The judges were impressed with the “solutions that were reached to counter the site constraints and the numerous ways the owner/clients expectations were obviously exceeded. Your work ethic and ingenuity on this project is impressive.” 

“In more than 20 years with VDOT, this was one of the best partnering projects I’ve been part of," said Charlie Warraich,  project manager. He noted that the strong partnership with Shirley Contracting on the project was a plus.

The I-95 Widening Project was the first of the Virginia Megaprojects to be completed.

Jim Smith, regional operations director, and Bangfei Han, senior structural engineer, spoke with the group before giving a tour of the Richmond Operations Center.  

“My key message was to show how our Secondary Road Program has evolved, how the overall VDOT organization relates to this program and how funding works,” said Smith.

Funding was a hot topic. “They asked the most questions about how VDOT funds the road system and how the funds are allocated between maintenance and new construction,” said Han.

The group also saw a secondary road project in progress during a bus tour.

Most recently, crews installed Environmental Protection Agency-compliant power packs in the main engines, which will result in cleaner emissions. 

New rescue boat davit and winches were also put in place. The winches and davits were made by Welin-Lambie Co. of England, the company that made these same items for the Titanic. 

The hull and car deck have been cleaned and painted, and the remaining seals in the Voith propulsion unit were renewed.  

This service period is mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard and must occur twice within a five year period. 

During its time in the shipyard, the Pocahontas will undergo a thorough inspection and if any deficiencies are found they will be repaired or replaced. 

Crews expect the Pocahontas back in service by February.