NDDOT Holds Public Input Meeting On Highway 8 Improvements
The North Dakota Department of Transportation hosted a public input meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Mountrail County South Complex in Stanley to discuss proposed improvements on North Dakota Highway 8 from North Dakota Highway 23, east of New Town, north to U.S. Highway 2 in Stanley.
The project consists of restoring the pavement structure by milling two inches and overlaying the existing road surface with four and one half inches of payment. A traffic operations study will be completed to determine locations where turn lanes are warranted. A safety review will identify other safety items to be addressed as part of the project.
The project would start at the roundabout on Highway 23 and continue to the intersection of Highway 2 and 8 at the traffic lights in Stanley. Ryan Frolek of the NDDOT said the road sees considerable truck traffic, amounting to approximately 42% of the average daily traffic on the road. The project is designed to address deterioration of the road surface, cracking and joint separation and identify and address other safety issues.
That will include the identification of safety concerns that may include additional turn lanes or bypass lanes. It will include destination lighting at the intersection of Country Rd. 10 to increase visibility.
The project is slated for construction in 2028 depending on funding availability. The project calls for 80% federal funding and 20% state funding. The plan is to use traffic control with pilot cars with lane closures. There is no anticipated detours and the project is anticipated to be completed in one construction season.
Those attending the meeting expressed their concerns over the current condition of the shoulders along the road, noting that when gravel was put down it quickly washed out and has made use of the shoulders hazardous, especially for farm machinery. They also discussed intersections of concerns with visibility or just the impacts for oncoming traffic. They also discussed their concerns about the joint separation in the passing lanes, noting that should be addressed before the 2028 construction season, especially as it creates safety hazards for drivers.
A pre-recorded presentation and other materials are available on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov/public-input. If you were unable to attend the meeting, written comments must be postmarked or emailed by January 3, 2025, with “Public Input Meeting - PCN 24236” in the letter heading or e-mail subject. Send all comments to Ryan Frolek, Transportation Engineer, NDDOT, Design Division at 243 Centennial Dr. Stop 8115, Upson Hall I Room 218, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115 or rfrolek@nd.gov.