Temporary Williston Bypass Nearly Complete | Video

Chris Williams | 7/11/2012

Semis passing through Williston is an every day thing, but help is on the way. The North Dakota Department of Transportation is working on a bypass that will help alleviate some of the truck traffic, although it is only in the planning stages.

For the time being, there will be a temporary bypass, and it is nearing completion.

The roads are being widened, and slopes are being added to make sure the bypass is up to safe standards. But crews have run into some trouble during construction.

"We`ve run into areas that basically have rock fields in the middle of the roadway, where we`ve had to add more base material to cover those areas," said Joel Wilt, Assistant Engineer with NDDOT Williston Division.

Planning for a project of this size normally takes a while, but the DOT felt urgency in getting the bypass underway as quickly as possible.

"We fast-tracked it. We partnered with the federal authorities, and other state and local authorities to get it done in a quicker time," said Wilt.

The bypass isn`t officially open yet, but one Williston resident says he is looking forward to its opening for one reason.

"Safety. I got some younger kids who are driving, and to be honest, I worry a little bit about sending 16, 15, 16 out on the road," said Williston resident Jonathan Abuhl.

Abuhl won’t have to worry as much when the bypass opens, and he is excited about that.

"I think it`s a long time comin`, or at least two years comin`. I`m really looking forward to having some of that heavy traffic slow down."

Once the temporary bypass opens, truck drivers will be led to their new route.

"We`ll have permanent signing up that directs them to use the new bypass. They will know where it is by the signing that we put up."

The DOT says residents will notice a difference once the temporary bypass opens.

"Hopefully what the public will be seeing once it`s open is a lot fewer trucks coming into town. Some will come into town to use the services. The ones that pass through should go around."

The temporary bypass is scheduled to be done by August 1.

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