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.
March 2026 Edition
Hall of Honor welcomes three new inductees
NDDOT inducted three new members into the North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor during a ceremony at the annual North Dakota Transportation Conference March 10 at the Bismarck Event Center.
Inductees include Brosz Engineering founder Dan Brosz, retired NDDOT employee Bennett Kubischta and President of Gratech Company, LLC, Harley Neshem.
The Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting contribution to the development of the highway system on the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide for the state and its citizens.
“These individuals displayed remarkable dedication to their work and to the state of North Dakota. Their contributions have shaped communities and commerce across our state and their influence shapes not only the future of transportation, but our memories of its past,” said NDDOT Director Ron Henke. “We’re honored to welcome them into the Transportation Hall of Honor.”
Brosz has an unwavering philosophy: Local roads matter, and rural communities deserve high-quality, safe, dependable transportation systems. For more than 40 years he has been a trusted partner to local governments, especially during the oil booms. He is a leader in rural transportation engineering, an advocate for fair infrastructure funding and a mentor to a generation of professionals in North Dakota’s transportation community.
Kubischta began working at NDDOT in 1970 as a surveyor and transitioned into writing environmental documents for countless projects that literally changed the landscape of North Dakota. He collaborated with numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations to build projects and programs that are still in service. As a retiree, he volunteers his time to archive historical images for future generations.
Neshem has made a lifelong commitment to the safety and improvement of North Dakota’s transportation system. For 70 years his companies have worked on the construction of key routes across North Dakota, and he has been an active leader in the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the AGC of ND. A familiar face at the capitol, Neshem has spent 40 years advocating for adequate infrastructure funding and many other vital issues that have shaped our state.
The Hall of Honor was established in 1974 and currently has 56 members. For more information on this program and to see a list of previous Transportation Hall of Honor inductees visit dot.nd.gov/transportation-hall-honor.
2026 Transportation Conference draws more than 1,000 attendees
The 2026 North Dakota Transportation Conference, a two-day annual gathering, hosted by the NDDOT in partnership with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, brought together more than 1,000 transportation professionals from across the region.
The event included keynote remarks from Rick Denley, breakout sessions on topics such as infrastructure, roadway safety, and rural transit development, and included opportunities for networking with fellow attendees and vendors alike. As always, professional development hours were available.
A highlight of the event was the North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor induction ceremony, recognizing Dan Brosz, Harley Neshem, and Bennet Kubischta as key individuals who have made substantial contributions to the state’s transportation systems.
A huge thank you to our attendees, our event sponsors, and our event organizers. Without all of you, this event wouldn’t be possible.
We are already looking forward to next year’s North Dakota Transportation Conference!
ND Roads map upgrades improve travel planning
Planning a trip across North Dakota just got a little easier. NDDOT has rolled out upgrades to the ND Roads travel map that make it more useful, easier to read, and even better during winter weather.
One of the biggest improvements is expanded snowplow tracking. Thanks to a recent in-truck system upgrade, more plows can now share their location and photos on the map. Before, only about one third of the state’s 352 snowplows were visible. Now, most plows are showing up on the map, with the rest expected to be added later this winter.
“These updates build on a tool that already helps motorists make informed travel decisions,” said Barry Kinnischtzke, NDDOT operations section team leader. “We encourage travelers to explore the new map features and improvements.”
You will also notice a cleaner map legend and better visibility of highway numbers, making it quicker to see exactly where you are and where you are headed.
Commercial drivers get a bonus too, with a new link to LoadPass Permits. This connects users directly to the truck permitting system where companies can get overweight and over-dimension permits for local road travel.
The ND Roads travel map is available online at travel.dot.nd.gov and on the go through the ND Roads mobile app in Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Whether you are checking road conditions, tracking plows, or planning your next haul, the upgraded ND Roads map has you covered.
Remembering the Blizzard of 1966: A test of endurance and public service
March 2026 marks 60 years since a massive blizzard pummeled North Dakota. The great blizzard of 1966 began March 2 and lasted three days, bringing 72 hours of continuous snow and wind. By the time it ended, some areas had received about 35 inches of snow, with windblown drifts reaching as high as 20 feet.
According to a 1966 memo from the North Dakota Highway Department, now known as NDDOT, it took nearly a week for the state to recover. The impact was staggering. Snowdrifts brought commerce to a standstill. Rail lines, truck routes and rural roads were impassable. Entire communities were isolated as drifts surrounded buildings, farmsteads and roadway structures.
