How do the proper resources make a difference for workers struggling to do the best they can with what they have? How do you get consistent quality work in all regions of the state? Joe Pack, P.E., Deputy State Highway Engineer of District Operations, joins Randy and Jennifer this week on WV on the DOT to answer these and other questions.

2021 was a dynamic year for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and likewise for our WV on the DOT podcast, an interactive, informal weekly chat where guests from throughout our agency and sister agencies can share information and answer questions from the public we serve. On this week's show, Randy and Jennifer take a look back at some of the special guests we featured throughout 2021; from highway maintenance to tourist trains.

How do you extend the life of a bridge? Why can't you trim trees in the summer? What happens when there's a storm on Christmas? Jake Bumgarner, P.E., Director of the Operations Division, joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast to talk about everything maintenance.

West Virginia Department of Transportation is different --- but how? Why? Changes are starting to show on the ground; what's next? Secretary of Transportation, Jimmy Wriston, P.E., joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast for a look back at 2021 and a look ahead to 2022.

West Virginia Division of Highways has picked up the pace since Alan Reed, P.E., stepped into his role as State Highway Engineer in March of 2020. The smooth roads speak for themselves, but what's around the next corner? Alan joins Randy and Jennifer on this week's WV on the DOT podcast for a little insight on what's around the bend.

You've heard about changes that make it possible for WVDOH to hire employees swiftly and train them well. What about the day-to-day relationship between the organization and its people? Motivation, work ethic, ownership of ones work --- these are things that make a real difference on the ground every day. Jonathan Schaffer joins Randy and Jennifer as this week's guest on our WV on the DOT podcast to talk about the way WVDOH takes care of its people, so the people can take care of the roads.

The Thanksgiving episode of our WV on the DOT podcast features Kathy Rushworth, P.E., District 1 Maintenance Engineer with preparations for driving safely in snow. WVDOH plow drivers are ready, and when snow and ice arrive they will be working 12 hours shifts helping us "weather" every storm.

One was burned and flooded but is still a part of the national highway system. One has the longest segmental box girder span in North America. Many are award winning; each is unique. In Part 2 of our Special Feature on West Virginia's Signature Bridges, State Bridge Engineer Tracy Brown, P.E., joins Randy and Jennifer with the fun facts, historical tales, and amazing engineering techniques that make West Virginia's bridges not just a point from here to there, but a tourist destination.

With the southbound lanes of the final 14.6 mile section of Route 35 now open to traffic and the northbound lanes opening in the coming days, this week's WV on the DOT podcast features a look back at the completion of that project along with a look ahead at Corridor H, with another section recently moved forward in the November 9 bid letting. Cliff Farley and Tommy Collins join Randy and Jennifer this week to provide those updates.

Secretary of Transportation Jimmy Wriston, P.E. and Deputy State Highway Engineer Greg Bailey, P.E., join Randy and Jennifer for a special WV on the DOT podcast.... after 53 years, the final 4 lane section of Route 35 is complete.