About The Project
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 Progress
- Work on the interchange's east side ramps is underway.
Traffic Impacts
Upcoming 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.
- Exiting I-94 West
- No changes. The new exit ramp remains at the same location as the old.
- Entering I-94 West
- If traveling northbound, keep right to use the new northeast loop ramp.
- No changes. The exit ramp remains in the same location as before.

Project Goals
- Estimated Project Cost:
$40-$50 Million
- Estimated Completion:
Summer 2026
Areas/Traffic Impacted
Project Gallery
Recent News
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Big traffic pattern change at Exit 161 begins Nov. 26
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 04:05 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionOn Wednesday, Nov. 26, traffic at Exit 161 will shift to a new configuration that reflects the permanent flow for the completed I-94 interchange, expected next year. The most significant changes will affect eastbound I-94 and northbound Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway travelers.
Nightly lane closures to begin at I-94 (Exit 161) for old bridge demolition
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 03:12 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionBeginning Tuesday, September 23, nightly lane closures will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Interstate 94 (Exit 161) Interchange project as crews begin demolition of the old bridge.
Traffic shifts to new bridge at I-94 Exit 161, September 3
Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionThe morning of Wednesday, September 3, traffic will officially shift to the new bridge as part of the Interstate 94 Exit 161 Interchange project. The old bridge will be fully closed to traffic, allowing crews to begin work on the interchange’s east side.
Miriam Avenue closure east of Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway to begin in September
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 02:09 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionBeginning the first week of September, a portion of Miriam Avenue will close east of Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway and will reopen to the west. This is a part of the ongoing work on the Interstate 94 Exit 161 Interchange project. A detour will be provided via Revere Drive and Hancock Drive.
Overnight closure on Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway at I-94 Interchange
Monday, August 18, 2025 at 03:15 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionCentennial Road/Bismarck Expressway is scheduled to close overnight between the north Interstate 94 ramps and Trenton Drive. The closure will take place on Tuesday, August 19, between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., for up to 30 minutes, as crews install a new overhead sign structure.
Traffic control to be removed at Bismarck Exit 161 reconstruction site
Monday, October 21, 2024 at 01:20 pm
Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) ReconstructionThe North Dakota Department of Transportation is nearing completion of the 2024 construction season at the Interstate 94 Exit 161 reconstruction site.
Project videos
Why is the Exit 161 project necessary?
What design was chosen for the Exit 161 project?
What is the cost of the Exit 161 project?
What is the timeline for the Exit 161 project?
How will the Exit 161 reconstruction affect me?
Virtual public input meeting: Bismarck I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) reconstruction
The public input period is now closed.
Newsletters
Issue 19: 2025 Season Wrap & Project Outlook
Issue 18: New Bridge in Use, East Work Begins
Issue 17: Deck Pours Complete & West Side Work Underway
Issue 16: Exit 161 Temporary Loops Active & Bridge Girders Set
Issue 15: Temporary Loops Active & Bridge Girders Set
Issue 14: Construction Work Begins for 2025 Season
Issue 13: Construction Work Concludes for 2024 Season
Issue 12: Temporary Loops Paved and Prepped for 2025
Issue 11: Expect lane closures at I-94 Exit 161
Issue 10: I-94 Exit 161 Construction Update
Issue 9: I-94 Exit 161 Construction is Underway
Issue 8: Important Milestone Coming in Exit 161 Reconstruction
Issue 7: Stay Updated on the Latest Exit 161 Timeline
Issue 6: Utility Work Beginning
Issue 5: CATEX Report Approved
Issue 4: Explainer Video Launched
Issue 3: Financials and Impacts
Issue 2: Alternative Four Selected for Upcoming 1-94 Reconstruction Project
Issue 1: I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction Project