Michael Chandler

The Commission meeting focused on several key topics, including the official welcome and orientation of a new commissioner. The board formally commended and expressed gratitude to departmental employees for their dedicated response to recent winter storms. Discussions also included updates on traffic safety statistics, with a report on a declining trend in fatalities and the introduction of a new safety campaign. The Commission reviewed the construction program, noting the high level of ongoing activity and specific project change orders related to preservation and infrastructure improvements. Finally, the commission received reports from the Secretary of Transportation and recognized staff participants in the agency's leadership program.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the January 2026 meeting agenda and subsequent annual officer elections for 2026, resulting in the re-election of Commissioner Metaf as Chairman and Bill Dukes as Vice Chairman by acclamation. Key discussion points from the Secretary of Transportation report highlighted safety achievements, including the lowest number of fatalities since 2017, a 7% overall decrease in vulnerable road user fatalities, and a 30% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes on treated corridors. The construction program reached nearly $7 billion, with emphasis on interstate capacity and bridge funding execution. Change orders included accelerating the completion of the I26 and I95 interchange project, addressing utility structure needs on the US1 bridge, adjusting cross-slopes for I95 preservation work, and covering unforeseen slope repairs from Hurricane Helen recovery. The commission also noted progress on the 10-year plan goals, specifically regarding railroad safety projects and bridge construction.

The agenda for the Commission Meeting included several action items such as the approval of the meeting agenda and the approval of minutes and actions from the previous meeting, which included the December 4, 2025 Commission Meeting Minutes and related Audit Committee minutes. Key discussion topics included the Election of Officers, the Secretary of Transportation Report, and New Business items. New Business covered revisions to the 2024-2033 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) concerning Transit, changes to the State Highway System for both Highway and Bridge segments, and ratification of contract extensions. The agenda also scheduled Executive Sessions to receive legal advice regarding a potential claim and to discuss contractual agreements related to Exit 3.

The State Highway Safety Plan is a statewide five-year initiative focused on making roads safer by analyzing crash trends over the past 5-10 years. It aims to implement various safety improvements, such as roundabouts and reduced conflict intersections, and targets specific issues like bicycle and pedestrian crashes to enhance overall road safety.

The Commission meeting agenda included several action items such as the approval of the meeting agenda and minutes, election of officers, and new business. New business items involved the revision of the 2024-2033 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Transit and Highway categories, changes to the State Highway System (Highway and Bridge), and ratification of extensions. The agenda also provided for public comment and two executive sessions to receive legal advice regarding a potential claim and contractual agreements on Exit 3.