DelDOT Sec. Bhatt leaving Delaware

After three and a half years as leader of Delaware’s Dept. of Transportation, Sec. Shailen Bhatt is leaving for Colorado.

Bhatt will leave his job at the end of the month to become the executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

“Throughout my career I‘ve tried to go where I felt I could do the most good, looking for opportunities to make meaningful contributions as a public servant,” said Bhatt. “I appreciate the opportunity Governor Markell gave me and I will always treasure the time I’ve spent in Delaware. It’s been an honor to lead Team DelDOT.”

Bhatt joined DelDOT in July 2011 after working as an associate administrator at the Federal Highway Administration. During his tenure, several massive construction projects were completed, or nearly so. Those include the new Indian River Bridge, the I-95/Rt. 1 interchange near the Christiana Mall, and high speed electronic toll lanes in Newark. Last year, Bhatt oversaw the state’s response to the emergency closure of I-495.

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“Shailen has done an excellent job enhancing the State’s transportation network while earning the respect of his colleagues and the trust of our citizens,” said Governor Jack Markell. “While this is a big loss for the State of Delaware, I am happy he’ll have the opportunity to work with one of the best governors in the country and am confident Shailen’s experience and leadership skills will have a positive impact in Colorado.” 

There’s no word as of yet as to who will replace Bhatt in Markell’s cabinet.

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