(1) There is created the Department of Transportation which shall:

1. (a) have the general responsibility for planning, research, design, construction, maintenance, security, and safety of state transportation systems;
2. (b) provide administration for state transportation systems and programs;
3. (c) implement the transportation policies of the state;
4. (d) plan, develop, construct, and maintain state transportation systems that are safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive, and serve the needs of the traveling public, commerce, and industry;
5. (e) establish standards and procedures regarding the technical details of administration of the state transportation systems as established by statute and administrative rule;
6. (f) advise the governor and the Legislature about state transportation systems needs;
7. (g) coordinate with utility companies for the reasonable, efficient, and cost-effective installation, maintenance, operation, relocation, and upgrade of utilities within state highway rights-of-way;
8. (h) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make policy and rules for the administration of the department, state transportation systems, and programs; and

9. (i) annually report to the Transportation Interim Committee, by November 30 of each year, as to the:

   1. (i) operation, maintenance, condition, and safety needs for highways; and
   2. (ii) condition, safety, and mobility of the state transportation system jointly with the Transportation Commission.

(2)

1. (a) The department shall exercise reasonable care in designing, constructing, and maintaining a state highway in a reasonably safe condition for travel.

2. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as:

   1. (i) creating a private right of action; or
   2. (ii) expanding or changing the department's common law duty as described in Subsection (2)(a) for liability purposes.