Last Updated on August 8, 2017 4:40 pm
RALEIGH – The most skilled heavy equipment operators in the N.C. Department of Transportation competed in the department’s annual statewide Equipment Operators Roadeo, held on Aug. 3 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The six individual winners from local roadeos held by each of the department’s 14 highway divisions several months ago showcased their individual abilities in heavy equipment operation.
The competition tested contenders in a variety of difficult situations, including backing up, maneuvering around obstacles, picking up objects, locating safety defects, and other challenges that mirror real world conditions. The event helps NCDOT’s workers advance their skills, while emphasizing the importance of safety when operating heavy equipment. Division 11, which includes Watauga, Caldwell, Wilkes, Yadkin, Surry, Alleghany, Ashe and Avery counties, came in as the statewide champion.
CLASS PLACE NAME DIV. COUNTY
Single Axle first Steve Jones 11 Watauga
Tandem Axle first Raymond Moore 5 Durham
LowBoy first Toby May 7 Guilford
Backhoe first Namoma Emanuel 9 Forsyth
MotorGrader first Josh Leatherman 12 Cleveland
Tractor/Mower first Felipe Gutierrez 5 Wake
The six individual winners and six runners up from this year’s event will represent the N.C. Department of Transportation at the Southeastern Regional Roadeo, hosted by Tennessee DOT in Sept.18- 21 in Sevierville. This competition includes winners from 10 southeastern states.
