The North Dakota Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 20 that construction will resume March 23 on Phase 1 of the Memorial Highway reconstruction project in Mandan, with crews returning to continue underground utility work and roadway improvements.
The project is significant for local motorists and businesses, as it aims to improve infrastructure while maintaining access throughout construction. Early work will focus on completing underground utilities between 32nd Avenue SE and 43rd Avenue SE, including sanitary sewer replacement, new water main installation, and storm sewer inlet installation. Concrete paving of the roadway will follow this phase.
Additional planned improvements include concrete paving along Memorial Highway, upgrades at intersections such as 40th Avenue, 43rd Avenue, and 46th Avenue, extension of the southbound left-turn lane at 46th Avenue, and installation of a shared-use path and sidewalks along the corridor. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in mid-summer.
Drivers are advised to expect changing traffic patterns, temporary lane shifts, and occasional closures as work progresses. The department said access to businesses will be maintained during construction. Later this spring, Phase 2 is expected to begin on the west end of the corridor. The two-year project covering both phases is set for completion in 2027.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation manages eight district offices across the state for roadway maintenance, construction oversight, and administrative services according to the official website. The agency also provides vehicle registration, driver licensing services, and maintains more than 8,500 miles of roadways and nearly 4,900 bridges per its official website.
Executive leadership includes a director and deputy directors who oversee engineering, administration, planning, and driver services according to the department’s website. The department’s mission is to facilitate safe transport across North Dakota while advancing quality service and economic progress as stated by the agency.
