This is the first in a series highlighting the people and work behind all eight districts that make up ALDOT’s West Central Region.
In the rolling hills of northwest Alabama, where highways stretch for miles and the pace never truly slows, a tight-knit team of public servants quietly keeps one of the state’s largest linear-mile districts moving. Welcome to the Hamilton District, where hard work, pride and a deep sense of community define every day on the job.
The Hamilton District maintains state and federal routes across Marion and Winston counties. These responsibilities include anything from roadway maintenance, grass cutting, sign installation, traffic control, weather-related events and other various item of work.
District Administrator Wes Spiller has spent 13 of his nearly 23 years with ALDOT in Hamilton, overseeing a 37-person maintenance team that has earned a reputation for stepping up.
“An average day here is fast-paced, and we’re usually behind,” Spiller said with a grin. “But the men and women here do an outstanding job of balancing travel projects with routine maintenance. Like every other district, we’re constantly managing road concerns, equipment issues, crew assignments and budget challenges. It can be high stress, but also rewarding”
Despite the pressure, or perhaps because of it, Hamilton’s team has developed something rare in public service, a family atmosphere that extends beyond working hours.
“It may be dysfunctional from time to time, but it’s still a family,” Spiller said. “Many of our staff interact with one another outside of work, and I think that’s what makes them strong. The bond they have goes deeper than just the job.”
That camaraderie fuels a district known across Alabama for its reliability and grit. Whether volunteering to help the Florida Department of Transportation after a hurricane, responding to winter weather, or lending a hand to neighboring districts, Hamilton’s team has built a legacy rooted in pride.
“They’re always willing and ready to accept any challenge,” Spiller said. “Their good character doesn’t come from always getting it right. That’s not a reasonable expectation for anyone. What defines them is their refusal to give up, no matter how many times they have to try again.”
At the heart of Hamilton’s success is a deep sense of ownership and commitment to the communities they call home. Spiller said it’s the frontline employees — the Transportation Maintenance Technicians (TMTs), Equipment Mechanics (EMs), Administrative Support Assistants (ASAs) and Stock Clerks (SCs) — who deserve the spotlight.
“They’re the ones who make the system work,” he said. “They’re free thinkers who take pride in their work, and they live in communities where holding your head up still means something. I’m grateful for any recognition the district receives, but those accomplishments belong to them.”
Success isn’t about accolades in the Hamilton District. It’s about character, commitment and the kind of pride you can’t fake. It’s about a group of people who take care of the roads and each other with equal dedication.
