In February 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association shared updates on the US Highway 85 construction project. A significant highlight was the approval of a $55 million federal grant, earmarked for expanding the highway to four lanes between the Long X Bridge south of Watford City and Highway 200. The ongoing second year of construction between the Long X Bridge and Watford City is expected to conclude by Fall 2024. Additionally, project development activities are underway for the segment between Highway 200 and the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is working through grant requirements and funding plans for various construction segments, addressing legislative requests for an overall funding plan. These efforts are focused securing funding for the sections between I-94 and Highway 200, as well as the southern Badlands segment beyond the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is preparing a request for proposals (RFP) to engage a consultant to facilitate project development and engineering design for these segments.
