WV on the DOT

On this week's WV on the DOT podcast, Secretary Wriston responds to comments from Facebook posts on a variety of topics. It's the who, what, when, where and why behind WVDOT projects. Have a question? The helpline 833-WVROADS provides information specific to any road or bridge in the state; and if you want to hear it on the podcast email DOTpodcast@wv.gov

Snowflakes have fallen in parts of the state and winter is ahead; but WVDOT has plenty of salt and has practiced our routes. Brian Cooper, District 7 and 8 Engineer, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to describe snow removal and ice control operations. Also this week, a hint for next week's podcast --- where Secretary Wriston will answer questions from social media page...

Curvy roads are a part of West Virginia's culture! Secretary ReidSmith of the Department of Arts, Culture and HIstory and joins Secretary Wriston of Department of Transportation on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to share insight on working together to expedite the road building process.

West Virginia Department of Transportation builds and maintains roads, but what does it mean for the communities who use the roads? Cecil Marson joins Randy and Jake on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to share his thoughts on recent roadwork in the beautiful city of Bluefield.

With 4 billion dollars in active construction projects around the state (that's why you're seeing road work EVE-RY-WHERE!) it's more important than ever for WVDOT to work effectively with our contracting partners. Jason Foster, P.E., Chief Engineer of Development, and Joe Pack, P.E., Chief Engineer of District Operations, join Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to shine a ligh...

New River Gorge Bridge? Wheeling Suspension Bridge? Glenn Lough Memorial Bridge? Wellsburg Bridge? West Virginia is home to many marvelous bridges and it's difficult to choose a favorite. Tracy Brown, P.E., State Bridge Engineer, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about gaining ground on preserving these wonderful structures and making them last.

You have always wanted to operate heavy equipment, but the biggest vehicle you've ever driven is a pick-up truck. How do you begin? Aaron Stroud, Division Manager in the WVDOT Training Academy, joins Jennifer and Jake on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about how training with the new equipment simulators is making WVDOT safer and more efficient.

In a special one-hour Roads to Prosperity 7 year anniversary podcast, Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E., joins WV on the DOT to share WVDOT's transformation behind the scenes to meet the increased road work demands of the Governor's program and what's next as WVDOT continues to gain ground.

On this week's WV on the DOT podcast, we sat down with Mike Clowser, Jason Boyd, John Swisher and Secretary Jimmy Wriston at the American Council of Engineering Companies of West Virginia (ACEC WV) Joint Transportation Forum to talk about the volume of work available to engineering consultants in West Virginia right now. Also introducing Tur'e Johnson this week!

WVDOT receives email and corresponds with citizens constantly, but Mark LeBrun took the time to write us an actual letter via email! Marc joins Jennifer and Jake on this week's WV on the DOT to talk about a special culvert patching crew, a work zone message, and the citizen's helpline 833-WVROADS. Also this week, this ain't our first ROADeo --- check out the ROADeo special on Around the DOT.

Lorrie Hodges and Lori Suite have built long careers with West Virginia Department of Transportation and both now work as part of the team in the Secretary of Transportation's Office. Lorrie and Lori join Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to share what they've learned.

From the big projects like Beckley Z-Way, Coalfields Expressway, and King Coal Highway, to small but significant projects like the award winning Grant Street Bridge, to paving projects all over the area, Dr. Ryland Musick, P.E., District 10 Engineer, joins us this week on WV on the DOT to discuss the projects and their impact on communities across the southernmost part of the state.

Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the Parkways Authority, joins our WV on the DOT podcast this week with details behind the upcoming credit card upgrades on the West Virginia Turnpike, and Mike Daley, District 3 Manager, shares details of paving and other projects in his region.

The AASHTO President's Award has never been won by a West Virginian, but this year, WVDOT's Assistant Rita Pauley has been selected for the award. Rita joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about her career and serving West Virginia.

Paving roads and working together! Secretary of Transportation Jimmy Wriston, P.E., joins Randy and Jennifer for this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about all that's wonderful in West Virginia's DOT today and provide an update on Roads to Prosperity.

From paving to major bridge renovations, there is roadwork all over the state this summer. Earl Gaskins and Aaron Stevens join Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to provide an update on some of the projects in the North Central region of the state.

Public transit is vital in a rural state. This week, Bill Robinson, Director of Public Transit, joins Randy and Jennifer on WV on the DOT to share some of the exciting things on the horizon for public transit in West Virginia.

Jason Pizatella, Chief Executive Officer of the Contractor's Association of West Virginia, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about partnership between contractors and WVDOT, and road work all over the state.

As a data driven agency, WVDOT has a plan! Since 2018, completion of ADA accessible curb cuts has surged to 80% statewide, and the remaining ADA ramp projects have been identified. What does this mean for you? Ray Patrick, Assistant Director of WVDOT's Civil Rights Compliance Division, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to explain.

Did you ever wonder about the person on each construction site who is measuring everything and filling out reports in their vehicle? We did! Joe Little, Construction Inspector, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to explain what he's doing when he's on a job site and making sure citizens get good quality work.

The Route 35 Pavement Marking Test, a partnership between AASHTO and WVDOT, resulted in a series of more than 140 stripes on in a project which will result in better pavement markings nationwide. Katheryn Malusky, AASHTO, joins WVDOH's Dan Brayack on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to share insight on this research project.

4th of July holiday travel estimates, Courtesy Patrol, safety measures, progress on the new travel plaza's at Beckley and Bluestone and more! Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the Parkways Authority, joins us on this week's WV on the DOT podcast for an update on all things West Virginia Turnpike.

Two guests combine for two topics on this week's WV on the DOT podcast. Jason Foster, P.E., Chief Engineer of Development and Jake Bumgarner, P.E., Chief Engineer of Special Programs join us to discuss the Safety Systems Approach and the role of Chiefs in keeping WVDOT organized and working as one.

WV on the DOT podcast, with its 200th weekly episode this week, is part of West Virginia Department of Transportation's commitment to sharing information with the public across the state. For more information on WVDOT projects and initiatives, follow us on Facebook, X and YouTube, find your road on the interactive roadwork map at transportation.wv.gov and call 833-WVROADS with specific questions.

For West Virginia Department of Transportation to make a real difference in our state's infrastructure requires productive, proactive, motivated employees who know their work, have the tools, and have clear expectations on the vision. This week, Rebecca McDonald and Kathryn Hill join our WV on the DOT podcast to talk about initiatives for employee performance.