Highway expansion in western North Dakota gets mixed reviews

BELFIELD, N.D. – A proposal to expand U.S. Highway 85 in western North Dakota is getting mixed reviews.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the state Transportation Department is holding public hearings this week on the plan to expand the highway from two to four lanes between Watford City and Interstate 94.

Some people say the expansion is needed to improve safety, but others are worried about how it would impact Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Officials say it’s still not known how the estimated $479 million project would be paid for or when construction would start.

State officials anticipate issuing a final decision and environmental impact statement on the project this fall. The Federal Highway Administration will ultimately decide whether the project is built.

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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com