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.
October 2025 Edition
NDDOT project selected as finalist in America’s Transportation Awards
After winning WASHTO’s regional contest, NDDOT’s Wrong Way Detection project has been named a top 12 finalist in AASHTO’s America’s Transportation Awards. Selected from 113 nominations by 35 state DOTs, the top 12 finalists are now competing for the grand prize and the People’s Choice Award.
Projects were nominated for the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards contest in four categories – Quality of Life/Community Development; Operations Excellence; Best Use of Technology & Innovation; and Safety, the category in which Wrong Way Detection was submitted.
The project involved onramps in Fargo, Bismarck and Jamestown with challenging roadway geometries and histories of drunk or distracted drivers going the wrong way. Cameras detect wrong way drivers and use software to notify law enforcement and traffic management centers. Red lights flash at the driver on the exit ramp, while dynamic message signs warn oncoming interstate drivers that a wrong way vehicle is approaching.
The public can visit americastransportationawards.org/ to vote for their favorite projects. People can vote once per day up until 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 17.
According to AASHTO, the grand prize will be decided by an independent panel of transportation experts, while the People’s Choice Award will be determined by online voting, weighted by state population.
The winners will be announced at the AASHTO 2025 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City this November. The winner of each category will receive a $10,000 cash award for a charity or transportation-related scholarship of their choice.
Congratulations to everyone who worked on the Wrong Way Detection project!
North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor seeks nominees for 2026
The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor is seeking nominations for individuals who have made a difference in North Dakota's transportation system. Nominations will be accepted online through Nov. 25, 2025.
The award was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting and valuable contribution to the development of the highway system on the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who help draw attention to the vital function our roadways provide to our state and its citizens.
“We’re looking for the changemakers who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on North Dakota’s transportation system,” said Laurie Martin, program manager. “From building safer roads to improving how we move people and goods, these individuals help drive progress and strengthen our state. The Hall of Honor is our way of celebrating their vision and leadership.”
Each nominee will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Major achievements in transportation in North Dakota.
- Significant contributions to the development of others in transportation in North Dakota.
- Special service to the state of North Dakota in transportation activities.
- Activities that bring credit to North Dakota transportation, either nationally or internationally.
Results will be announced at the North Dakota Transportation Conference scheduled March 10-11, 2026.
The Hall of Honor was established in 1974. Past inductees have included contractors, legislators, consultants, and county commissioners, but are not limited to only those professions. For full information, and to see a list of past award winners click the button below.
NDDOT introduces North Dakota Mobile ID
NDDOT now offers North Dakota Mobile ID, a secure and convenient way to carry your driver license or state ID right on your smartphone.
With Mobile ID, you can add your license or ID to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet.
That means you’ll be able to use your phone to show your ID at more than 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide, plus participating businesses, venues, and even select apps.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- Mobile ID is optional.
- You’ll still need to carry your physical license when you’re driving.
- There’s a $5 fee per renewal cycle.
We’re excited to be among the states offering this technology and expect more businesses to begin accepting Mobile ID as it grows in popularity.
Ready to try it out?
Tech, tools, and teamwork: Advancing service through innovation
Members of NDDOT’s maintenance, executive and safety teams gathered in Grand Forks in early September for the 2025 Maintenance Conference.
The first day kicked off with a District Inventions/Innovation/Technology session, where each district shared new or modified equipment with the other districts.
The second day was classroom style, with presentations from vendors and DOT personnel. There was an emphasis on technology. All equipment operators have recently been issued iPads, so there was training on a variety of apps that will allow them to catalog information quickly and easily. This winter, all trucks will be equipped with technology to allow tracking on NDDOT’s public-facing travel map.
Miles Nelson presented detailed information on each district in last winter’s Snow and Ice Dashboard before the session wrapped up.
“I think the conference went very well,” said Ethan Kitsch, highway maintenance coordinator for the Grand Forks District. “All the districts were happy to come see the Grand Forks District headquarters buildings, and it was a great opportunity for all the districts to collaborate on ideas. We also lucked out with good weather, which was fortunate for the first day to be outside learning about the equipment that was brought to the conference.”
Positive feedback highlights Fargo office’s outstanding customer service
A recent visitor to our Fargo Driver License Office shared her appreciation for the team’s excellent customer service while renewing her driver license:
“Thank you for the friendliness, organization and helpfulness of the Fargo office staff. When I walked in the door this morning for my 9:50 a.m. appointment and saw the crowded room, I felt a bit uneasy about how busy everyone was. But from the person who welcomed and helped me at the door, to the examiner who encouraged a smile for my photo, to the speed with which I received my renewed license, the entire experience was good. People were helping others, too. It was a good morning to be at the Fargo office. Great job, everyone!”
— Katherine T.
We’re proud of our Fargo team for creating a positive experience and showing the difference friendly service can make.
NDDOT’s Scott Schaffer honored with national distinguished member award
Scott Schaffer, fleet manager at the North Dakota Department of Transportation, was recently recognized with the Stewart Cowley Distinguished Member Award at the National Alliance of State and University Fleets (NASUF) annual conference.
The award honors a NASUF member who demonstrates exceptional leadership in fleet management. It was established in 2021 in memory of Stewart Cowley, a NASUF member from Utah.
In his nomination, Darko Draganic, division director for state fleet services, highlighted Scott’s contributions to NDDOT:
“Scott was nominated for this award for his exemplary leadership in fleet management and for upholding core NDDOT values. He has been a key resource in helping grow and strengthen NASUF membership by contributing to the body of knowledge and regularly provides valuable data and insights to the entire community.”
Congratulations to Scott on this well-deserved recognition! His hard work and leadership continue to make a lasting impact at NDDOT and across the nation.
Scott and Darko
Keep trick-or-treaters safe – drive alert, drive sober
Vision Zero reminds North Dakotans to take personal responsibility this Halloween, whether you’re trick-or-treating, driving, or attending parties. Please follow these helpful tips to make sure everyone gets home safely:
For Drivers: Slow down, stay alert, and watch for trick-or-treaters in dark costumes.
For Parents & Kids: Use sidewalks, cross at corners, and add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes.
For Partygoers: Plan a sober ride home before you head out. ND Sober Ride will be available statewide. Check our social media for the code.
For Hosts: Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, and encourage guests to have a sober ride.
We wish you all a safe and spooky Halloween!
Don't forget to vote!
