On The Move

When President Donald Trump visited Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened during the America 250 celebration, visitors experienced a smooth and successful event. Behind the scenes, more than 50 NDDOT team members spent months planning and coordinating one of the largest transportation operations in recent North Dakota history. 

Working alongside federal, state and local partners, NDDOT developed traffic control plans, managed travel information, supported roadway access, and adapted to changing security requirements throughout the week. The Communications Division coordinated public information months in advance and provided real-time travel updates, maps, news releases, social media posts and traveler information before and during the event. 

By the numbers 

• More than 50 NDDOT team members supported the event 

• 32 dynamic message boards deployed 

• 100 concrete barriers placed 

• 40 No Parking signs installed 

• 24 trucks staged for Presidential motorcade operations 

• Hundreds of hours dedicated  

NDDOT crews remained on call throughout the celebration, responding to changing traffic conditions, weather impacts and operational needs while helping ensure visitors could travel safely. 

Dickinson District Engineer Rob Rayhorn said the event demonstrated the strength of teamwork across the department. 

"This event was truly a team effort. Communications, Maintenance, Design and all eight districts came together to ensure a memorable week. Our partners repeatedly praised NDDOT's professionalism and our ability to adapt as plans changed." 

NDDOT Director Ron Henke said the effort reflected the department's commitment to working together. 

"You exemplified NDDOT's cultural aspiration, Work as a Team. We are thankful and proud of the work you did to help make this historic week a success," he said. 

The opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the Presidential visit placed Medora and North Dakota in the national spotlight. Through statewide collaboration and a shared commitment to public service, NDDOT helped ensure the celebration was a success for visitors and partners alike. 

Congratulations to our 2026 WASHTO Scholarship recipient 

NDDOT is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) Student Scholarship, Lexis Orn. 

Lexis is the daughter of Chad Orn, deputy director of planning. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at North Dakota State University in Fargo and is on track to graduate in December 2026. 

The WASHTO scholarship helps support the next generation of transportation professionals by investing in students who demonstrate academic achievement and an interest in the transportation industry.  

This year, seven outstanding applicants competed for the scholarship, which awards $2,000 to a deserving student pursuing a transportation-related field of study. 

Applications were reviewed through a blind process where the names and any distinguishing information about the applicant were removed before reaching the judges. Any individual whose child applied for the scholarship could not participate on the judging panel. 

Thank you to all seven applicants for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their education. We wish each of them continued success in their academic and professional journeys. 

Please join us in congratulating Lexis on this well-deserved accomplishment! 

NDDOT's internship program helps students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce while providing valuable support to transportation projects across the state. 

Although NDDOT has offered internships for many years, we’ve recently expanded and formalized the program to create even more meaningful opportunities for students pursuing transportation-related careers. The goal is simple: give students hands-on experience, help them explore career paths, and build a pipeline of future transportation professionals. 

Unlike a traditional classroom setting, NDDOT internships immerse students in real-world work environments. Whether assisting with road construction projects, inspecting bridges, supporting engineering teams, or contributing to daily operations, interns gain practical experience that brings their education to life. Interns can apply what they learned in school out in the field which ultimately helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the field of work they plan to join; especially when it comes to our engineers, there is knowledge and skills needed that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. 

Interns are encouraged to take ownership of their experience by asking questions, volunteering for new tasks, embracing technology, and exploring different areas of the agency. Through conversations with mentors, coworkers, and fellow interns, students gain valuable insight into career opportunities within transportation and public service. 

The program also helps students evaluate their career goals before graduation. By experiencing the day-to-day realities of a profession, interns can confirm they are on the right path or identify new interests along the way. As one former intern humorously noted, "I liked everything about my internship except walking through the slough, snakes, and mosquitoes." Who knows? This could be a career dealbreaker for some. 

Beyond the experience itself, NDDOT internships are paid positions, allowing students to earn an income while building their resumes and professional networks. The department also offers opportunities for students to return for multiple seasons, helping them gain progressively more responsibility and experience throughout their college careers. 

Interns play an important role in helping NDDOT fulfill its mission of providing a transportation system that safely moves people and goods. They work alongside full-time employees as part of one team, contributing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and valuable support during our busy construction season. 

For NDDOT, the internship program is an investment in the future. For students, it is an opportunity to gain experience, build connections, and shape the direction of their careers. 

"The interns have the ability to drive the success and future of their careers through our internship program," Mary Grund, NDDOT’s talent acquisition specialist. "Our goal is to provide experiences that help students grow, develop professionally, and potentially find a future career with NDDOT." 

NDDOT accepting presentation proposals for ND Transportation Conference 

Do you have a great transportation story to tell or an innovative idea to share? Here's your chance to take the stage. 

NDDOT is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2027 North Dakota Transportation Conference, taking place March 9-10 at the Bismarck Event Center. The conference attracts more than 1,000 transportation professionals each year and offers a great opportunity to share ideas, highlight successful projects, and connect with others across the industry. 

The conference team is looking for engaging presentations on a wide range of topics, including safety, construction innovation, project planning and design, community partnerships, research, workforce development, environmental considerations, and more. 

Whether you work for a public agency, consultant, contractor, tribal government, or another transportation organization, your experience could help inspire and inform others. 

Presentation proposals are due by Friday, July 31. 

Apply here

Vision Zero advises the public to slow down, enjoy the ride

As we enter the heart of the summer travel season, Vision Zero reminds everyone that slowing down can save lives. 

Extra patrols will be visible across North Dakota from July 1 through Aug. 9 as part of the Speeding Slows You Down enforcement campaign. Participating law enforcement agencies will focus on speeding, aggressive driving and other dangerous behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes. 

The enforcement period falls within the "100 Days of Summer," the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Historically, more people are killed on North Dakota roads during warm weather months than during colder months. 

In 2024, speeding and/or aggressive driving was a factor in 33% of fatal crashes in North Dakota.  

Vision Zero encourages all drivers to wear a seatbelt, follow posted speed limits, eliminate distractions and drive sober.