BISMARCK, ND - In anticipation of the upcoming travel season, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) kicked off the 2023 construction season with a news conference today in Fargo to discuss upcoming projects and work zone safety. This year’s construction season consists of approximately $600 million in projects throughout North Dakota to enhance the state highway system.
Speakers included Matt Linneman, deputy director of engineering at NDDOT; Russ Hanson, executive vice president at Associated General Contractors of North Dakota; and Capt. Bryan Niewind with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
"Safety is always our top priority,” said Linneman. “With travel season upon us, it's important that motorists remain vigilant and pay attention to the work zones. We want everyone to make it home safely at the end of the day."
Here are some tips for motorists to keep in mind during road construction season:
- Pay attention to signs and flaggers.
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions while driving.
- Be patient and expect delays.
"Infrastructure and road safety improvements are critical for our state,” said Capt. Niewind. “We urge motorists to exercise caution when traveling through work zones. We want to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and construction crews by being safe and respectful of the work zones."
Major road construction projects around the state include:
- U.S. Highway 85 4-laning from Watford City to Long X Bridge
- U.S. Highway 2 westbound bridge replacement near Petersburg
- U.S. Highway 52 passing lane construction
- Interstate 94 westbound reconstruction from the Montana state line to Camel Hump Dam
- U.S. Highway 2 eastbound mill and asphalt overlay from Rugby to Leads
- A variety of interstate projects
For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 or visit the ND Roads map at travel.dot.nd.gov.
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The 2023 Construction Map is available at www.dot.nd.gov/projects/docs/ConstructionMap.pdf
MEDIA CONTACT:
David Finley
drfinley@nd.gov
701-328-4444