Virginia House Bill HB1750

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/25
• Refer: 1/4/25

Caption

Department of Transportation; maintenance on components of the Interstate System.

Impact

The enactment of HB1750 would centralize the contracting process for the maintenance of Interstate System components under the oversight of the Commissioner of Highways and the Board. The bill includes provisions that allow for exceptions to this requirement if 'good and sufficient reasons' are provided in writing. This limitation on how contracts are awarded could lead to a more consistent quality of maintenance across Virginia's interstate highways, potentially improving overall road safety and infrastructure reliability.

Summary

House Bill 1750 proposes amendments to Section 33.2-301 of the Code of Virginia. The primary focus of this bill is to regulate the process for awarding contracts related to the maintenance of the Interstate System's components, explicitly excluding frontage roads. Under the proposed amendments, all contracts for such maintenance must be awarded by the Commissioner of Highways or the Board, in accordance with specific procedures outlined in several sections of the Virginia transportation statutes. This aims to ensure a standardized approach to maintenance contracts across the state.

Contention

Notably, this bill ensures that the Department of Transportation retains the right to perform emergency work with its own employees, further demonstrating its commitment to quick response in critical situations. However, the requirement for justification in cases where standard procedures may not be followed could generate discussion among stakeholders regarding the transparency and accountability of the contracting process. Critics may raise concerns about what constitutes a 'good and sufficient reason,' and whether this allows for adequate oversight of maintenance contracts.