WTS DC and VDOT Annual Event, Engineering the Future: Smart, Sustainable, Resilient Transportation
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, WTS-DC held the WTS-DC and VDOT Annual event, Engineering the Future: Smart, Sustainable, Resilient Transportation. Attendees learned about the future of transportation in Northern Virginia from VDOT’s Management Team and Leaders:
- Michelle Shropshire, PE, DBIA, Megaprojects Director
- Dipali Parel, PE, Senior Engineer Structure and Bridge
- Lauren Mollerup, PE, Assistant District Administrator/District Maintenance Engineer
- Amy McElwain, Innovation Technology Program Manager at VDOT Office of Strategic Innovations
- Mark Gibney, PE, PMP, DBIA, NOVA District Design-Build Section Manager
The meeting was kicked off by opening remarks from Nick Roper, PE, Deputy District Engineer. He welcomed attendees and introduced the VDOT panelists. Michelle Shropshire, PE, DBIA presented on the Northern Virginia Regional Express Lanes Network and the 495 Southside Express Lanes Study. Mark Gibney, PE, PMP, DBIA presented on the first Progressive Design-Build project in Virginia, the I-95 Exit 160 Interchange at Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard). This project provides safety and operational improvements at the interchange in Prince William County, Virginia. Lauren Mollerup, PE, manages maintenance and operations for the VDOT Northern Virginia District. VDOT maintenance includes roadways and bridges, ancillary structures, guardrails, potholes, sweeping, mowing, litter pick-up, signs, sound walls, equipment, and emergency response. Dipali Patel, PE discussed how VDOT brings innovation to bridge projects with advanced inspection technology through the use of drones. Amy McElwain discussed the new GoMyWayVA app, an app that rewards your commute in and around Northern Virginia using real-time traffic data and user travel patterns. GoMyWayVA delivers commute options for faster, cheaper or greener travel plus perks you can redeem for gift cards and local deals.
Following each panelists’ presentation was an extensive Q&A discussion lead by Cerasela Cristei, PhD, PE, PMP, PTOE. Lauren Mollerup, PE stated that family, specifically her dad, influenced her career in transportation through his work on the Springfield interchange and 495 Express Lanes. Amy McElwain grew up in Taiwan and took her college exam with an interest in solving problems, eventually leading her into the transportation management program. Michelle Shropshire, PE, DBIA was asked what her greatest challenge was thus far in her transportation career. Michelle stated that there is a need to keep up with the evolving technology in the industry and that being a female in transportation, specifically construction, comes with a unique set of challenges. Dipali Patel, PE noted that bridge rehab projects require teamwork and extensive public meetings. With lessons learned, Mark Gibney, PE, PMP, DBIA discussed the importance of making time for the people you care for and setting boundaries as time goes quickly. The session concluded with a group photo of the panelists and attendees. Thank you to VDOT and ATCS for their in-kind sponsorship of this event!