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2025 Georgia Transportation Summit Breakouts

SESSION 1 – 1:15 – 2:15pm

TRACK 1 - Digital Delivery: A Cross-State Panel Discussion 

As agencies across the country modernize their project delivery methods, 3D modeling is emerging as a cornerstone of digital transformation. This panel brings together GDOT, engineers and contractors to explore how 3D modeling can improve transportation infrastructure planning, design, and construction, tailored to Georgia’s unique needs.  

This session will begin with brief presentations, while much of the session will be in a panel discussion format where panelists will discuss and answer questions from the audience about:   

    • GDOT’s approach to digital delivery and the role 3D modeling could play in enhancing reviews, stakeholder engagement, and construction efficiency…including new deliverable requirements in 2026. 
    • Examples of real-world application of 3D modeling in Utah and Texas: what worked, what didn’t, and how it could be adapted for Georgia. 
    • Key components for success: staffing, training, standards development, and change-management. 
    • How partnerships between agencies and consultants can foster innovation and advance schedule, compliance, or constructability. 

Attendees will walk away with lessons learned, strategic considerations, and practical next steps to scale 3D modeling; whether starting a pilot or expanding statewide implementation. 

Panelists:  

      • Tom Clower, Vice President, E.R. Snell  
      • Lori Davidson, Senior Practice Builder & Senior Associate, Kimley Horn 
      • Nicole Williams, Practice Lead, Digital Delivery, Kimley Horn 
      • Sam Woods, State Roadway Design Engineer, Georgia DOT  
    • Moderator: 
      • Chris Marsengill, Practice Builder & Senior Project Manager, Kimley Horn 

TRACK 2 - Design Policy Updates 

This session will present innovative solutions to two very different roadway design problems:

    • The superstreet corridor, which offers a cost-effective solution to reduce congestion and improve safety on very high-volume corridors as a more practical solution than grade separation or full freeway conversion.  
    • The diamondback terrapin and how researchers from the University of Georgia helped GDOT address the needs of these reptiles to cross coastal area roadways.  

Attendees will also learn more about the recently published GDOT guidance document on Intersection Sight Distance, including methods and tools for completing accurate calculations.   

Presenters: 

      • Frank Flanders, Assistant State Design Policy Engineer, Georgia DOT 
      • Chris Goodson, Senior Ecology Section Manager, Georgia DOT 
      • Pat Smeeton, Senior Project Manager, Moffatt & Nichol 
    • Moderator: 
      • Dan Pass, State Design Policy Engineer, Georgia DOT 

TRACK 3 - A Standard Guide for Standard Walls  

Currently, wall foundation investigations are not required for GDOT Standard Walls. However, as more of these walls are being proposed at locations where they may not have been intended for use safety concerns have been raised about their overall stability after construction. This session will discuss the summary of the stability analyses conducted and the new criteria to decide if a foundation investigation will be required prior to the use of GDOT Standard Walls.   

Presenters: 

      • Eugene Utsalo, Geotechnical Bureau Chief, Assistant State Materials Engineer, Georgia DOT 
      • Kevin Taylor, Senior Bridge Design Engineer 

 Moderator: 

      • Ian Rish, State Materials Engineer, Georgia DOT 

TRACK 4 - Improving the Hand-off: Limiting Under Construction Environmental Delays 

Consideration of environmental resources is a critical part of successfully delivering GDOT’s work program and this panel will focus on the important aspects of coordination and collaboration between the Office of Environmental Services, Design, Utilities, and Construction across all phases of a project.  Panelists will provide valuable lessons learned on how improved communication across offices can help to avoid unanticipated impacts to environmental resources that pose costly risks to project construction schedules, budgets, and agency relationships. 

Presenters: 

      • Olu Anyaebosi, Program Manager, Georgia DOT 
      • Matt Carroll, Senior Ecologist, Georgia DOT 
      • Heather Mustonen, Archaeology Team Leader, Tribal Liaison, Georgia DOT 
    • Moderator: 
      • Robert Elam, Assistant State Roadway Design Engineer, Georgia DOT 

TRACK 5 - Building Connections – Local Bridges and GDOT 

There are 8,021 locally owned bridge structures in Georgia, which is 52% of all the bridges in the state. Those numbers highlight the importance of these local crossings for meeting the transportation needs of Georgia’s citizens. GDOT recognizes that well-maintained structures are vital to supporting this connectivity and offers local governments a wide range of resources – from financial to educational – to assist them in this effort. This presentation will highlight these available resources to encourage greater interaction with GDOT for the benefit of these local bridge assets. 

