Safety is more than a priority at NDDOT. It is a daily commitment shared by employees across the state, whether they are behind the wheel, working along the roadway or supporting operations in the office.  

 When employees take the necessary steps to be safe on the job, they decrease or even avoid the chance of a potentially serious or life-threatening incident taking place -- which is the first step in ensuring our employees return home to their loved ones and the things they enjoy. 

 That commitment is reinforced each spring through the department’s annual Spring Safety Meetings. Coordinated by the Employee Safety Division, 10 in-person meetings are held across the state, one in each district plus the Materials and Research building and the Central Office. Our Driver License team gets a safety presentation during their annual fall in-service as well. 

These meetings bring employees together to identify and remedy trends occurring on the job, and introduce new technology, products and personal protective equipment (PPE). During this time, teams have a chance to share their experiences and do a bit of self-reflection and personal development.  

While the message is serious, the approach remains practical and engaging. Hands-on demonstrations, real-world examples and open conversations help build habits that last and strengthen a culture where employees look out for one another. 

NDDOT’s focus on safety continues year-round, but these meetings serve as an important reminder of that shared responsibility. The department also encourages the traveling public to do their part by staying alert, slowing down in work zones and helping keep roadway workers safe. 

Robin Stephens of our State Fleet Services Division was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Safety Instructor by the North Dakota Safety Council (NDSC). 

The Outstanding Safety Instructor Award is given to a safety instructor or organization that has taught a significant number of courses or students for the NDSC as an employee, contracted instructor or sub-agent using a National Safety Council course. Individuals or organizations receiving this award have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving safety in North Dakota and have earned high marks for their training style. 

Congratulations to Robin for her exceptional work and her dedication to safety!  

Spring cleaning was in full swing across the Bismarck District recently, as more than 60 employees came together to make a visible difference along one of the region’s busiest corridors. Staff from 10 maintenance sections, along with team members from the construction division, spent the day collecting litter along Interstate 94 through Bismarck and Mandan. With clear skies and spring temperatures on their side, crews worked steadily to remove debris, ultimately filling five dump truck loads. 

Efforts like this not only enhance the appearance of our roadways but also play an important role in safety. Removing trash and debris helps reduce hazards for drivers and protects the surrounding environment. The commitment shown by the Bismarck District team reflects the pride our employees take in caring for North Dakota’s transportation system and the communities it serves. 

While this event made a big impact locally, it is just one example of similar efforts happening statewide. Some of our districts organize their own versions of spring cleanup activities, with crews stepping away from their regular duties to focus on keeping highways clean and safe for the traveling public. 

Small actions can create large-scale impacts. That’s what Keep North Dakota Clean (KNDC) believes, and for 58 years they’ve hosted North Dakota’s largest and longest-running artwork contest.  

It’s a chance for North Dakota students to share their knowledge about the responsibilities we have to keep our state and water clean, reduce waste, recycle, plant trees, prevent wildfires, create wildlife habitat, and use natural resources wisely.  

NDDOT has been a long-time sponsor and is proud to sponsor two categories, first graders and students with special abilities.  

First graders create designs with the message “Keep ND Highways Clean.” Students with special abilities get to choose a category.  Winners attend an awards ceremony in Bismarck and get their design featured on a billboard near their community courtesy of Newman Outdoor Signs. 

This year’s winners in the students with special abilities categories are:

• Bryce Homola, Gackle-Streeter Public School – 1st place 
• Zeke Brown, Garrison High School – 2nd place
• Rex Plemter, Alexander Public School – 3rd place 

First grade winners are: 

• Andrei Sementsov, Washington Elementary School, Minot – 1st place
• Brooke Larson, Park River Area Elementary, Park River – 2nd place
• Brooklyn Isenga, Washington Elementary School, Minot – 3rd place 

Congratulations to all the student artists for their positive messaging and fantastic art skills!