North Dakota DOT Releases 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Plan and Seeks Public Input
On January 7, 2026, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) announced that it has finalized the 2026–2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is now seeking public input on the next four-year plan. The STIP is a federally required document that outlines major highway, bridge, and transit projects scheduled over the next four years. NDDOT officials say the 2026–2029 plan includes improvements on state and county highways, enhancements to urban streets, safety projects to add features such as guardrails and lighting, upgrades to bikeways and pedestrian facilities, and investments in public transit. The document is available for review at www.dot.nd.gov, and motorists are encouraged to learn what projects are planned in their area.
At the same time, NDDOT is beginning to develop the 2027–2030 STIP and wants to hear from citizens about transportation priorities. Comments will be accepted until February 10, 2026, giving people a little over a month to share ideas and concerns about highways, bike paths, transit services, and other needs. Written comments can be sent to Michael Wilz, NDDOT Programming Division, 608 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0700; or emailed to [email protected]. The agency will compile all feedback and consider it as it drafts the next plan.
NDDOT encourages residents to contact their local district offices for more information. District engineers in Bismarck, Valley City, Devils Lake, Minot, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Fargo, and Williston can provide project details and accept comments. Phone numbers are listed on the NDDOT’s news release. The department also notes that translation services and accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided upon request, ensuring that the planning process is inclusive.
For drivers and commuters, the STIP is more than just a planning document; it determines which roads will be resurfaced, where new passing lanes or shoulders might be added, and which bridges or transit facilities will receive upgrades over the next four years. Participation in the comment period gives North Dakotans a chance to influence those decisions and advocate for safety improvements in their communities. NDDOT leaders emphasize that the STIP must remain fiscally constrained and that projects cannot move forward without being included in the plan. By reviewing the current 2026–2029 program and providing input for the 2027–2030 cycle, residents can help shape a transportation system that meets the state’s needs while maintaining safe and efficient travel for both local drivers and interstate commerce.