South Carolina Department of Transportation

The committee meeting included a report from the Secretary of Transportation highlighting a positive trend in road safety statistics and project updates for the 10-year plan, including rural road safety, paving, and bridge programs. The committee reviewed change orders for various infrastructure projects, discussed the implementation of a critical path schedule for the I-95 widening project to better manage risks and claims, and addressed emergency procurements for repair work on damaged infrastructure. Additionally, a presentation on strategic financial challenges was delivered, and details regarding MPO and COG workshop initiatives were shared.

The Commission meeting covered several critical topics, including reports from the Secretary of Transportation regarding construction programs, traffic safety statistics, legislative updates, and fiscal outlooks. New business included the approval of the Annual Pavement Improvement Program, ratification of various extensions, initiation of public comment periods for highway and transit projects, and revisions to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Additionally, the Audit Committee reviewed financial audits and provided engagement updates. Surplus property conveyances were also processed.

The committee meeting focused on a review of the Office of Contract Assurance, specifically regarding risk and control assessments. Key discussions included identified inadequacies in existing design and operational controls related to compliance and oversight reviews. A management action plan was presented to address these findings, including the formalization of policies and documentation standards for collaboration between the Office of Public Transit and the Office of Contract Assurance. Additionally, the committee received updates on the status, estimated completion timelines, and engagement hours for various ongoing internal audits including fleet management, payroll, and purchasing card processes.

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.