North Dakota seasons: Fall, winter and construction
Construction season has returned as the North Dakota Department of Transportation began work March 15 on I-29 southbound and 12th Avenue North interchange.
“It should be fall, winter, spring and construction season,” said Kayla Skunberg, a junior majoring in child and family development and extension education.
Completing the northbound I-29 updates last year, NDDOT is now working on the widening and reconstruction of the southbound I-29.
“Students and faculty coming to and from school, meetings and sports need to be careful with the construction ahead,” university police Captain William MacDonald said.
Since most of the construction will extend over summer months, students will not be affected by detours or road closings this year.
“We don’t actually see an increase with speeding during construction season,” MacDonald said. “Speeds are already so low around campus that construction zones don’t make much of a difference.”
The new bridge will have a 16-foot widening of the south side to accommodate a bike and pedestrian path.
The project should be completed in early August.
“As we prepare for another busy construction season, safety is once again to our priority,” said Joe Peyerl, NDDOT assistant district engineer. “We want to remind the public to remain alert while traveling through work zones and be aware of reduced speed limits.”
Work on the overpass will not affect I-29 traffic, but will include reconstruction of existing on and off ramps on the west side of I-29.
Beginning April 23, I-29 traffic will be routed head-to-head on the northbound I-29 roadway from Main Avenue to Cass Co. 20.
“Next year the major remodeling that affects students will happen,” MacDonald said.
Next spring projects will include a street remodeling that will close 12th Avenue, extending from 18th Street to 10th Street.
“This will begin as soon as the frost is out of the ground,” said Bruce Frantz, director of facilities management.
NDDOT hopes to finish the project before the start of fall 2008.
“12th Avenue looks pretty rough … it could use an update,” said Erika Kociemba, a junior majoring in women studies and political science. “I was wondering when they were going to redo it as I was driving down it the other day.”
Facilities management is planning to make detours around the 12th Avenue closure. The construction will inconvenience the residents of 12th Avenue, however.
“I think it will be inconvenient, but you have to do what you have to do,” Kociemba said. “It will be better in the long run for the college.”
NDDOT is looking forward to this project because along with the reconstruction of the road, water systems and storm sewers there will be aesthetic additions.
“Facilities management is making a large effort to send out announcements and updates over the list serve at NDSU,” MacDonald said.