State to Build Second Temporary Truck Bypass Around Eastern Side of Williston
by ND Governor's Office Posted on 7/31/2012
Gov. Jack Dalrymple and state Department of Transportation Director Francis Ziegler today announced plans to complete work this year on a second temporary bypass that will further relieve truck traffic within the city of Williston.
At the request of Williston city officials and Williams County commissioners, the state plans to resurface a section of County Road 9 and County Road 6 to serve as a second temporary bypass that will direct traffic around Williston's eastern edge. The east-side bypass will compliment a nearly completed temporary bypass that will route traffic around the west side of Williston.
"These temporary bypasses will take a tremendous amount of truck traffic out of the city of Williston," Dalrymple said. "We also recognize the need for a long-term solution and we will continue to work with local officials and residents who will determine the route for a permanent bypass."
The west-side bypass, utilizing County Road 6, County Road 1 and US Highway 2, is expected to be completed in late August. To begin work on the east-side bypass, the state Department of Transportation will advertise for bids this week. Construction on the east-side bypass is projected to begin this fall, with completion by the end of the year.
The temporary bypasses on both the west and east sides of Williston will provide immediate relief from traffic congestion while local officials finalize routes for permanent bypasses.
State and local officials have held public meetings to identify possible routes for a permanent bypass along the west side of Williston. The public input process and the environmental analysis required for a permanent, west-side bypass are expected to be completed in the summer of 2013, with construction also beginning next year.
