N.D. puts $720 million on fast track for road projects

BISMARCK — Highway construction will begin earlier than normal in North Dakota after Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed a bill Monday to appropriate $720 million for statewide highway and road improvement projects

Sponsored by Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, Senate Bill 2176 was “fast-tracked” through the legislative process to allow the construction season to begin earlier and get a jump on the state’s unpredictable weather.

“It’s a true testament to the Legislature who can move efficiently and nimbly to get money out to people building our roads,” Dalrymple said Monday afternoon. “It’s a great example of the expeditious work that can be done here when it’s needed.”

The bill appropriates $620 million for major highway projects, predominantly in oil-producing counties, and $100 million will be for city, county and township needs in non-oil-producing counties.

Grant Levi, interim executive director for the North Dakota Department of Transportation, said the department has seen a 50 percent increase in traffic over the past year throughout western North Dakota and a 20 percent increase statewide.

Bid letting on some projects will begin Feb. 15.

Projects scheduled for the 2013 construction season include:

* Continued construction to convert U.S. Highway 85, between Watford City and Williston, into a four-lane highway.

* Roadway improvements along U.S. Highway 2.

* Roadway reconstruction on N.D. Highway 8.

* Additional roadway improvements along N.D. Highway 22.

* Reconstruction on portions of N.D. Highway 2.

* Resurfacing on U.S. Highway 52.

* Roadway improvements on N.D. Highway 1804.

* Roadway improvements on N.D. Highway 1806.

Tags: north dakota legislature, news, transportation