The storm became one of the longest and most widespread in state history and is often compared with the legendary blizzard of 1888.
Meeting an Extraordinary Challenge
At the time, the Highway Department’s resources were built for a typical winter, not a statewide emergency of that magnitude. Crews worked 16-to-18-hour days. Some employees were deployed far from home for more than a week. Mechanics became drivers. Clerks became plow operators. Every available employee was reassigned where needed.
More than 80 local maintenance sites and seven district headquarters allowed crews to mobilize quickly once conditions improved. Two-way radios connected section foremen, district offices and Central Maintenance in Bismarck, creating a real-time picture of conditions across the state. That communication network helped prioritize life-threatening situations and direct specialized equipment to the hardest-hit areas.
Statewide coordination proved essential. The Highway Patrol, county sheriffs, Truck Regulatory and Game and Fish departments, the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force all contributed personnel, equipment and aircraft for rescue and recovery operations.
Digging Out
When the storm eased late March 4, rescue operations began almost immediately. Many motorists had been stranded in vehicles for up to two days. Snow removal crews followed close behind, battling enormous drifts some employees referred to as “immovable objects.”
Standard plows were operated by two-person crews working long shifts. Rotary plows ran around the clock with four-person teams. Loaders and shovel crews supported them, breaking down snow too high for plows to cut through.
Most major highways reopened by Monday, March 7. Remaining state routes opened the following day, though many still required widening and cleanup. Equipment and personnel showed the strain of continuous use, and support staff in shops and offices were equally exhausted.
Lessons From the Storm
A major challenge during and after the storm was the number of motorists who attempted travel despite warnings. Abandoned vehicles complicated snow removal efforts, and traffic following equipment too closely created dangerous conditions for both crews and drivers. The storm reinforced the importance of heeding travel advisories during severe weather.
Looking Ahead
Within a week, roads were open and crews shifted their focus to widening lanes, removing remaining drifts and preparing for spring runoff and potential flooding. The financial impact was estimated at $200,000 to $250,000, a significant cost at the time. Today, a storm of that magnitude would cost an estimated $3 million.
The response to the Blizzard of 1966 remains a powerful example of resilience, teamwork and public service. Through long hours, coordinated communication and dedicated effort, the Highway Department and its partners helped North Dakota recover from one of the most challenging storms in state history.
Source: “The Blizzard of 66” NDDOT memo.
Battle of the Blades returns: Let the plowdown begin
Snowplows are heading into shovel-to-shovel competition as NDDOT and the South Dakota Department of Transportation face off in the second annual Battle of the Blades.
Modeled after a legendary March tournament bracket (you know the one), this friendly border rivalry pits fan-favorite snowplow names against one another. Starting March 21, the public can cast their votes each week as the bracket gets cleared, round by round. In the final matchup, the champion from each state goes blade-to-blade for the title. The winning plow earns ultimate bragging rights — and the glory of bringing home (an imaginary) trophy.
While the competition is all in good fun, the mission is serious: keeping winter driving safety top of mind. Throughout the tournament, we’ll be sharing reminders about safe winter travel.
Think you can predict the champions? Download a bracket, make your picks, and get ready to vote. Then head to dot.nd.gov/blade-battle starting March 21 to keep your favorites in the game.
Follow NDDOT on social media as the tournament unfolds — and remember: North Dakota needs your votes. Let’s clear the competition and bring the title home!
NDDOT launches new interactive funding tool
The interactive funding tool for North Dakota’s long range transportation plan, Transportation Connection Update: 2025-2050, is officially live. This activity gives the public the opportunity to learn more about the state’s transportation funding and future challenges. Residents can explore how their choices shape the NDDOT's budget and see how monthly transportation dollars support essential services.
Visit dot.nd.gov/transportation-connection to explore the tool and participate!
Coming Soon: Join us on April 7 from 4-5 p.m. CT for an online public input meeting to review the draft Transportation Connection plan and learn about next steps. Additional details will be available on the project website at www.dot.nd.gov/transportation-connection.
Your feedback is important to us - share your voice to shape North Dakota’s future!
Name-A-Plow winners visit districts to see their named snowplows up close
Winners of the 2025 Name-A-Plow contest were offered a chance to visit their district, meet the plow drivers and explore their named snowplow.
Bismarck District winner Mark Schneider submitted the name “Beet-L-Juice,” seen here with plow operator Corey Hanson.
Williston District winner Kelly Haire submitted the name “Scoopie Doo,” seen here with plow operator Michael Clary.