Presenters:  

      • Janet Baileys, Project Manager, Georgia DOT Bridge Office Support Services (AtkinsRealis) 
      • Steven Durham, Ph.D., P.E., Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach, College of Engineering at the University of Georgia 
      • Jace Johnson, Graduate Research Assistant and Ph.D. Student, College of Engineering at the University of Georgia 
      • Neoma Walker, Bridge Program Manager, Georgia DOT Bridge Office 

Moderator:  

      • Ellen Wright, District Planning and Programming Liaison, Georgia DOT District 2 

SESSION 2 – 2:45 – 3:45pm

TRACK 1 - Unleashing AI – But With a Helmet 

This session will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping transportation through policy, innovation, and practical application. GDOT will present its evolving policy framework for AI use, followed by an award-winning case study on integrating AI into the Public Information Open House (PIOH) process. The final presentation will highlight current and emerging AI use cases, offering a glimpse into the future of AI in transportation. 

Presenters:  

      • Jim Anderson, CEO, Beacon Software 
      • Carla Benton-Hooks, Environmental Program Manager, Georgia DOT 
      • Lauren Schramm, Environmental Consultant and AI SM 
      • Annette Simelaro, General Counsel, Georgia DOT 

Moderator:    

      • Teri Freinkel, Senior Counsel, GDOT 

TRACK 2 - Data to Decisions: Georgia’s TMC in Action 

Join Georgia DOT’s Safety, ITS, and Signal/V2X leaders who will provide an inside look at how collaboration within the Transportation Management Center is shaping the state’s transportation future. This session will highlight new program updates, technology advancements, and data-driven initiatives that connect real-time operations with long-term safety and mobility goals. Panelists will share how their teams are working together to turn data into actionable decisions, streamline coordination, and drive measurable improvements across Georgia’s roadway network. 

Presenters:  

      • Christina Barry, Assistant State Traffic Engineer, Georgia DOT 
      • Justin Hatch, Assistant State Traffic Engineer, Georgia DOT 
      • Ron Knezevich, State Safety Engineering Supervisor, Georgia DOT 

Moderator:  

      • Sam Harris, State Traffic Engineer, Georgia DOT 

TRACK 3 - Project Manager Roundtable: Being Wise About ProjectWise 

This session will provide details on the current initiative to provide design consultants with direct access to the GDOT ProjectWise system as well as highlighting the background, collaboration, technological advancements, and anticipated benefits of this effort. 

Presenters:  

      • Charles Robinson, Assistant State Program Delivery Administrator, Georgia DOT 
      • Walt Taylor, Civil Engineer, Georgia DOT 
      • Glenn Williams, Technology Implementation Consultant, Georgia DOT 
      • Adrienne Wise, Assistant State Right of Way Administrator, Georgia DOT 

Moderator:  

      • Kerrie Boyette, Vice President, Transportation Regional Practice Leader, KCI Technologies 

TRACK 4 - P3 Division Update 

This session will provide an overview of the P3 Division's cultural transformation efforts and engagement strategy, highlighting key initiatives. 

Presenters: 

      • Chandria Brown, P3 Pre-Let Assistant Administrator, Georgia DOT 
      • Andrew Hoenig, P3 Pre-Let Assistant Administrator, Georgia DOT 
      • Michelle Pate, P3 and DB Senior Design Technical Advisor, Georgia DOT 
      • Helen Pinkston-Pope, P3 Commercial Advisory Administrator, Georgia DOT 

Moderator:  

      • Hiral Patel, Director, Public Private Partnership Division, Georgia DOT 

TRACK 5 - Beyond Geometric Design: Designing for Right-of-Way, Operations and Maintenance – A Panel Discussion 

Transportation design doesn’t end with lines on a plan. Join us as we discuss how thoughtful and early design decisions impact right-of-way acquisition, long-term maintenance, and daily operations.   

Presenters:  

      • Joey Harris, Assistant Right-of-Way Administrator, Georgia DOT 
      • Fletcher Miller, Assistant State Roadway Design Engineer 
      • Pete Sewczwicz, Director of Public Works, City of Alpharetta 

Moderator:  

      • Justin Lott, District 1 Preconstruction Engineer, Georgia DOT