Joanne Hight

The Commission addressed several items including conflict of interest disclosures, a Secretary's Report highlighting federal transportation legislation and recent awards received by the Department, and informational reviews of construction change orders across various regions. The Commission approved multiple bid letting results for statewide infrastructure projects, authorized the transfer of property interests and easements to local municipalities and counties, and reviewed Statewide Transportation Improvement Program revisions. Additionally, the meeting included a presentation on the use of incentives and disincentives in construction projects and an update on an interstate bridge repair.

The Commission addressed several bid letting results for various transportation infrastructure projects across the state. These included approvals for sidewalk and culvert construction, lighting modifications, pavement markings, the installation of dynamic message boards, pavement repairs, and the application of centerline rumble stripes. Each project bid was presented and formally approved by the commission.

The Commission addressed various topics including federal surface transportation legislation, the Department of Transportation's receipt of the Performance Excellence Network Excellence Award, and annual funding allocations for local government projects. Informational construction change orders were presented for several regional projects. The Commission held an executive session to consult on legal and contractual matters. Bid letting results for structure, pavement, and traffic service projects were reviewed and approved. Additionally, multiple resolutions were adopted concerning the transfer, abandonment, or disposal of state-owned right-of-way properties in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Codington County, and Clark County. The meeting also featured updates on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program revisions and a presentation on the use of incentives and disincentives in department contracts.

The board approved an amendment to a legal services agreement with Slover and Loftus, LLP, increasing the expenditure limit by $50,000. The Secretary's report provided updates on federal grant funding and the approved state department budget for fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the board approved noxious weed spraying contracts with the Pennington County Weed Board and Dakota Helicopters, Inc. for various railroad lines, and reviewed and approved the 2026 Annual Railroad Maintenance Plans for the Department-managed Napa-Platte Line and the Britton Line.

The meeting focused on the U.S. Highway 85 roadway design project, including a review of safety data for the 2020-2024 period, which showed 77 reported crashes and a crash rate exceeding the statewide average. The group discussed 30% design plans, design goals such as replacing the driving surface and adding shoulders, and specific design challenges near Spearfish Creek and Trailshead Lodge. Additionally, the presentation covered proposed alignments at O'Neil Pass, adjustments to design speeds at Sunny Meadows Trailhead, and the overall tentative project schedule leading up to construction.