The Program
The Norfolk Rotary was honored to welcome a special guest and friend, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller, III, to introduce our featured speaker. A native and lifelong Norfolk resident — and fellow Rotarian — Secretary Miller shared brief remarks on VDOT’s priority projects and recent achievements before introducing Ryan Banas, Project Director for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion.
Banas leads the $3.9 billion HRBT Expansion, the largest highway construction project in Virginia’s history and one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in the nation. The project will add twin, two-lane bored tunnels beneath the harbor to connect Hampton and Norfolk, along with widening nearly 10 miles of I-64. Once complete, it will relieve one of the region’s worst congestion points, improving travel times, safety, and connectivity for both commuters and commerce.
Banas has also worked on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel expansion, the Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion, and the Elizabeth River Tunnels.
His presentation featured a striking visual simulation of the HRBT Expansion, illustrating the project’s scale and complexity. You can view it here: HRBT Expansion Video.
Banas closed with one simple request: Drive with caution in work zones — phones down, eyes up, slow down.
The Meeting
After a warm welcome from President Dave Duncan and a stirring invocation from Gary Bonnewell, Marty Raiss directed the introduction of guests:
- Tracy Ashley - guest of Kay Stine
- Emily Christopher - guest of Pam Tubbs
- Elaine Charney - wife of Dave Charney
- Neil Parker - guest of Chip Vogan
- Jim Key - guest of Armistead Williams
- Ahmad Aryan - guest of Chick Robison
- Paula Miller -guest of speaker, Ryan Banas
Dave recognized Happy Bucks and noted the following updates:
- Bob Heely requested support running A/V and immediately got a volunteer - Joe Reynes
- Joe New gave a planning update for the Tiel students arriving from the Netherlands
- Jeff Ryder provided an updated on the golf outing and this raffle (it's happening!)
- Marty Raiss thanked everone who donated to our school supply drive last week adn encouraged participation in the Mercy Chefs opportunity.
- Next Companion Club Meeting - 8/24
- Molly Thompson reminded everyone to take the member experience survey. The survey closes soon!
- President Dave recognized Molly Thompson for her inclusion in the CIVIC Leadership Institute Class of 2026
