VAA Virginia Asphalt Fall/Winter 2019

06 FALL/WINTER 2019 Scott Claud; 2019 VAA President; President, Colony Construction, Inc. As the asphalt industry finishes the 2019 paving season, we are also saying goodbye to another decade. In the last few years, we have seen driverless cars, mobile applications for improved traffic flow, as well as the advance- ment of GPS technology. As we move into the second decade of the 21st century we will certainly see technology and innovation con- tinue to accelerate and benefit our industry. I am proud to represent an industry that fosters change and continues to adapt and improve. During my time as VAA President, I have seen several examples of transporta- tion advancement and innovation. The newly created Balanced Mix Design Workshop, sponsored by VAA and held on October 30 & 31, 2019, focused on specifi- cations and testing methods under con- sideration by VDOT. This is the beginning of a continued collaboration between the asphalt industry and Virginia’s DOT for balanced mixed design implementation in the coming years. Another exciting new event for our industry and its supporting partners is the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Asphalt Expo & Conference (MAAE), held on Dec 11-12, 2019, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Experts from all aspects of the transpor- tation industry will showcase the latest in equipment and products. Employees from companies across the mid-Atlantic region will have the opportunity for hands-on train- ing in field and plant operations, in addition to technical sessions. It is our most compre- hensive expo and conference to date and will continue to grow in the coming decade. Safety innovations are always changing and adapting to create safer work zones for our employees and the traveling public. VDOT recently introduced two new road maintenance innovations. Portable rumble strips and inlaid pavement markers both will be seen all over the Commonwealth in 2020. Portable rumble strips have been used throughout 2019 but will be used in all main- tenance schedules in the coming year. Plastic inlaid pavement markers will be installed for the first time in Virginia in 2020, replacing our current steel inlaid pavement markers. In March of this year, Governor Northam worked closely with Democratic and Repub- lican leaders to address critical safety and reliability issues along the 325 miles of I-81. “The urgency surrounding I-81 has created the opportunity to establish dedicated fund- ing for capital and operational investment in I-81, promoting safety, economic growth, and investment for all Virginians,” said Secretary of Transportation, Shannon Valentine. With funding shortfalls commonplace, dedicated funding investments are needed to continue expanding and maintaining the transporta- tion system in Virginia. Over the past year, I have been honored to serve as President of this Association. I would like to sincerely thank all Board Mem- bers of the Virginia Asphalt Association for their time and dedication. I have enjoyed my collaboration with VAA’s staff and thank them for their commitment to our industry. As we move forward, I know we will continue to take on the challenges and opportunities presented in the new decade and continue to push for safety, quality, and innovation. I wish all of you a happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year. PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE The Asphalt Industry is Always Changing and Adapting I am proud to represent an industry that fosters change and continues to adapt and improve.