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 NDDOT and partners held a press conference on summer construction and safety in the work zone on May 21.
Safety is the focus of new construction season
Orange cones are popping up across North Dakota, which can only mean one thing, construction season is here!
NDDOT recently joined construction and safety partners to officially kick off the 2026 construction season. This year includes approximately $700 million in projects designed to improve safety, preserve infrastructure, and keep people moving across the state.
Some of the largest projects this season include the 42nd Avenue and DeMers Avenue underpass in Grand Forks, U.S. Highway 85 expansion south of Watford City, Memorial Highway reconstruction in Mandan, and Interstate 94 reconstruction east of Bismarck.
As work ramps up, drivers are reminded to do their part to keep work zones safe. Slow down, stay alert, watch for signs and flaggers, and put distractions away. A little extra patience can go a long way in protecting construction workers and fellow travelers.
Before heading out, check road conditions and project information on the ND Roads map at travel.dot.nd.gov or by calling 511.
Have a safe summer, and remember, the work zone you drive through today is helping build a better road for tomorrow.
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NDDOT selected 29 projects totaling $10 million to receive funding through its Special Road Fund (SRF) grant program in May.
The Special Road Fund helps finance road projects identified by political subdivisions, tribal governments and state agencies that typically have some funding in place but need additional assistance to complete the project.
SRF projects support roads that provide access to and/or within recreational, tourist and historical areas.
“Without this additional source of funding, many of these roadways would continue to deteriorate, leading to higher future repair costs and reduced accessibility to said destinations,” Joe Snustad, local roadway program manager.
“These investments will help improve safety and accessibility on roads that serve popular destinations across North Dakota,” said NDDOT Director Ron Henke. “The program gives communities additional support to complete important transportation projects.”
This year NDDOT received 47 applications requesting more than $17 million in project funding. The grant project began in 1997, and has funded around 155 projects since then, according to Snustad.
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During four days in May, Driver License staff visited Fort Totten, Fort Yates, New Town and Belcourt to serve the Spirit Lake Nation; Standing Rock Sioux; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to provide non-driver photo identification (ID) cards that can be used for voting. Photo ID cards are issued for North Dakota residents who do not have a driver’s license. The card provided at these events was free to the public if individuals were 18 or older.
NDDOT has been providing this on-location service since 2020. It has a number of benefits, including improving public service and strengthening relationships between state and tribal communities. Having a state-issued ID enables individuals to more easily interact with government agencies, employers, financial institutions, and other organizations that require proof of identity.
NDDOT staff took photos and viewed documents. Paperwork was processed overnight, and photo ID cards were mailed to residents within five days.
“To date we have issued 563 and in 2026 we issued 103 (non-driver photo IDs) so far,” said Brad Schaffer, NDDOT driver license division director. “We will be visiting these locations again in October leading up to the November election. Customers have been very appreciative of the service.”
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 Ready, set, drive: Registration opens for teen driver training
Vision Zero is hosting two upcoming opportunities for young drivers to enhance their road safety skills and decision-making capabilities. Driving Skills for Success and Alive at 25 registration is open now.
Teens ages 14 to 18 with a valid permit or license are invited to attend one of the following events:
- Tuesday, July 28 at the VFW Sports Center in Bismarck
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot
Two DSFS sessions are available at each location: 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
DSFS participants can also register for Alive at 25, a defensive driving course designed to help young drivers recognize and reduce risky driving behaviors. Class size is limited to 15 participants per session and runs from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to attend DSFS with their teen. However, Alive at 25 is designed as a teen-only classroom experience.
Developing safe driving habits early is essential for long-term road safety. These workshops provide a supportive environment for young drivers to recognize hazards, understand the consequences of distracted or impaired driving, and gain confidence in their ability to navigate the road safely.
Ever wonder what's happening behind those orange cones? Join Poppy this summer for new episodes of Cone Zone, NDDOT's construction season video series.
Airing every other Thursday on the NDDOT Facebook page, Cone Zone takes viewers behind the scenes at construction projects across North Dakota.
Whether you're curious about a project in your community or just want to learn more about how NDDOT improves the state's transportation system, Cone Zone has you covered.
Miss an episode? Catch the entire series anytime on NDDOT's YouTube channel.
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