News Releases for October 2008
October 9, 2008
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven, Officials Celebrate Completion Of Highway 2 Four-Laning Project, Event Celebrates "Across The State By 2008"
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today was joined in Williston by federal, local and state officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of 4-laning U.S. Highway 2.
Construction on the 97-mile long, four-lane highway began in 2004 and was completed in just under five years, about half the time originally scheduled for the project. It connects communities throughout the state from the east to the west, including Grand Forks, Rugby, Devils Lake, Minot and Williston.
"This project is an important investment for the economy of North Dakota," Hoeven said. "The people of North Dakota have looked forward to seeing this project completed for 20 years. We got it going, and we completed it, in five years, instead of the 10 years anticipated for construction."
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Francis Ziegler said, "This project enhances the state's infrastructure, while adding to the safety of its roadways and the ability to accommodate growing traffic volumes in the western part of the state."
The total cost of the US 2 four-laning project is approximately $124 million. This amount includes construction, engineering, right of way, bond repayment and upgrade and maintenance to the existing infrastructure. NDDOT used bonding to accelerate the completion of this project. Like most other highway projects, the US 2 four-laning is funded using 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent state funds. NDDOT worked with three consultants, eight prime contractors and 34 subcontractors to complete the project in just five years.
The roadway is completely open to traffic; however, a final thin lift overlay on 29 miles remains on the project, which will be completed in 2009.
"A four-lane highway between Williston and Minot is a key factor in expanding the economy of Western North Dakota, and is a very important part of the development of our energy infrastructure," Hoeven said. "Now the businesses and residents of northwestern North Dakota can realize the benefits of a strong, east-west corridor through our state."
E-mail comments to the Governor