Welcome to the On the Move newsletter, your gateway to the latest developments and initiatives brought to you by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Whether you're a commuter, a contractor, or simply interested in the future of mobility, our newsletter keeps you updated on infrastructure projects, safety measures, and innovative technologies shaping the way we move.
June 2025 Edition
NDDOT and partners officially kick off construction season
NDDOT, along with industry and law enforcement partners, officially launched the 2025 road construction season with a news conference in Bismarck May 22.
The event highlighted more than $400 million in projects planned across the state and underscored the importance of work zone safety.
“This construction season includes a wide range of projects aimed at improving safety and strengthening North Dakota’s transportation system,” said Matt Linneman, NDDOT deputy director for engineering. “With work already underway in many areas, we’re asking motorists to stay alert, slow down, and help protect everyone in and around work zones.”
Speakers at the event included representatives from NDDOT, the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Each stressed the critical role drivers play in work zone safety.
Major projects scheduled for 2025 include:
- Red River bridge deck overlay on I-94 in Fargo
- Medora Business Loop and city section improvements
- U.S. Highway 2 intersection realignment in Williston
- I-94 Exit 161 interchange reconstruction in Bismarck
- Memorial Highway reconstruction in Mandan
Travelers are urged to plan ahead and check road conditions before heading out. For real-time updates, download the ND Roads app or visit the online travel map.
NDDOT’s Brady Haussler named Young Engineer of the Year
One of our own has been recognized across the state for his outstanding work in engineering and public service.
Brady Haussler has been named the 2025 Young Engineer of the Year by the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers. The award honors individuals who show excellence in education, technical achievement and community involvement, and Brady checks all the boxes.
“I’m honored! It feels great knowing the work we all are doing makes a difference and benefits the people and communities we serve,” said Haussler. “Thankful to play my part.”
A registered professional engineer in North Dakota, Haussler brings 13 years of experience to his current role as supervisor for the Department of Transportation Support Center (DOTSC) and the Student Design Center.
DOTSC is part of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University. The Student Design Center is part of the Transportation Technology Research Initiative at the University of North Dakota.
Both programs work closely with NDDOT to help students learn the ins and outs of highway design engineering and understand how NDDOT projects take shape from concept to construction.
Please join us in congratulating Brady on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have him on the team.
North Dakota traffic deaths lowest in 24 years
The NDDOT Highway Safety Division is reporting a total of 89 motor vehicle fatalities in 2024. This is the lowest crash fatality count in over two decades with 17 fewer lives lost than in 2023 and nine fewer than 2022.
A Closer Look at Preliminary 2024 Data
• 30 fatalities involved unbelted occupants – a decrease from 37 in 2023
• 19 fatalities were alcohol-related – a decrease from 33 in 2023, however, several toxicology reports are still pending
• 21 fatalities were speed-related – a decrease from 24 in 2023
• 57 fatal crashes involved lane departures – an increase from 52 in 2023
• 17 motorcyclists died in crashes – an increase from 16 in 2023
• 5 pedestrian deaths were recorded – a decrease from 10 in 2023
Data is still being analyzed, and will be published later this year in the 2024 North Dakota Crash Summary.
Vision Zero reminds North Dakotans to actively participate in reducing traffic deaths by wearing a seat belt at all times, using appropriate child passenger safety seats, following all posted speed limits and driving sober and distraction-free.
NDDOT invests in the growth of transportation leaders at WSCLA
Six NDDOT team members recently took part in the Western States Coalition Leadership Academy (WSCLA), a multi-state program designed to develop and connect current and emerging transportation leaders.
Amy Conklin, Civil Rights program administrator, Monte Deis, hydraulics team lead in the Bridge Division; transportation engineer Aaron Derman; IT program administrator Runick Fru; Jennifer Kern, bridge inspections team lead, and Justin Oss, transportation engineer team lead were chosen to attend by the executive team.
WSCLA brings together members from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and both Dakotas to dive into all facets of leadership and put together a final presentation for all five state DOT directors.
“This was well worth my time. I felt pretty privileged I got to go,” said Oss.
His small group was assigned to develop a presentation on how to hold managers and superintendents responsible for their team’s engagement.
“Before the project I thought ‘engagement’ was a buzzword. I realize now it’s not. In this training you get to know everyone’s different learning mechanisms, even how to approach different generations. As a manager you learn your strengths and weaknesses and it helps you engage your team as a whole, getting to know them and moving everyone forward.”
Oss said he would recommend WSCLA to anyone who is in a leadership position. WSCLA is a four-week commitment, with two of those weeks spent in Wyoming.
2026 North Dakota Transportation Conference calls for presentations
The 2026 North Dakota Transportation Conference is calling for presenters to submit proposals. Scheduled for March 10-11, this annual event will be held at the Bismarck Event Center.
The conference team is seeking engaging presentations that explore diverse topics in transportation, showcasing modern concepts and creative solutions.
“Each year, this conference brings together nearly 1,000 participants... We’re proud to provide a platform that highlights a wide variety of perspectives, all united by a shared commitment to advancing North Dakota’s transportation system,” said organizer Dawn Phelps.
Interested speakers are invited to submit their proposals by Friday, July 18. Each presentation should aim to contribute valuable knowledge, spark meaningful discussions, and provide actionable takeaways for attendees.
For more details on submission guidelines and to submit your proposal, visit the conference website.
Valley City annual Clean Up Day brightens district
The Valley City District held its annual Clean Up Day on May 14. Team members gathered to help clear garbage and debris left over from the winter season across various NDDOT properties. Cleanup efforts covered the district headquarters, rest areas, section yards, stockpile sites, gravel pits, and several interchanges on Interstate 94.
More than 30 people participated at the district headquarters alone, with additional crews working hard throughout all sections. The weather was nice, making it a great day to be outside and contribute to keeping our workspaces and public areas clean.
A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day a success!
Public praise spotlights outstanding NDDOT team members
At NDDOT we’re proud of the dedicated and hardworking individuals who make a difference every day. It’s especially meaningful when community members take the time to recognize the exceptional service they receive.
We recently received some heartfelt messages from the public who were impressed by the professionalism, courtesy, and commitment of our teams.
Here’s what they had to say:
“The staff is just wonderful at the Grand Forks Office. They were friendly, engaging and professional. They are highly organized and knowledgeable. Their office runs like clockwork! ‘Mange tusan takk!’ (As we say in Norwegian).” – Doreen W.
“Thank all those involved in trimming and cleaning up the trees and bushes between Mandan and Bismarck. It makes my trip between the two cities enjoyable and looks very neat and clean!” – Donald R.
Moments like these highlight the positive impact our employees have across the state. Thank you to the amazing team members who continue to make a positive impact in our communities!