The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently released the latest episode in its “State DOT 2-Minute Update” video series; this one highlighting the Delaware Department of Transportation.
[Above photo by AASHTO]
This video features Shanté Hastings, secretary of the Delaware DOT, who outlines how the agency is leveraging Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA funding to reshape the state’s multimodal transportation system.
Hastings highlights efforts to expand statewide multimodal access through projects such as the Georgetown-Lewes Trail expansion; an effort to build a 17-mile trail linking the towns of Lewes and Georgetown, with access to the Junction & Breakwater Trail from Lewes to Rehoboth Beach and from Lewes into Cape Henlopen State Park – making it the single longest trail in Delaware.
She also touches on efforts to enhance roadway safety statewide by building roundabouts, medians, and grade separations, as well as easing traffic congestion with projects such as the North Millsboro Bypass; expected to be completed by late summer 2025.
Named Delaware DOT secretary by Governor Matt Meyer (D) in December 2024, Hastings is a 25-year veteran of the agency.
After starting work with Delaware DOT upon graduation from the University of Delaware in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Hastings has served as the agency’s deputy secretary and chief engineer before being named secretary.
In 2013, Hastings received the “Young Engineer of the Year” award from the Delaware Engineering Society in recognition of her work in the field of engineering and community service.
She also currently serves as the chair of the AASHTO Committee on Design, chair of AASHTO Innovation Management, and co-vice chair of the AASHTO Committee on Transportation System Operations. Hastings also serves as a trustee of the University of Delaware and on the boards of the Delaware State Fair, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, and Sussex Academy Charter School.
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