A timeline showing stages of construction in Medora

About The Project

Construction on the Medora Business Loop and City Section project began in fall 2024 and will occur in multiple phases until its projected completion in the summer of 2026. The infrastructure enhancements will improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian access along Pacific Avenue (I-94 Business Loop) between exits 24 and 27. The work is especially vital as Medora prepares for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and the additional traffic it will bring to the city.

The NDDOT has worked closely with city officials, local business owners, and the public to develop a traffic solution that benefits the entire community. To minimize disruption during peak tourist season, work will not take place east of East River Road N (Park Entrance) and west of 6th Street from May 22 to September 3, 2025.

Key features of the project include:  

  • Roundabout installation to improve traffic flow at Pacific Avenue and Chateau Road with a new roundabout.
  • Bridge widening to expand the Little Missouri River bridge including a left-turn lane and a shared-use path.
  • Roadway upgrades including fresh pavement along Pacific Avenue from I-94 Exits 24 to 27, decorative lighting and landscaped medians in select areas.
  • Pedestrian accessibility and ADA enhancements including new crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian ramps.

Project Updates

Watch for construction workers and equipment. Sections of Pacific Avenue, from Chimney Park Road to Pool Drive, have been widened. Traffic has been shifted to the southern portion of the new widenings, creating a safe work zone on the northern side for construction on the Little Missouri Bridge and the new roundabout at Chateau Road. Two-way traffic remains in place throughout the project.

Temporary Roadway: The temporary roadway will remain in place until portions of the Little Missouri bridge are widened, and the roundabout are complete, which is expected by late summer or early fall. Lanes will stay 11 feet wide.

Summer Events: Crews will update pavement markings at the Chateau Road intersection and coordinate with the Billings County Sheriff’s Department for safe traffic control during the Medora Musical season. NDDOT will coordinate logistics with the contractor for the annual All Horse Flag Parade. Pile driving is expected to be completed by summer, minimizing construction noise.

Project Goals

  • Estimated Project Cost:
    $28.4 Million
  • Estimated Completion:
    Spring 2026 or June 2026

Areas/Traffic Impacted

Pacific Avenue I-94 Business Loop Chateau Road

Frequently Asked Questions

A “Welcome to Medora” sign will be installed as part of the project. The design and aesthetics were developed in consultation with members of the city council.

Project Location

Contacts

Heather Brew
Transportation Construction Administrator, NDDOT
hbrew@nd.gov
Alternative Contact
Mike Njos
Project Engineer, Civil Science
mnjos@civilscience.com