Roadwork ahead
Roadwork ahead
Travelers should plan for delays and detours
By Jerry W. Kram
The joke is as old as it is true. North Dakota is land four seasons; almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction. Well, it looks like “still winter” is finally starting to pass, and the road construction season is upon us. In the region, work has started or is slated to soon begin on Highways 2, 22, 23, 1804, and 1806. In addition, work is also projected to start on the New Town Truck Reliever Route this summer.
The trip from New Town to Parshall will once again take more time this summer as a number of projects on Highway 23 are planned. From New Town to the Junction of Highway 8, the North Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing finishing work, including concrete grinding an pavement marking. Work from the junction of Highway 8 to Highway 37 will include widening the road and adding passing and turning lanes. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 miles per hour during construction. A second project to widen the road is planned from the junction of Highway 37 to Ward County Line. Finally, the DOT will be making drainage improvements on Highway 23 from New Town to the Four Bears Bridge.
One area highway will be closed while work is done this summer. Highway 22 from the junction of Highway 23 south to the junction of Highway 73 just north of Mandaree will be closed while work is underway. Construction began on April 19. Only local traffic will be allowed on this 14 mile segment of ND 22 during the construction project. Construction consists of complete reconstruction and widening of the roadway.
A signed detour will be in place during the closure:
• Northbound motorists take ND 73 west to ND 23. Follow ND 23 north and then east.
• Southbound motorists follow ND 23 west and then south to ND 73. Take ND 73 east to ND 22.
The project is expected to be completed in June.
There will also be a second project on Highway 22 from Mandaree to Lost Bridge. The project consists of widening and the construction of climbing and turning lanes.
