RICHMOND - Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner Philip Shucet announced today that Dennis C. Morrison, a 27-year veteran of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will oversee the Northern Virginia District. The transportation district includes more than 4,000 miles of roads in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties and it supports highway functions in nine cities and towns in the region. Morrison replaces Tom Farley, who retired in July after serving 11 years as district administrator.

Morrison leaves his post of Staunton District administrator where he has served for eight years overseeing the transportation program in the Shenandoah Valley. He also has spent more than 15 years of his career in the urban areas of Richmond and Hampton Roads.

“VDOT’s Northern Virginia District is responsible for the state’s largest construction program and Morrison has a solid background in this area, “ said Shucet. “He also has an appreciation for the operational aspects of VDOT that address mobility in one of the nation’s most congested areas. He will ensure that the department supports smart investments in roads, transit, rail, airports and various transportation demand management programs.”

Some of Morrison’s major career accomplishments include overseeing the construction of one of Virginia’s major toll roads, Richmond’s Powhite Parkway, and creating the first rural Intelligent Transportation System (Smart Travel) program in the state, along the I-81 corridor.

Morrison served as the assistant state construction engineer for three years in VDOT’s Central Office, as assistant resident engineer in Norfolk, and as resident engineer in Central Virginia, overseeing Chesterfield and Powhatan counties.

The 54-year-old Virginia Tech graduate has a B.S. in civil engineering and is a native of Martinsville, VA.

Page last modified: Sept. 16, 2004