McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

Travis Bateman
Farmer Staff Writer

Construction activity continues to accelerate along the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway corridor as contractors push forward on two major U.S. Highway 85 expansion projects south of Watford City, representing more than $145 million in transportation infrastructure investment in McKenzie County.

According to a June 2026 construction progress report released by the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association, work is underway on two separate four-lane highway expansion projects designed to improve safety, freight movement, and long-term transportation capacity through one of North Dakota’s busiest energy and agricultural corridors.

The projects include a 5.5-mile segment extending north from reference point 120.3 to the Long X Bridge and a 12.5-mile segment stretching south from reference point 120.3 to North Dakota Highway 200.

The northern segment, being constructed by Park Construction Company, carries an estimated project cost of approximately $83.8 million.

The project involves expanding a 5.5-mile stretch of U.S. 85 into a four-lane divided highway from reference point 120.3 (south end of “The Breaks”) north to the Long X Bridge crossing in McKenzie County.

Construction officially began in April 2026 and is expected to continue through the 2026 and 2027 construction seasons. Project officials anticipate substantial completion by November 2027, with final completion scheduled for October 14, 2028.

Heavy construction activities are already visible throughout the corridor. According to the project report, crews have focused on roadway grading, drainage improvements, and installation of major infrastructure components. One of the project’s significant milestones has been the placement of a large box culvert structure, which will play an important role in drainage and water management along the highway.

The corridor presents unique engineering challenges due to its proximity to the Little Missouri River Breaks, an area known for rugged terrain, steep slopes, and complex geology. Project planners noted that ongoing oversight of grading operations, erosion control measures, and slope stability will be critical as construction progresses.

When complete, the expanded highway will support long-term freight transportation, energy development, agricultural commerce, tourism, and regional mobility throughout western North Dakota.

Further south, Knife River Corporation is overseeing the 12.5-mile four-lane expansion project extending from reference point 120.3 (south end of “The Breaks”) to North Dakota Highway 200 near Grassy Butte.

The project is being constructed under a $61.7 million contract awarded to Strata Corporation.
Construction crews have already begun stockpiling materials at a temporary asphalt plant laydown yard near mile marker 135. Project managers estimate approximately 70,000 tons of asphalt aggregate will be needed for future paving operations.

Road-building activities continue to intensify throughout the corridor. Beginning in June, crews were scheduled to place Class 5 road base on future roadway sections, with more than 250,000 tons of material expected to be used before paving operations begin.

Another major milestone has been the installation of a box culvert structure, marking significant progress in drainage and structural improvements along the route.
If weather and production schedules remain favorable, asphalt paving operations are expected to begin August 17.

The scale of the southern project is reflected in the amount of heavy equipment currently operating on the corridor.

Project officials report that the three-week construction outlook includes nineteen scrapers, five dozers, three blades, three water wagons, two water trucks, three sheep’s foot compactors, and three tractors equipped with discs.

The equipment fleet is being utilized for large-scale grading, embankment construction, roadway widening, and corridor preparation activities.

Construction photographs included in the June report show extensive earthmoving operations, drainage crossing construction, culvert installation, shoulder preparation, roadway widening, and grading work occurring across multiple locations along the project corridor.

The combined value of the two projects exceeds $145 million and represents one of the most significant transportation investments currently underway in western North Dakota.
The U.S. 85 corridor serves as a critical transportation artery connecting the Bakken oil-producing region with interstate highways, agricultural markets, and communities throughout western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

For years, local leaders, transportation advocates, and economic development officials have supported continued expansion of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway system, citing increased traffic volumes, freight demands, safety concerns, and regional growth.
Once completed, the four-lane divided highway sections are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and strengthen transportation infrastructure supporting the region’s energy, agriculture, tourism, and commercial sectors.

With grading operations now visible across much of the corridor and major drainage structures already in place, motorists traveling south of Watford City can expect construction activity to remain a common sight throughout the remainder of the 2026 construction season and beyond.

Motorists are reminded to slow down for the cone zone and to add additional time to their commute. Much of the construction zone is posted at 45 miles per hour with 25 mile per hour zones present as well for specific locations.

Workers on foot and in vehicles throughout the zones need to be able to work safely and this requires obedience to the posted speed limits and vigilance of drivers moving through.
A recent traffic enforcement blitz conducted by the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office noted multiple citations for speeding with one driver cited for speeding 38 miles per hour over the posted speed limit with active workers present.

There have been two crashes in the zone since operations began at the end of March. Fortunately no lives were lost and only vehicles were damaged.
To view the report published by the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association and other updates visit trexpressway.com.