(June 13, 2017) – A Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) employee recently earned top honors for demonstrating roadway excellence in a regional competition against technicians in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. James Gill, a Field Maintenance Supervisor in SHA District 2’s Denton Shop, earned a second place award at the American Public Works Association (APWA) “Roadeo” in Fredericksburg, VA. The competition challenges heavy equipment drivers in the field of roadway transportation and driving, precision, skills and speed. 
 
“We take roadway operations seriously and our employees are put to the test year round and in less than ideal conditions,” said Russell Yurek, Director of MDOT SHA’s Office of Maintenance. “We are extremely proud that James earned this award, as it further highlights MDOT SHA’s commitment to cultivating an adept, safe, knowledgeable and experienced workforce.”

 

Each year, SHA’s Office of Maintenance sends two top finishers from the MDOT SHA Statewide Roadeo to the APWA competition. At both events, participants drive a roadway course and are scored based on how well they maneuver through various obstacles. Gill and Wroth Newcomb, Field Maintenance Technician in District 2’s Centreville Shop, were MDOT SHA’s top finishers statewide who were then competed at the APWA’s spring event in Fredericksburg, VA.

 

“It’s not every day that you compete against the best of the best, and then get an award for it,” said Gill. “This was an amazing experience and I’m truly honored to have been recognized.”

 

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