I-94 Exit 161 Reconstruction

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.
Designed visual of I-94 (Exit 161) Interchange configuration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Goals

  • Estimated Project Cost:
    $40-$50 Million
  • Estimated Completion:
    Summer 2026

Areas/Traffic Impacted

I-94 Exit 161 Bismarck Expressway Centennial Road

Recent News
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Recent News

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) Reconstruction

On 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) Reconstruction

Beginning 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) Reconstruction

The 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) Reconstruction

Beginning 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) Reconstruction

Centennial 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) Reconstruction

The North Dakota Department of Transportation is nearing completion of the 2024 construction season at the Interstate 94 Exit 161 reconstruction site. 


Project Location

Contacts

Bernie Southam
NDDOT Exit 161 Project Manager
bsoutham@nd.gov
Alternative Contact
Dean Schloss
Bismarck District
dschloss@nd.gov