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.
December 2024 Edition
A year of progress: NDDOT’s 2024 Highlights
As the year comes to a close, Team NDDOT has much to celebrate! Together, we’ve made significant strides toward improving mobility, safety, and access for all North Dakotans, reaffirming our commitment to safely move people and goods.
This year, we completed 160 construction projects totaling $580 million, enhancing infrastructure across the state. Additionally, the Flexible Transportation Fund provided $222.5 million to address needs both on and off the state highway system, which helped 66 local communities accomplish vital improvements.
Among our other big wins was the launch of our new website, making it easier for the public to find information they need. Thanks to process improvements, we also reduced Motor Vehicle registration and title wait times from nine weeks to just two — a huge accomplishment in customer service!
We also celebrated several safety milestones. North Dakota’s first reduced conflict intersection was installed on U.S. Highway 2, setting a new standard for safety. A state traffic study confirmed the life-saving benefits of roundabouts, further emphasizing our dedication to reducing serious injuries and saving lives.
In workforce development, we launched a STEM program to inspire the next generation of transportation professionals. We also expanded commercial driver license testing with six new sites, addressing a critical need for the state.
Another highlight was securing the largest federal discretionary grant in our history — $55 million to four-lane a segment of U.S. Highway 85.
None of these achievements would have been possible without our dedicated team. Their hard work and innovation are the driving forces behind these successes. Thank you for a remarkable year, and here’s to an even brighter 2025!
Vision Zero hosts annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Families and friends of those who lost their lives or were severely injured in motor vehicle crashes joined state and local officials at the State Capitol on Friday, Nov. 15 to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The event featured a temporary memorial created by families to represent their loved ones, the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall, and a moment of silence for 79 seconds, representing the 79 lives lost on North Dakota roads so far in 2024. Speakers included representatives from state government as well as Sarah and Arlin Fischer who lost Sarah’s son Cameron Bolton in a motor vehicle crash.
North Dakota names its winter warriors!
.png)
North Dakotans recently took their creativity for a spin in the fourth annual NDDOT Name-A-Plow contest, and let’s just say… the results are snow joke! From Nov. 1-15 more than 500 frosty and fun snowplow name ideas rolled in from across the state.
Once submissions closed, each district sorted through the icy avalanche of names and selected their top contenders. The final winners were crowned by NDDOT employees, who voted for their favorites.
So, what’s the prize for these word wizards? Each winner gets to meet the plow operator steering the snow-beast they named and, best of all, see their winning name proudly displayed on the plow all winter long.
And now, without further ado, here are this year’s winning snowplow names:
- Bismarck District: Snow Force One
- Devils Lake District: Optimus Brine
- Dickinson District: Mr. Snowjangles
- Fargo District: Clearapathra
- Grand Forks District: Plower Ranger
- Minot District: Iron Bladen
- Valley City District: Sled Zeppelin
- Williston District: Catch My Drift
We want to give a big, blizzard-sized “thank you” to everyone who submitted names this year! Your creativity and enthusiasm keep this tradition alive and well.
When you spot a plow braving the roads this winter, give it space and remember, those operators are working hard to keep all of us moving safely.
For tips on winter weather driving, the ND Roads app, and details about the Name-A-Plow contest, visit dot.nd.gov.
Stay safe, North Dakota—let’s make this winter a smooth ride!
Driver License team recognizes stellar employees
Every year our Driver License Division holds an annual in-service for their team members. During this training, two awards are handed out to employees:
This year, Milla George from the Bismarck office received the 2024 BB Customer Service award! This award was created by Brad Schaffer in memory of Brenda Binder-Steckler, known as “BB” across the state, for her stellar customer service.
Shelly Flakker, from the Fargo office, received the annual Examiner of the Year award. Her name was also submitted as a national nominee for Examiner of the Year.
We are incredibly proud to have Milla and Shelly on Team NDDOT! Their work within our agency and with the citizens of North Dakota continue to be top tier and we cannot say thank you enough for all that they do!
