Context Sensitive Solutions Technical Assistance: North Dakota Department of Transportation
Key Takeaways
The interviews that were conducted revealed a set of themes and key highlights, which are summarized below. These topic areas are further described in the case study alongside photos and other visuals to help tell the story of the bypass project.
- A CSS approach can accelerate project delivery.
- NDDOT practices outstanding resource agency coordination and collaboration. Through interagency coordination meetings (ICM), NDDOT has built strong relationships and trust with federal and State agencies. Throughout the bypass project, NDDOT had a long-standing item on the monthly ICM agenda to provide updates on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, design, permitting, and commitment compliance during construction. Likewise, NDDOT also collaborates with North Dakota Interagency Review Team (NDIRT). NDDOT holds annual multi-day field trips with NDIRT to review and gather feedback on completed construction projects. This process serves as a valuable accountability tool for NDDOT.
- NDDOT has a well-established and noteworthy process to coordinate with tribes, through the Tribal Consultation Committee (TCC).
- The bypass is supporting improved quality of life for Watford City residents, after the area experienced unprecedented growth. By having the bypass divert heavy truck traffic away from the city, city administrators could focus on providing crucial infrastructure and enhanced quality of live for the growing population. With the volume of traffic reduced, downtown Watford City was more accommodating to light-duty vehicles and pedestrians, both of which contribute to economic activity.
- NDDOT staff place an emphasis on face to face communication, resulting in an improved and expedited review process.
- A collaborative partnership between all units of NDDOT exists, especially between right of way staff and designers. This level of collaboration helped expedite the project timeline, as any issues encountered in the field were quickly incorporated into plans as they were being finalized.
- CSS approach and flexible design concepts used on the bypass project helped achieve the goal of minimizing impacts to the human and natural environment.
- The bypass resulted in dramatic improvements to vehicular safety. Traffic fatalities in McKenzie County, where Watford City is located, dropped significantly after the bypass was built, compared to years prior.
- The project won the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) America’s Transportation award and was a Top 10 Finalist in the overall America’s Transportation Awards competition.
