Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Expansion Continues with Nearly 18 Miles of New Four-Lane Construction Major progress is underway on the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway as construction crews begin work on another significant expansion of four-lane U.S. Highway 85 in western North Dakota. Two major projects totaling more than $145 million are now under construction between the Long X Bridge area and the junction of U.S. 85 and North Dakota Highway 200. Combined, the projects will add nearly 18 miles of new four-lane divided highway and represent one of the largest active construction efforts currently advancing the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway corridor. The North Dakota Department of Transportation recently awarded: • A $61.7 million contract to Strata Corporation for a 12.5-mile segment extending south from Mile Point 120.3 to ND Highway 200; and • An $83.8 million contract to Park Construction Company for the 5.5-mile segment running north through the Little Missouri Breaks to the Long X Bridge. Together, the projects continue extending four-lane infrastructure south from Watford City while reinforcing the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway’s long-term role as a vital transportation corridor supporting freight movement, energy development, agriculture, tourism, and national defense. Construction Activity Now Visible Construction activity is becoming increasingly visible throughout McKenzie County as grading work begins and contractors mobilize equipment and support infrastructure. The McKenzie County Commission recently approved a temporary asphalt batch plant and onsite fuel facility to support paving operations on the southern 12.5-mile segment. At the same time, heavy grading operations are already underway on the northern 5.5-mile section through the rugged Little Missouri Breaks terrain, where contractors are expected to move more than three million cubic yards of material. The work signals a major transition for the corridor—from long-term planning and advocacy to active construction and visible progress on the ground. Why the Expansion Matters The latest investment marks another important milestone in North Dakota’s continued commitment to modernizing U.S. Highway 85 into a safer and more efficient four-lane divided highway. Once completed, the projects will: • Improve safety along one of North Dakota’s busiest truck corridors; • Strengthen freight connectivity supporting Bakken energy production, agriculture, and regional commerce; • Enhance year-round travel reliability through the Badlands region; and • Continue building momentum and federal support for the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway’s future Interstate designation. The 12.5-mile southern segment is expected to be completed in 2027, while the Little Missouri Breaks project is anticipated to take approximately three construction seasons. Building the Future Interstate Vision Each new mile of four-lane highway represents meaningful progress toward completing the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway corridor. With construction now advancing farther south, North Dakota continues demonstrating how sustained infrastructure investment can steadily transform the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway from a long-term vision into a modern transportation reality—creating the foundation for a future Interstate connection stretching from the Canadian border to the central United States. The Theodore Roosevelt Expressway is continuing to move forward — mile by mile.

The Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association (TRE) plays a central role in advancing state policy priorities for the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway across North Dakota, working in close coordination with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and regional stakeholders. The Association’s efforts focus on upgrading U.S. Highway 85 into a four-lane divided corridor to improve safety, freight mobility, and energy sector access, particularly in western North Dakota’s Bakken region. TRE advocates for sustained state investment through North Dakota’s legislative appropriations and long-range transportation planning, while also aligning projects with federal funding opportunities such as INFRA and RAISE grants. Key policy priorities include advancing environmental clearances, supporting construction of remaining two-lane segments, enhancing system resilience in challenging terrain like the Badlands, and ensuring the corridor meets future Interstate standards.