Va. transportation agency lays off 678 workers

(AP) — The Virginia Department of Transportation has entered the final round of job cuts aimed at reducing a $4.6 billion shortfall.

The agency began issuing layoff notices to 678 workers Monday. In the earlier rounds, VDOT eliminated 450 positions in June and 500 more in the fall. The majority of those cuts did not involve actual layoffs.

VDOT says the cuts include closing 15 residency offices.

VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern says the agency has now met its requirement to reduce staffing to 7,500 employees.

Ekern says VDOT has placed many workers previously laid off in vacant positions and workers cut in the latest round can elect placement. Those who aren't placed in vacant jobs will leave in April.