Construction slated for Northbound I-29 Wild Rice River Bridge begins early next week

Starting next week, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) contractors will begin working on a bridge repair project near the I-29 Wild Rice River interchange, south of Exit 54. Crews began building the median crossovers last fall to support traffic being carried head-to-head on I-29 when construction activity starts.

Beginning early morning Wednesday, July 8, motorists can expect the following traffic impacts along I-29 over the Wild Rice River bridges during roadway preparations:

• Southbound I-29 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in the work area
• Speeds will be reduced to 55 mph where traffic control is present

Motorists will stay in this traffic pattern for a few days. As project work progresses, work on the northbound bridge river embankment will shift all traffic to be carried on the southbound bridge.

With the proximity of the northbound off-ramp at Exit 54 to the work area, this exit ramp will close, and motorists will need to use Exit 56 to loop around to take the Wild Rice Interchange from the southbound roadway. All other ramps at the interchange will be open for use.

Early next week, motorists can expect the following traffic control to be in place:

• Traffic shifted head-to-head on the southbound bridge, and the northbound bridge unavailable for use
• Northbound off-ramp at Exit 54 closed and detoured to Exit 56
• Speeds will be reduced to 55 mph where traffic control is present

Project work on the I-29 Wild Rice River bridges is spread out over two years. This year’s work will include repairs to the northbound bridge. The bridge rehabilitation work is expected to be complete by late October. Crews will then finish the project in 2021, by completing the needed southbound bridge repairs.

The NDDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones stating, “road closed.”

Adjacent Project Work: Construction will also begin July 8, on I-29 from the Christine Interchange to the Oxbow Interchange. This project consists of applying a chip seal coat and pavement markings. There will be work on all ramps on the Christine, Cass County #18, and Oxbow Interchanges.  Work will be only on the southbound ramps for the Kindred Interchange. The project is expected to be completed by next week.