|
The Memorial Highway reconstruction project made major progress in 2026. Roadway and utility improvements on the east end, from 32nd Avenue SE to 46th Avenue SE, were completed this summer. On the west end, primary roadway construction is nearly complete for the season, and all five lanes will be open through winter. Remaining work includes final median paving and ongoing stormwater improvements.
 The completed east end of Memorial Highway in Mandan, from 32nd Avenue SE to about 46th Avenue SE, taken in July 2026.
Crews will finish curb and gutter, median paving and temporary asphalt to establish the full five-lane configuration before winter. Lift station work near McDonald’s and Midway Lanes is complete for the season. The structures are installed and will be covered for the winter, then connected to the utility network next year.
 New concrete lanes take shape along Memorial Highway in Mandan, taken Oct. 8, 2026.
Lane Closures at Intersection
Starting tonight, Friday, October 23, Mandan Avenue and Memorial Highway will have lane closures at the Main Street intersection for about a week while crews paint pavement markings and install the new traffic signals.
New Permanent Traffic Pattern at Intersection
Two of the four new traffic signals are in place, and the remaining two will be installed next week. All four are expected to be operating by early November.
Once the signals are installed and the closures end, the intersection will have a new traffic pattern. It will include two left-turn lanes from Mandan Avenue heading eastbound and two left-turn lanes from Memorial Highway heading westbound onto Main Street.
Double left turns are new here and may take some getting used to, so please watch lane markings and signals closely.
 Winter Traffic Configuration
Once median work is completed, Memorial Highway will shift to its winter configuration:
- The Main Street section will be completed with permanent concrete pavement, while the portion east along Memorial Highway toward Faulkner's Market will be asphalt until utilities and permanent paving are finished in 2027.
- Five lanes will remain open at normal posted speeds all winter, maintaining access until construction resumes next spring.
Work on the 3rd Street SE stormwater system will continue through November. In October, crews finished installing the storm sewer beneath 3rd Street SE without digging up the road. Work is now moving forward on a new 72-inch storm sewer line toward Riverwood Avenue SE. Crews are also building structures that will carry stormwater to the Heart River. This work is not expected to affect traffic.
 Crews continue work on 3rd Street SE as part of the Memorial Highway project in Mandan. Photo taken Oct. 8, 2026.
Timelines may shift due to weather or other unforeseen delays.
-
November 2026: Structure and stormwater work continues near 3rd Street SE.
-
Winter 2026-27: Memorial Highway open and operating under winter traffic conditions.
-
Spring 2027: Construction activities resume for the next phase of the project.
Next year, crews will reconstruct Memorial Highway from Riverwood Avenue SE to 32nd Avenue SE. Work includes:
- New and replaced underground utilities
- Curb and gutter, with medians at signalized intersections
- New bike and pedestrian facilities
- Updated lighting and traffic signals
- A new stormwater system for better drainage
This winter, motorists are asked to slow down, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time through the corridor.
Schedules may change due to weather or construction activity. For the latest updates, visit the NDDOT and City of Mandan websites and social media channels. Residents are also encouraged to continue supporting local businesses along Memorial Highway.
We appreciate your patience and support during the 2026 construction season. Thank you to the City of Mandan, our project partners and the construction crews whose hard work made this year’s progress possible.
|
