I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction

NDDOT broke ground on the I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction project in spring of 2024, with construction expected to run through the summer of 2026. The interchange reconstruction project is designed to support growth in this area of Bismarck and relieve what has become an increasingly congested corridor along Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway and I-94. NDDOT has worked closely with the City of Bismarck, local business owners, and the general public to find a traffic solution that would benefit the entire community. The modified single-point urban interchange (SPUI) selected for this project will efficiently move large volumes of traffic by converging traffic under one set of traffic signals. Use this page to stay updated on project developments, traffic impacts, and important safety information related to this project.

Project Updates

Construction is underway with completion expected in early fall 2026.

Remaining work includes:

• Southeast ramp and raised median completion
• Northwest ramp sidewalk completion
• Removal of temporary connections and signals
• Permanent signing and pavement markings
• Street lighting, landscaping, and final cleanup 

Traffic Impacts

• Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway is reduced to one lane in each direction as crews complete work on the southeast ramp, concrete medians, permanent pavement markings, and seeding.
• The northeast loop ramp is reduced to one lane as crews begin to build a temporary eastbound I-94 ramp connection.
• Exit 161B southeast loop ramp traffic is head-to-head for drivers exiting and entering I-94 at Exit 161 while the southeast I-94 entrance ramp is under construction.
• Expect lane shifts, changing traffic patterns, and occasional closures along Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway and eastbound I-94 through the season. Signage will guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers should use caution and expect delays.

Final Traffic Pattern

Exiting I-94 East

• 161A: To travel south on Bismarck Expressway
• 161B: To travel north on Centennial Road

Entering I-94 East

• If traveling northbound, keep right to use the new slip ramp BEFORE the traffic signal.
• No big changes traveling southbound. Left turn onto southeast ramp.

Entering I-94 West

• No changes. The new exit ramp remains at the same location as the old.

Entering I-94

• If traveling northbound, keep right to use the new northeast loop ramp.
• No changes. The exit ramp remains in the same location as before.