(a)  The director of transportation shall annually make a report to the general assembly, during the month of January, setting forth in detail all the department’s transactions during the preceding year, and making such recommendations for improving the Rhode Island highway system, as the director shall deem necessary, in the best interest of the state, having regard also for the connection of the system with the main highways of the adjoining states.

(b)  The director of transportation shall direct and control, according to law, the expenditure of all appropriations for improvement and upon the director’s request, the department of administration is hereby authorized to make all contracts necessary for that purpose. Any work in reference to state roads must be approved by the director of transportation.