BISMARCK, N.D. - In anticipation of the upcoming travel season, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) kicked off the 2024 construction season with a news conference today in Bismarck to discuss upcoming projects and work zone safety. This year’s construction season consists of approximately $580 million in projects throughout North Dakota to enhance the state highway system.
Speakers included Matt Linneman, deputy director of engineering at NDDOT; Russ Hanson, executive vice president at Associated General Contractors of North Dakota; and Sgt. Jenna Clawson Huibregtse with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
“We have several major projects and maintenance activities planned this year to improve our transportation system,” said Linneman. “Many are underway now and we hope motorists will partner with us to keep everyone safe in the work zones.”
Here are some tips for motorists to keep in mind during road construction season:
- Pay attention to signs and flaggers
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limits
- Stay alert and minimize distractions while driving
- Be patient and expect delays
" It is critical to keep our economy moving forward through improvement of roadway infrastructure but just as important is the protection of all roadway users and those working in these construction zones,” said Sgt. Clawson Huibregtse. “In construction zones, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Motorists need to slow down, stay alert, and follow the signs. Making work zones safer is a team effort.”
Major road construction projects around the state include:
- Grant Marsh Bridge deck overlay and joint repair
- Interstate 94 Exit 161 Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway Interchange reconstruction
- Bismarck 7th and 9th street mill and overlay projects
- U.S. Highway 85 four-lane project from Watford City to Long X Bridge
- U.S. Highway 52 passing lane construction on from North Dakota Highway 14 to Fessenden
- U.S. Highway 81 repair in Grand Forks
- A variety of projects happening on I-94
For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 or visit the ND Roads map at travel.dot.nd.gov.