AASHTO Journal - North Dakota DOT Wraps Up Eastern Bypass Project

The North Dakota Department of Transportation recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to highlight the completion of the Eastern Bypass project on 107th Avenue in Dickinson, ND.

[Above photo by North Dakota DOT]

That $12.1 million paving project connects North Dakota Highway 22 to Stark County Highway 10 and also built additional safety features, such as turning lanes and an acceleration for vehicles turning on to Highway 10.

“This bypass in Dickinson is a great example of the local projects we aimed to accelerate when we established the Flexible Transportation Fund last year in collaboration with the state Legislature,” noted Governor Doug Burgum (R) in a statement. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Stark County on this piece of critical infrastructure, which will improve safety for motorists, enhance the movement of goods, and support economic development.”

[Editor’s note: The North Dakota Department of Transportation launched a new science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM education program in August aimed at promoting interest in transportation careers to high school students; an initiative based on the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions program offered through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.]

“Our goal with this bypass project was to give motorists a safer and more efficient route,” added Al Heiser, Stark County’s road superintendent. “We are proud to partner with the governor and the state to improve our transportation system in Dickinson and Stark County.”

The Eastern Bypass project was one of 66 local projects selected for funding through the states’ Flexible Transportation Fund, with North Dakota DOT issuing $7.3 million of state funding to support bypass construction.

More broadly, that flexible funding program has provided $222.5 million to the North Dakota DOT for improvements to transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system, including within townships, cities, counties, and tribal reservations. Total payout for local projects was approximately $84 million.

“There is a strong need for funding at the local level and the state will continue to look for ways to improve our transportation system,” said State Legislative Leader Mike Lefor. “This program shows the commitment of the state legislature, governor and North Dakota DOT to provide the funding needed to safely move people and goods.”