North Dakota – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will hold a public input meeting on Monday, May 20, to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders regarding upcoming changes to traffic signals and lighting along U.S. Highway 85 in Watford City.

The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Central Time at the McKenzie County Courthouse, located at 201 5th St. NW. The session will follow an open house format, allowing attendees to come and go at their convenience while speaking directly with NDDOT representatives.

One of the proposed changes includes the removal of the existing traffic signal system at the intersection of U.S. 85 and 2nd Avenue Southwest (U.S. 85B). The current setup consists of wood poles with span wire-mounted signal heads. Once removed, the intersection will be converted to stop sign control for traffic traveling east and west. However, the existing lighting system at that intersection will remain in place.

In contrast, a new permanent traffic signal and lighting system is planned for installation at the intersection of U.S. 85 and North Dakota Highway 68. This upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety and efficiency in the area.

Representatives from the NDDOT will be available at the meeting to answer questions, present project details, and address community concerns. Informational materials related to the project will also be posted on the NDDOT website at www.dot.nd.gov/public-input.

For those unable to attend in person, written comments are encouraged and must be submitted by June 4, 2025. All correspondence should reference “Public Input Meeting – PCN 24131” and can be mailed to Spencer Ulvestad, 608 E Blvd. Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505, or emailed to [email protected].

The NDDOT is committed to providing accessible meeting facilities and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations. Language interpretation and translation services will also be available upon request.

This public engagement opportunity is part of the NDDOT’s ongoing mission to ensure North Dakota’s transportation systems meet the evolving needs of its communities.