Thomas has over a decade of experience providing expertise in multiple areas of traffic engineering, transportation planning, and roadway design, including corridor studies, traffic calming, innovative intersection design, and multi-modal infrastructure development. He provides localities and state DOTs with experience in evaluating existing safety concerns, developing concepts that incorporate alternative modes of transportation, planning effective countermeasure designs, engaging in community outreach for successful project implementation, and increasing mobility for all modes of transportation.
Working with both public and private clients, Thomas provides detailed traffic analysis and transportation planning insights that help create successful developments. Thomas is routinely involved with traffic impact analysis, safety studies, roundabout and alternative intersection design, traffic signal timing (optimization/coordination), and evaluating intersection modifications.
Thomas has experience analyzing local/regional economic development, transportation policy impacts, and funding mechanisms. He has supplied exhibits, cost estimates, and grant writing elements for multiple state and federal funding grant programs – including VDOT and FHWA.
Q&A
- Where did you grow up? The small town of Clarksville in Mecklenburg County, Virginia – about 2 hours south of Richmond/Charlottesville.
- What is your favorite sports team? Anything involving the University of Virginia Cavaliers – I am a big fan of college sports over the professional leagues. Although as a lifelong fan of soccer, I do keep up with the Premier League.
- Do you have a hero? My father, Frank Ruff, has spent more time giving back to the community than anyone else I know. He encouraged me to stick with engineering and helped me with my first interview at Timmons. He is always the first to ask what fun projects I am working on and is excited about the good our projects bring to communities around Virginia.
- What’s your favorite quote? If anyone tries to tell you that someone speaks ill of you, do not make excuses for yourself. Instead answer – “He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned only these.” Knowing your strengths is great but understanding your weaknesses can count for just as much!
- What music are you currently listening to? I am a podcast or talk radio person. Music has its places but if I am trying to concentrate, having a good podcast to occupy a corner of my brain always helps. Top podcast recommendations right now – Ologies or Revisionist History.