P J Skidoos is located at 9908 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22030. (www.pjskidoos.com)
We are always interested in your comments and suggestions for meeting topics, focus and speakers.
Please contact Dave Hieber at [email protected] with your ideas.
STEPHEN M. EVANS, P.E. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The recipients of the 2013 Stephen M. Evans, P.E. Memorial Scholarship are Zach Barlow and Greg
Pope.
Zach Barlow Zach is pursing an engineering degree at Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia
Tech). He received a $2,000 scholarship and will be
entering his Junior year in September 2013. He also
participates in the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) Engineering Scholarship Program which
includes working for VDOT during the summer breaks.
Zach plans to continue to working for VDOT after
graduation.
Greg Pope Greg is pursing an engineering degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).
He received a $1,500 scholarship and will be entering his Senior year in September 2013. Greg will be in-
terning with Norfolk Southern this summer and plans to pursue a career in railroad engineering after graduat-
ing in May 2014.
Zack Barlow and proud parents, Mary and Brittany Evans
and Peter Vigliotti
FEATURE - INTERSECTION NO LONGER DUBBED THE WORST IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA Matt Weaver, PE, Project Manager, MBP
Matt can be reached at 703-641-9088 or via email at [email protected].
With various transportation projects currently underway, the Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) has been alleviating many headaches for commuters in the Northern
Virginia area. The Fairfax County Parkway/Fair Lakes Parkway intersection is no exception.
Once dubbed the “worst intersection in Northern Virginia”, that honor will now be passed on,
and for good reason.
More than 66,000 commuters travel through this area on a daily basis. The at-grade
intersection was destined to be rebuilt as a grade-separated interchange. Originally planned in
the 1980s and with assistance from approximately $40 million in stimulus (ARRA) funding,
the $69.5 million project was advanced by two years, thereby significantly improving traffic
flow in Fairfax County ahead of its intended schedule. Currently under budget, the three-year
project, due to reach final completion in October 2013, is a pillar of success for all stakeholders
involved.
With careful planning and teaming arrangements in place, commuters gained the
advantage of the positive impacts after each construction phase. While formal partnering was
required during the project, the entire team worked so well together that communication flowed
seamlessly and any potential issues were solved well in advance so as to not negatively impact
the project. Two years after the notice to proceed, two new bridges, MSE walls, soldier pile
walls and a soil nail wall were built; 500,000 cubic yards of earthwork were applied to four
ramps and the bridge approaches; nearly 1,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer line was relocated
under the existing parkway; and more than 120,000 tons of asphalt was placed on a soil cement
subgrade.
Designers, VDOT and the contractor worked very closely to overcome the challenge
of designing and constructing the new roadway section adjacent to the existing roadway, a
process that required a variable depth asphalt overlay. A value engineering effort led to
rephasing the original sequence of construction, thereby consolidating phases and reducing
construction time and costs.
Traffic lights were replaced with bridges, roads were strengthened, and the newly
constructed split diamond interchange took full advantage of the space available in the median,
which meant there was limited right-of-way acquisitions required to construct the project. Lo-
cal and Parkway traffic were separated and as a result, traffic flow improved. The four-lane
Fairfax County Parkway increased to six lanes, with precast bulb T-girder bridges located at the
intersections of Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive, a move that eased congestion on the
heavily traveled crossroads.
Aesthetic components such as architectural finishes, ornamental lighting, and land-
scaping were designed to preserve the look of the Fair Lakes community. The Fair Lakes
League, VDOT and the contractor had to work together to achieve the same exact ashlar finish
on 65,000 square feet of soundwall panels, 29,000 square feet of MSE panels and 31,000
square feet of cast-in-place walls, not an easy accomplishment with multiple precasters and a
form liner involved.
With completion just around the corner, Northern Virginia commuters can now get to
work easier, faster and with less stress thanks to all the stakeholders involved.
Matt Weaver has more than 15 years of experience in the heavy highway construction industry
including working with VDOT on design-build and conventional projects. He has an extensive
background in field work, construction sequencing/scheduling and inspection, construction
management, cost estimating, and quality control and quality assurance.
