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.
June 2024 Edition
NDDOT announces $580 million investment in summer construction projects
We officially kicked off the 2024 construction season with a news conference May 23 in Bismarck to discuss upcoming projects and work zone safety.
This year’s construction season consists of approximately $580 million in projects throughout North Dakota to enhance the state highway system. Some of our larger projects for this upcoming season include the following:
- Grant Marsh Bridge deck overlay and joint repair
- Interstate 94 Exit 161 Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway Interchange reconstruction
- U.S. Highway 85 four-lane project from Watford City to Long X Bridge
- U.S. Highway 52 passing lane construction on from Highway 14 to Fessenden
- U.S. Highway 81 repair in Grand Forks
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.
Highway safety messaging revs into high gear
We're doubling down on our work zone safety messaging this summer. You will be seeing these ads in various places including social media, billboards, radio, and TV.
This partnership with the Association of General Contractors of North Dakota is a commitment to reduce crashes and improve safety in work zones.
Over the last five years there were more than 1,100 crashes in work zones across the state. We need the traveling public to slow down and pay attention in these work zones.
For more information about construction projects throughout North Dakota use the ND Roads App or visit travel.dot.nd.gov.
North Dakota developing plan for installing EV charging infrastructure
The electric vehicle (EV) industry is pivotal for North Dakota's economic growth, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering new technologies. There are 950 EVs and 764 plug-in hybrid EVs as of May 2024 registered in the state. To accommodate this growing trend, North Dakota is focused on leveraging federal funds to seamlessly integrate the state into the nationwide charging network.
Over the next five fiscal years (2022-2026), the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program allocates a total of five billion dollars to state DOTs for the development of direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure. North Dakota has secured approximately $25.9 million from the NEVI Program through fiscal year 2026, which is earmarked for the strategic placement of EV chargers to be situated no more than 50 miles apart and within one drive mile of exits along Alternative Fuel Corridors, I-94 and I-29.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released on June 11
It is anticipated that two rounds of funding from the NEVI Formula Funding Program will be released. The first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) package was released June 11, 2024, with the letters of intent to apply due by July 12, 2024. The closing date for the NOFO is Friday, August 9, 2024. As part of the program, we are seeking teams to host, build, own, operate, and maintain the infrastructure, with the station remaining privately owned after the five-year funding program expires. The program will pay up to 80% of the project costs, which may include operations, maintenance and the cost of electricity and demand charges. The NOFO for the second round of funding is expected in late 2024.
Visit our website at the button below to learn more and sign-up for the NEVI database to connect with potential EV charging station hosts, equipment manufacturers, charging services, electrical contractors, utilities, and other service providers who may want to partner in developing an EV charging station.
2024 Spring Maintenance Academy was a success
This spring about forty NDDOT district maintenance employees gathered from across the state to attend the Spring Maintenance Academy. This academy first began in 2005 and is a partnership between the NDDOT and National Guard at Camp Grafton in Devils Lake, ND. The goal of this academy is to train new employees on maintenance techniques such as:
- Bridge preservation/structural concrete
- Pavement preservation
- Traffic safety operations/safety
- Equipment operations
- Materials field lab practices
“We get to see teammates from all over the state and it gives us the opportunity to get together and network. The trainers learn from each other, and at the same time, we get to find out what is going on in other districts and how they are problem-solving. We pick up tips and tricks that help us do our work better,” said Perry Nistler, section chief in Beach.
Attendees spent half of each day learning in a classroom while the other half of the day was hands-on and geared towards mowing operations and mastic pothole filling within Camp Grafton. The next academy will occur in the fall, and will focus on snow and ice control and other winter related transportation topics.
ID events support tribal nations this election season
Last month, we traveled to four North Dakota tribal nations to provide non-driver photo identification (ID) cards that can be used for voting purposes. We issued 73 IDs at Standing Rock Sioux, Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections,” said Brad Schaffer, NDDOT driver license division director.
These photo ID cards can be issued to North Dakota residents who do not have a driver license. Those with a current driver license are not eligible to receive a non-driver ID.
These events are held regularly during election years. There will be another opportunity for tribal members to get a free non-driver ID in October.
New Vision Zero video highlights why it's important to move over
Vision Zero partnered with the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) to promote North Dakota’s Move Over Law to prevent roadside deaths through a new video. The video demonstrates firsthand through Trooper Eric Rumple’s experience that it is crucial to “move over.”
The video was featured on various social media platforms throughout the month of April and May to educate viewers on the law that states drivers are required to move over to an adjacent lane and reduce speed to a safe level before passing vehicles with flashing hazards on the side of the road.