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.
November 2025 Edition
NDDOT celebrates employees with ceremony and awards
Every year at NDDOT we take time to acknowledge the accomplishments of our employees. While many in the public may only see our organization as construction, snowplows, or where to go to get your driver license and motor vehicle registration, we are so much more.
NDDOT is made up of more than 1,000 individuals who range in careers as engineers, archeologists, public information specialists, lawyers, auditors, human resources specialists, biologists, scientists, analysts, mechanics, managers, administrative professionals and many more.
Congratulations to the following team members whose work has not gone unnoticed by their coworkers:
PRIDE Award Winner: Clint Morgenstern, Staff Attorney, DOT Legal Division
Empower People Award Winner: Mike Pike, Highway Maintenance Coordinator, Devils Lake District
Legacy of Learning Award Winner: Gerald Kautzman, Transportation Senior Manager, DOT Programming Division
Citizen Focus Award Winner: Brittany Kuntz, Exam Supervisor, DOT Driver License Division
Work as One Award Winners: Scour Critical Bridge Team - Bridge Division, Local Government Division, and Planning & Asset Management Divisions: Lindsay Bossert, Monte Deis, Randy Sandvig, Stephen Wirtz, Travis Brossart, Matt Luger, Brandon Beise, and Stephanie Weiand
Hero Award Winners: Motor Vehicle Training Team - Amy Jo Jacobson, Justin Turcotte, Jessie Grounds, and Kalli Schirado
Excellence in Innovation Award Winners: Fargo District High Tension Median Cable Guardrail Repair Team - Aaron Murra, Troy Gilbertson, Kent Leysring, Marv King, Chris Myhre, Jon Lee, Andrew Fresquez, Nathan Eback, Brian Benson, Ben Miller, Doug Wambach, Christ Pelzman, Bobby Geske, Kalob Frazier, Ryan Jamieson, Scott Kaufman, Andy Bachmann, Casey Ackerman, Erik Sather, Tom Kiefer, and Matt Larson.
The wide variety of work that goes on behind the scenes at NDDOT is nothing short of extraordinary. While this is a small snapshot of amazing individuals who make up our team, please help us congratulate all of the hard work our entire team has done throughout the year!
NDDOT among agencies honored with Roaming Bison Award
NDDOT was among the 15 agencies recognized with the prestigious Roaming Bison Award during a ceremony held Sept. 29 in the Capitol’s Memorial Hall. Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden presented the awards, which honor outstanding teams whose innovation, teamwork, and citizen focus set the standard for public service in North Dakota.
The October Wildfire Unified Command received the award for leading a coordinated response among more than 15 state, local, tribal, and federal agencies to combat historic wildfires that swept across North Dakota in October 2024. The fires burned more than 118,000 acres and caused millions of dollars in damage, prompting a remarkable joint effort to protect lives, property and communities.
Gov. Armstrong praised the recipients for their dedication to public service and collaboration.
“Our state agencies continue to deliver world-class service in collaboration with each other and our local, tribal and federal partners,” he said. “This year’s awards highlight teams that went above and beyond in serving our citizens and making North Dakota an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees, and thanks to everyone who nominated their colleagues for their outstanding work.”
The Roaming Bison Award continues to celebrate the best of North Dakota’s public workforce - those whose innovation and teamwork strengthen the state and its communities for years to come. NDDOT is proud to have been part of this incredible team effort.
NDDOT Academy marks 20 years of excellence in training
NDDOT celebrated the 20th year of its Fall Transportation Technician Training Academy at Camp Grafton located just south of Devils Lake.
This program plays a central role in promoting consistency, safety, and teamwork statewide. Over the last 20 years, the academy has trained 1,248 students, adding up to more than 62,400 hours of training.
Last year, the academy earned the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) President’s Award - a national honor that recognizes the impact made by NDDOT team members involved in the academy. The academy is also offered to operators from Tribal Nations across the state.
“After 20 years, the Transportation Technician Training Academy remains a cornerstone of NDDOT’s commitment to excellence,” said Deputy Director of Engineering Matt Linneman. “By combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and teamwork, we’re not just training team members, we’re shaping the future of transportation in North Dakota.”
At the graduation ceremony, Linneman presented a memento of appreciation to the North Dakota National Guard for their partnership. The training academy is a mutually beneficial partnership between the NDDOT and National Guard at Camp Grafton. Participants are provided with real-world road maintenance experience while repairing roads at Camp Grafton, allowing a safe and secure training environment.
As the academy enters its third decade, NDDOT remains committed to preparing the next generation of transportation professionals. By combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and a focus on safety and teamwork, the academy continues to strengthen North Dakota’s transportation workforce and ensure the state’s roads are well-maintained for years to come.
Road construction to wrap up this fall
The NDDOT and its partners are preparing to wrap up the 2025 construction season. Crews are putting the finishing touches on several projects across the state, but there’s still plenty of work happening before winter arrives.
Safety remains a top priority for our crews and for drivers traveling through work zones. Please remember to slow down, stay alert, and give workers plenty of space.
A few quick reminders for safe driving through construction areas:
- Slow down and follow posted speed limits
- Stay alert and avoid distractions
- Watch for signs and flaggers
- Be patient and expect delays
This year’s construction program included 156 projects, with about $345 million invested to keep North Dakota’s roads and bridges in great shape. Thanks to the long hours and hard work from crews across the state, we’re making the most of every construction season.
For up-to-date information on road conditions and construction projects, call 511 or check out the ND Roads map.
The Best Gift This Season? A Sober Ride
To help keep impaired drivers off North Dakota roads this holiday season, Vision Zero is offering ND Sober Ride, a simple, safe way to get home.
The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate for families and friends. Because those celebrations often include alcohol, Vision Zero is committed to getting people home safe so no one has to end the season with a tragedy.
$10 Lyft vouchers will be available over the holidays from Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 19-Jan. 1. Visit the Vision Zero website for code details.
The ND Sober Ride program is sponsored by AAA – The Auto Club Group. Lyft codes are unique to each campaign period and can be used once per period, while supplies last.
