Earlier this fall, former Caltrans district 7 chief Doug Failing left his long-time post to oversee Metro’s highways program. District 7 is a big-time job because it covers both Los Angeles and Ventura counties, meaning whoever is running the show has to cope with some of the nation’s heaviest traffic volumes.

District 7 announced today that Richard Land is assuming Failing’s old job on an interim basis. He’s a 31-year Caltrans veteran. I posted the press release from Caltrans after the jump.

State of California • Department of Transportation
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles— California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Randall Iwasaki has announced the appointment of Richard “Rick” Land as Interim District 7 Director. Land will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of 42 freeways and highways in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The appointment was effective November 1, 2009. Land, who is Caltrans Chief Engineer and Deputy Director for Project Delivery, will serve as Interim District 7 Director until the appointment of a permanent Director.

With more than 30 years of experience with Caltrans, Land brings broad knowledge of transportation engineering and management to the assignment.

“I am excited by the opportunity to serve in District 7. I look forward to continuing the important work of strengthening operations, enhancing safety and fostering partnerships with the goal of improving mobility for all motorists,” Land said.

A licensed civil engineer, Land’s career with the Department has focused on the delivery of transportation improvement projects, from inception through construction. He graduated in 1978 from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and rose through the ranks to the management level, working in Structure Design, Structure Construction and Structure Specifications. Among other positions, he served as Chief of the Department’s Structure Design operations and as State Bridge Engineer.