The upcoming construction milestone at the Interstate 94 Exit 161 Interchange will lead to nightly lane closures as the project progresses. The installation of steel girders for the new bridge will necessitate closing lanes on I-94 near Exit 161 for an estimated two to three weeks.
Commencing on April 7, closures of the inside lanes on both the eastbound and westbound sides of I-94 will facilitate preparations for this phase. On April 15, traffic will be redirected from I-94 at Exit 161 to the exit ramps and over Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway, rejoining I-94 via the on-ramps. This detour will be effective nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., guided by the current traffic signals on Centennial Road/Bismarck Expressway. The outer lanes of I-94 will reopen each day, but the inner lanes will stay closed to allow work to proceed during the day.
The completion of this work schedule is anticipated by late April or early May. During this time, a canopy will be set up under the new bridge to safeguard vehicles passing beneath it.
Motorists are reminded to adhere to detour signs during these nightly closures and to navigate the work zone cautiously. There will be reduced speed limits, and drivers should stay vigilant for workers and construction machinery.
The I-94 Exit 161 Interchange project, underway since spring 2024, aims to enhance traffic efficiency by removing two left-turn options and introducing right-turn loops. This construction is projected to extend until summer 2026. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) expresses gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation as the work progresses.
