The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting impact on the development of the transportation system at the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide to the citizens of North Dakota.
2010-2019 Honorees
Clifford Johnson, NDDOT Bridge Engineer, 2018
Clifford Johnson came to be known as "the first of the big bridge builders" in North Dakota. Clifford served as bridge engineer for the NDDOT from 1924 to 1945. He resigned in 1945 to become chief design engineer with Crocker and Ran Consulting Engineers in Denver, Colorado, and in 1950, went on to start his own engineering consulting firm, Johnson and Associates, in Denver. His engineering consulting firm designed the Grant Marsh Bridge located on the Missouri River in Bismarck and was credited with connecting North Dakota by designing bridges spanning the Missouri River. Johnson was also recognized for bridge designs that span the Red River. Some of his unique design concepts are still incorporated in modern-day bridges throughout North Dakota.
John Paul Windish, Barnes County Roads Superintendent, 2018
John first began working in the highway field in 1948, only 30 years from the official beginning of the NDDOT, and six years to the completion of the interstate system. Windish's career at Barnes County Highway Department encompassed an era of tremendous growth in the highway system for both Barnes County and the State of North Dakota. Through his tenure, he held many positions, including laborer, equipment operator, mechanic and snowplow operator, to list a few. There wasn't a task, job or assignment that needed to be done that John could not or would not complete. John was instrumental in the construction of roadways that would eventually become the paved farm-to-market roads throughout Barnes County. In 1970, John was appointed Barnes County Read Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.
Melvin J. "Mel" Bullinger, Bismarck City Engineer, 2016
Melvin J. "Mel" Bullinger has played a major role in the transportation system in Bismarck since May 1993. As the city engineer, he held leadership roles in many of the city's major transportation projects, including Bismarck Expressway, Liberty Memorial Bridge replacement, Century Avenue, State Street, Main Avenue renovation, and the reconstruction of North Washington Street. Bullinger was also involved with the Central Dacotah Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers, American Water Works Association, and North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers, and is an active alumni representative for North Dakota State University.
David K. O. Leer, NDDOT Engineer, 2016
David Leer has been known around the NDDOT as a forward thinker in the transportation industry. He was always willing to try new methods or products in an attempt to learn as much about new and innovative techniques in transportation. Some of his work involved a land reclamation project near Underwood, eliminating no-mow along the state highway system, and serving as a mentor to his peers. One of his biggest accomplishments was his role in promoting transportation by serving as the coordinator of the statewide Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) Program which brings transportation professionals into the classroom to inspire young students across the state to consider careers in transportation and civil engineering.
David Sprynczynatyk, NDDOT Director, 2016
David Sprynczynatyk has been a superior leader in the state of North Dakota since the 1980s. He has held top leadership and director roles for the State Water Commission, North Dakota Department of Transportation, North Dakota National Guard, and North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. In his tenure as the Director for NDDOT, Sprynczynatyk oversaw several major projects including the replacement of the Four Bears Bridge, four-laning of US Highway 2 from Minot to Williston, was involved in the design of the Liberty Memorial Bridge, and was instrumental in the relocation project of US Highway 281 in the Devils Lake Basin.
Mark Bittner, Fargo City Engineer, 2014
Mark Bitter was an outstanding leader of the Engineering Department for the City of Fargo. His dedication has enhanced the viability of the region's transportation system for over 35 years. Mark managed much of the growth the City of Fargo enjoys today. He was instrumental in developing a flood response strategy, a Capital Improvement Program, a Pavement Management System, provided direction of the departments implementation of water distribution networks, sewage collection systems, and countless other improvements that benefit the City of Fargo.
Francis G. Ziegler, NDDOT Director, 2014
Francis was a true leader in the transportation industry and was director while the department delivered some of its largest construction programs. He also worked hard to ensure the state's highway infrastructure was able to handle the increasing demands from the agricultural and energy industries in North Dakota. Quality work and safety were at the top of his list when engineering and designing roads and bridges throughout North Dakota.
James Igoe, Igoe Construction Company, 2010
James Igoe established Igoe Construction Company in 1945. He specialized in driveways, gutter, curbing, and sidewalk work. Over the years, James J. Igoe and Sons Construction, Inc., grew and moved into highway construction and built interstate bridges and underpasses on both Interstate 29 and Interstate 94. His company also had a hand in numerous bridge, underpass, and cofferdam projects across the state. James was heavily involved in church and community projects, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous philanthropies.
Eugene C. Jackson; Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson; 2010
Gene Jackson, of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, dedicated his life to the North Dakota highway system by offering his expertise to cities and counties throughout the state. Throughout his career, he has maintained a genuine concern for the transportation system on every level. He has always understood the value of developing good working relationships. Gene is concerned with the big picture for local governments and assisting with short and long-range planning.
Walter Swingen, Swingen Construction Company, 2010
Walt Swingen of Swingen Construction Company, has been a leader in the construction industry for over 50 years. Under his leadership, Swingen Construction Company has built numerous state and local bridges that are an essential part of the highway infrastructure throughout North Dakota. Swingen is a successful businessman who is universally respected. He is community- oriented and active in a number of civic areas. Walt is one of the founding members of the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Scholarship Fund and has worked tirelessly to fund scholarships for students.