BISMARCK, N.D. — In anticipation of the upcoming travel season, the North Dakota Department of Transportation kicked off the 2026 construction season with a news conference today in Bismarck to discuss upcoming projects and work zone safety. This year’s construction season consists of approximately $700 million in projects throughout North Dakota to enhance the state highway system.

Speakers included Matt Linneman, deputy director for engineering at NDDOT; Russ Hanson, executive vice president at Associated General Contractors of North Dakota; and Major Tom Iverson with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

“We’re have a wide range of construction and maintenance projects planned this season to enhance safety and improve our transportation system,” said Linneman. “With work underway in many areas, we’re asking motorists to stay alert, slow down, and help keep everyone safe in and around work zones.”

Here are some tips for motorists to keep in mind during road construction season:

• Pay attention to signs and flaggers
• Slow down and obey the posted speed limits
• Stay alert and minimize distractions while driving
• Be patient and expect delays

“Construction zones require everyone’s patience and focused attention,” said Major Iverson. "Those cones and barricades are protecting people who are doing their job to improve roadways, and they deserve our respect for their safety to get home at the end of the day.”

Major road construction projects around the state include:

• 42nd and DeMers underpass in Grand Forks
• U.S. Highway 85 reconstruction south of Watford City
• Memorial Highway in Mandan
• Interstate 94 reconstruction east of Bismarck

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.

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