Designed banner to announce Interstate 94 Exit 161 Interchange Reconstruction

About

NDDOT broke ground on the I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction project in spring of 2024, with construction completed in July 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 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) design efficiently moves large volumes of traffic. All traffic converges and is controlled by one set of traffic signals, keeping traffic flowing smoothly. It also reduces the number of traffic pattern conflicts by removing two left-turn movements and adding loops to provide easier right-turn movements.

Project Updates

Reconstruction of the I-94 Exit 161 Interchange is complete. Separate repair work from a vehicle incident is underway, with completion expected by the end of July. A southbound lane closure on Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway is in place, and motorists should expect delays until work is finished.

Final Traffic Pattern

Learn how to access Centennial Road, Bismarck Expressway and I-94 at the interchange. Watch video.

Estimated Cost

$40-$50 Million

Video Gallery

Recent News

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Permanent ramp opens, traffic shifts at I-94 Exit 161

Monday, June 8, 2026 at 04:42 pm

Project Categories I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction

Starting the afternoon of Tuesday, June 9, southbound drivers on Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway entering Interstate 94 East will use a newly constructed permanent entrance ramp at Exit 161, marking the completion of pavement work on each of the interchange ramps. Lane restrictions remain in place while crews finish curb and gutter and median work in the area.


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.


Location

Aerial diagram of the reconstructed Interstate 94 interchange at Exit 161 in Bismarck, North Dakota, showing new loop ramps, directional traffic flow, and connections to Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway.
Aerial diagram of the reconstructed Interstate 94 interchange at Exit 161 in Bismarck, North Dakota, showing new loop ramps, directional traffic flow, and connections to Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway.

Contacts

Company & Title
NDDOT Exit 161 Project Manager
Email
bsoutham@nd.gov
Name
Bernie Southam

Alternative Contact

Company & Title
NDDOT Bismarck District
Email
dschloss@nd.gov
Name
Dean Schloss