CAWV Newsletter - April 25, 2025

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CAWV Joins WVDOH and Industry Partners in Honoring National Work Zone Awareness Week
 

Work Zone Awareness Week kicked off Monday, April 21, and CAWV joined state and federal leaders to shed light on the dangers road crews face every day across the Mountain State. At a press conference hosted by the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), leaders from CAWV, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), West Virginia State Police, Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) came together in solidarity to urge motorists to pay attention and slow down in work zones.
 
The message hit close to home this year. Just one week prior, 24-year-old James Dean Harper lost his life while patching potholes on the West Virginia Turnpike. A distracted tractor-trailer driver struck Harper in the work zone, leaving behind a grieving wife and infant child. His tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of why this annual awareness campaign is so critical.
 
“Distracted driving in work zones isn’t just reckless, it’s deadly,” said Everett Frazier with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Those ‘Work Zone Ahead’ signs? That’s not a suggestion. It’s a plea to value life over convenience.”
 
WVDOH Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh, P.E., emphasized that safety must be an everyday commitment—not just a campaign. “While many take notice, many more do not, often leading to tragic outcomes,” he said. “This must turn into a behavior, and an everyday mindset.”
 
Last year alone, West Virginia saw 786 work zone crashes, resulting in 273 injuries and seven deaths. Among the most harrowing stories was Randall Randolph, a DOH worker who survived being struck by a vehicle in January. At the time, Randolph was unsure whether he would walk again.
 
CAWV was proud to stand alongside these agencies and reinforce the importance of supporting legislation, safety programs, and public awareness efforts that protect construction workers and the traveling public alike. As the construction season ramps up across the state, CAWV reminds everyone: Slow Down. Stay Alert. Save Lives.
 
annual SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING – June 6, 2025

Take part in the annual CAWV Scholarship Golf Outing that will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Berry Hills Country Club in Charleston. This year’s golf outing will offer a morning flight with a shotgun at 9:00 a.m. Golfers will have a continental breakfast, boxed lunch, and a cookout after the event. Sponsorships will be available. Become a tent sponsor for $500 or a tee sign sponsor for only $150. Contact Shelly Hartley at shartley@cawv.org to become a sponsor. To register for the event, click here.
 
registration open for cawv ANNUAL MEETING - JULY 10-13, 2025
 
The Program Committee invites all members to the 2025 CAWV Annual Meeting on July 10-13, at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. The event will feature many activities for members and guests to enjoy including a pickleball clinic and tournament, axe throwing event, a new family bowling event sponsored by Daniels Law Firm, and a wine tasting led by the Greenbrier's Sommelier. The classic golf tournament on the Meadows Course will return on Saturday's listing of activities as well as the trap and fishing tournament. This year's event will again feature receptions, division meetings, a general business session, and to welcome the 2025-2026 CAWV President to the members. The President's Banquet will also feature the Construction Leadership Program Graduation for the Class of 2025. Attendees can also look forward to a themed reception and President’s Banquet, as well as access to the resort’s extensive amenities. More info…