NDDOT Starts Hwy 85 4-Lane Project - Watford City to Long X to be Built in 2023

The North Dakota Department of Transportation is expanding Highway 85 to a four-lane from Watford City to the Long X Bridge over the Little Missouri River. 

NDDOT is launching the highway widening project by starting project design, right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocations along the corridor. Once the four-lane project is designed and land is secured, the project may be bid in late 2022 with construction starting in 2023. 

“Highway 85 is a critical route for transportation and commerce in western North Dakota, yet it continues to see a high number of traffic crashes,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “This project will improve the flow of traffic for the public, business and industry and enhance safety as we work toward Vision Zero in our state.”

The stretch of Hwy 85 from Watford City to the bridge moves about 4,500 vehicles a day. The 11-mile, $104 million expansion project is the second phase of a multi-phase plan to four-lane the corridor. The first phase of the plan is underway as construction is progressing on a new four-lane Long X Bridge, about 15 miles south of Watford City. The new bridge is to be completed by the end of the 2020 construction season.

NDDOT Launches Project to Expand U.S. 85 from Watford City to Long X Bridge - NDDOT News