NDDOT gears up for a busy construction season and asks motorists to slow down in work zones

May 2, 2012

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is gearing up for another busy construction season with many projects already underway due to the mild weather experienced across the state this winter and spring. This year, the Department plans to invest $550 million on projects to enhance the state roadway system.

“North Dakota’s roadways are seeing more traffic than ever before,” says Francis Ziegler, NDDOT Director. “Enhancing our roadways to accommodate this increase in traffic is vital to the citizens of our state and our economy. Our mission is to provide a transportation system that safely moves people and goods, in spite of the challenges we face we are committed to fulfilling this mission.”

This year, the NDDOT is teaming up with the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of North Dakota to remind motorists to slow down and drive cautiously in work zones

“Last year in North Dakota, there were 203 vehicle crashes in work zones, resulting in one fatality,” says Major Michael Gerhart with the North Dakota Highway Patrol. “Motorists must use caution while traveling through work zones by slowing down and obeying posted signs. By planning ahead and allowing more time to reach your destination safely, you may save the life of a highway worker or even you or your passenger’s life.”

Motorists should be prepared to see road construction in all parts of the state this season. Major projects include:

  • ND Highway 8- widening and regarding near Bowbells from junction of ND 52 to junction of ND 50
  • ND Highway 23- widening roadway and adding passing and turning lanes east of New Town to ND 37
  • ND Highway 22- expanding to fine lanes in north Dickinson to county line
  • Temporary truck reliever route for the city of Williston
  • US Hwy 85- expanding passing and turning lanes between Watford City and Williston
  • US Hwy 83 in Bismarck- concrete pavement
  • I-94 from Dawson to Crystal Springs- pavement project
  • ND Hwy 52 from Carrington to Melville- overlay
  • ND Hwy 57 east of Ft. Totten to west of the Jct. of ND 20- Grade raise
  • ND Hwy 20 south of the Jct. of ND 57 north to the city of Devils Lake Levee- Grade raise
  • I-29 north of Buxton to south of ND 15, Thompson Interchange- southbound reconstruction
  • West Fargo Main Avenue from 5th Street east to 45th Street- reconstruction
  • I-29 Argusville north to Hunter- northbound reconstruction

“To make these projects a success, motorists must respect the fact that highway workers are present at these sites, working hard to make improvements to the roadway,” says Russ Hanson, Executive Vice President with the AGC of North Dakota. “By practicing a bit of patience and being cautious on the roadway, we can have another safe and successful construction season.”

The NDDOT, Highway Patrol and AGC of North Dakota offer the following tips to motorists driving through construction zones:

  • Don’t speed- Obey posted speed limits at all times, even when workers aren’t present. Pavement or other conditions may exist that require reduced speed.
  • Be patient- Work zones aren’t present to inconvenience drivers, they’re an important part in maintaining and rebuilding our state’s infrastructure.
  • Minimize distractions- Don’t talk on your cell phone, change the radio stations, or do anything that takes your eyes off the road.
  • Stay alert- Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.

Motorists can check on road construction projects by going to the Travel Information Map at www.dot.nd.govor by calling 511.