Bismarck Braces For Road Construction Hell On This Major Road

Three things are certain in life, death, taxes, and road construction season.

It's about to begin this Monday, April 15th at 8:30 am on one of the busiest roads in Bismarck.  This particular project is expected to last for the majority of the road construction season (end of October 2024).

South Washington is one of Bismarck's biggest travel arteries and it's about to go under a reconstruction project. 

I know this is the travel route well, as I take it to work each day, and again on my way home.  Not only South Washington will be affected but a part of Burleigh Drive as well.  Here's a map from the City of Bismarck of the roads that will be under construction and the detour routes.

 Only southbound traffic will be allowed on South Washington from Billings Drive to Burleigh Ave.

All northbound traffic will be detoured east on Burleigh Ave to 12th Street, north to University Drive, then west on East Wachter Avenue back to South Washington Street.

Traffic changes that will happen inside the road construction area are as follows:

Traffic can expect intermittent flagging operations to facilitate utility and trucking needs.

 As the project evolves, southbound traffic traveling on South Washington Street will be placed on a temporary gravel roadway. Due to this and in order to maintain safety in the work zone, please expect extended travel times and reduced speeds through this area.

Any Public Transit pick-ups, drop-offs, or routing through the work zone may be temporarily altered. Please check with the local transit authority for any updates regarding potential changes.

What improvements will be made inside the road construction area?

They will be working on a drainage ditch, mobility and safety improvements for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic as well as street lighting and stormwater improvements.  Alternatives selected by the City Commission are a 3-lane corridor with a roundabout at Burleigh Avenue and South Washington and a traffic signal at London Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue.

For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/streets.