Owner: Virginia Department of Transportation
Prime Consultant: RK&K, Fairfax, VA
Subconsultant: MBP, Fairfax, VA
Subconsultant: Keville Enterprises, Herndon, VA
General Contractor: Shirley Contracting
Designer of Record: WRA
ASHE - SPRING/SUMMER 2012-13
APRIL MEETING Karl Roher, Deputy Project Manager Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Dulles Rail Phase 2 Project Karl reviewed the specifics of Phase 2: Wiehle Avenue through Dulles Airport to Ashburn (11.4 miles) Six Stations (Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Dulles Airport, Route 606 and Route 772) 5 Parking Garages Rail Yard and Maintenance Facility Procurement Approach and Status, and Project Schedule
(Completion date 2018) MAY MEETING Tom Biesiadny, Director Fairfax County Department of Transportation Implementing HB2313 in Northern Virginia Tom explained the history behind the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and the impact of HB2313 on the local area. The presentation included: A Summary of the state-wide and local components of HB2313 Implementation of HB2313 through the NVTA Initial Project Selection: criteria, process and potential projects Specific projects including transit, highways and multi-model NVTA partnership organizations (municipalities, state agencies and METRO) At the May meeting Past President, Mo Kim performed the swearing in of the ASHE Potomac Section’s 2013-2014 Board Officers and Directors.
3RD ANNUAL ASHE POTOMAC GOLF OUTING SCOTTISH GOLF IN NOVA - MINUS THE KILTS
ASHE NATIONAL CONFERENCE JUNE 2013 The 2013 ASHE National Conference, held in the beautiful Lake Placid,
New York, offered a range of planned activities, keynote speakers, and
wonderful scenery. Some of the conference highlights:
A bobsled competition at the 1980 Olympics bobsled track
Speaker Victor Mendez, A Federal Highway Administrator
- Key speaking points:
- Transportation needs to be a higher priority
- Constructing bridges and highways helps to
revitalize the nation and create more jobs
- The goal in mind is to create safer roads and
infrastructures, while staying economically and
environmentally friendly
Speaker Thomas Madison of the New York Thruway Authority
-Key speaking points:
- Tappen Zee Bridge Replacement
- Should be able to last 100 years without major upkeep and maintenance
- With eight lines, it was designed to hold mass transportation, including commuter bus lanes
Ski aerial show at the Olympic Ski Jump Facility with BBQ, Olympic torch lighting ceremony and fire-
work display
Other activities included: Golf outing, open skating on the 1980 ice rink, and the annual banquet and
awards, closing with gala entertainment.
The 2013 National Conference proved to be another successful event and was a great way to take part in exclusive activi-
ties only available in Lake Placid!
The four members from the ASHE Potomac Chapter Speaker Victor Mendez
THANK YOU TO OUR 2012– 2013
GOLD SPONSORS
We are currently seeking 2013-2014
Gold Sponsor Partners
Information is available on our website at:
www.ashepotomac.org/sponsorship
SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS RECAP
ASHE Potomac organized outings to two local sporting events which were well-attended by members old and
new. Thirty people came together to cheer on the George Mason University men’s basketball team against Tow-
son in February, and 46 people watched the Washington Nationals take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in June.
Tuesday, February 26th
Those who braved the heavy rains and arrived early to the Patriot Center for the GMU basketball game were
rewarded with Gabe Norwood bobbleheads. Those who stayed late got to witness the nail-biting final minutes of
the second half and five minutes of hard-fought overtime. Though ASHE Potomac and the rest of the crowd
were cheering loudly for the Patriots, GMU fell just short with an 85-81 loss to Towson in their final home game
of the season. Despite the loss, everyone had an enjoyable time watching an exciting game and talking with col-
leagues and friends.
Wednesday, June 26th
Rain continued to be a theme for ASHE Potomac, and 38 people gathered at Fairfax County Government Cen-
ter with umbrellas and rain jackets in tow to catch the bus to Nationals Park. The bus arrived promptly, and the
excellent driver navigated us safely through traffic to arrive an hour before game time. Luckily the sun came
out allowing everyone to enjoy festivities inside the stadium or a brew or two at the Bullpen prior to the first
pitch. In total, ASHE Potomac attendance was 46 strong and $1 hot dog consumption was easily in the triple
digits.
ASHE Potomac enjoyed another close game, but this time the good guys won. Arizona scored two in the first
inning which proved to be their only runs of the game. A Ryan Zimmerman double brought in the Nats’ first
score. In the fourth inning, Abe Lincoln pranced across the finish line for yet another win in the Presidents’
Race. A Nats’ homer in the bottom of the fourth tied up the game, and another Zimmerman at-bat brought
home the winning run in the fifth. Despite a round of rain in the eighth inning, everyone stuck it out to watch
the Nationals seal the victory. We hopped on the bus and were back at the Government Center by 10:30pm.