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.
May 2025 Edition
Henke named chair of national construction committee
AASHTO, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, has named NDDOT Director Ron Henke as chair of its Committee on Construction.
This committee brings together transportation leaders from across the country to develop and update standards that improve safety in work zones, enhance customer service and teamwork, support environmentally responsible, high-quality construction, and encourage the use of new technology. It also helps agencies share best practices for managing construction contracts and making projects more efficient and cost-effective. As chair, Henke will lead the group’s national conference this fall.
“I’m proud to represent North Dakota in this role,” Henke said. “Transportation construction is constantly evolving, and this committee plays a key role in helping states learn from each other, adopt innovative practices, and deliver the best possible service to the public.”
Henke has served North Dakota for 35 years and was appointed NDDOT Director in 2022. He joined the department in 1990 and has worked in several areas including Design, Construction, and Planning & Programming. Before becoming director, he held leadership roles as Director of the Office of Project Development, Director of the Office of Operations, and Deputy Director for Engineering.
In addition to this new role, Henke also serves on AASHTO’s Transportation Policy Forum and Council on Streets and Highways and is active in the Western Association of State Transportation Officials (WASHTO).
Paving the way: 2025 Legislative session highlights
The 69th Legislative Assembly demonstrated a shared commitment to a strong and connected transportation network by approving a $2.7 billion budget for the NDDOT. This historic investment strengthens infrastructure, supports our workforce, and enhances services across the state.
Key highlights of the session include:
- Investing in Operations: $387.5 million is dedicated to operating expenses - boosting maintenance efforts and providing dollars needed to keep ND moving forward.
- Building for the Future: A bold $2 billion will go toward capital improvements, from facility upgrades to major highway construction and equipment purchases.
- Empowering Communities: Over $116 million is earmarked for grants, including funding for counties, cities, townships, transit providers, including $150K in match money for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Service Development Plan.
- Flexible Funding: A $230 million Flexible Transportation Fund will help meet infrastructure needs on and beyond the state highway system.
- Technology Upgrades: Strategic investments in IT include $3 million for a new Driver & Vehicle Services Appointment System and $350,000 for barcoding software.
- Policy Progress: Agency-supported bills advanced efforts like tribal access to special road funds, ownership of the Lake Oahe Bridge, and improvements to the bid opening process.
We’re especially grateful to our legislative partners for their commitment to building and maintaining one connected, reliable transportation network. These outcomes wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration, dedication, and hard work of our entire NDDOT team - thank you for delivering results that will serve North Dakota for years to come.
To view the full NDDOT budget bill, search for Bill 2012 on the North Dakota Legislative Council website.
NDDOT hosts annual Vision Zero Partner Conference
The NDDOT Highway Safety Division hosted over 250 attendees for the annual Vision Zero Partner Conference May 7 and 8 at the Bismarck State College Center of Excellence. The conference brings together 4E partners in education, enforcement, emergency medical services, and more to provide information, best practices and networking opportunities to build capacity to advance Vision Zero in North Dakota.
This year’s conference highlighted the Safe System Approach with presentations on safer speeds, people, vehicles and roads. In addition, Dan Clark delivered an empowering keynote on storytelling, a reunion and testimony from first responders and victims of an impaired driving crash had attendees in tears, the Vision Zero Outreach Coordinators connected with their regions, and traffic safety advocates from across the state were recognized at the Vision Zero Partner Awards.
Information on the 2026 Vision Zero Partner Conference is coming soon. Monitor the Vision Zero event page for updates.
Building Skills: 31 Complete Spring Maintenance Academy
The NDDOT Spring Maintenance Academy was held April 20-25 at Camp Grafton. Thirty-one students from all eight districts gathered to receive technical training on spring and summer maintenance activities. Twenty experienced DOT employees trained attendees on the necessity and proper setup of traffic control; concepts and practices in pavement preservation, including full depth concrete repair and asphalt milling; safe inspection, operation, and maintenance of an asphalt roller, and much more.
State Fleet Vehicle Auction is your chance to bid
Looking for a reliable vehicle at a potentially great price? Your opportunity is coming soon! The North Dakota Department of Transportation is holding an online fleet vehicle auction in Bismarck on Wednesday, June 4, at 9 a.m., and it’s open to the public.
Get ready to bid from the comfort of your home! This online-only auction will be streamed live, allowing you to participate conveniently from your phone or computer. Discover a variety of vehicles that could be perfect for you.
Key Details
- Auction Date: Wednesday, June 4
- Auction Time: 9 a.m.
- Bidding: ONLINE BIDDING ONLY (Streamed Live)
- Vehicle Preview: Tuesday, June 3 (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
- Preview Location: NDDOT Bismarck District, 218 Airport Road
- Auction Catalog: Available 15 days prior to June 4, via State Fleet Services.
Don't miss out! Click below for the full auction catalog, preview details, and bidding instructions.
Park River first grader wins Keep ND Clean contest
Congratulations to Collins Midgarden, winner of the Keep North Dakota Clean (KNDC) Artwork Contest in the highway category. Collins is a first grader at Park River School. Schools statewide participated, with winners honored recently in Bismarck. Collins’ artwork will be made into a billboard to go up near her hometown.
Second place was won by Ryleigh Skorheim in Park River and Lola Neff from Washington Elementary in Minot took third place. Both are first graders.
This is the 57th year of the KNDC art contest, which raises awareness of taking good care of our environment. Congratulations winners, you created beautiful and meaningful messages!
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National Work Zone Awareness Week highlights safety, respect, and remembrance
National Work Zone Awareness Week was observed April 21–25, with this year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all get home,” reminding everyone, drivers and workers alike, that safety in work zones is a shared responsibility.
Monday marked Work Zone Safety Training Day, encouraging employers across the country to pause and reinforce the importance of safe practices in and around work zones. At NDDOT, safety is embedded into our culture. Our district teams participate in daily safety meetings, reviewing protocols and sharing tips to stay alert and aware in dynamic conditions.
On Wednesday’s Go Orange Day, NDDOT staff at the central office showed their solidarity by donning orange, the official color of work zone safety, and gathering for a group photo. It was a visible show of support for our colleagues in the field.
The week concluded on a solemn note Friday with a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives in work zone incidents.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is sponsored by the American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation, which works to advance roadway safety through public awareness campaigns, charitable programs, and educational initiatives.
Let’s carry this message forward year-round: slow down, stay alert, and respect the zone so everyone makes it home safely.
