Starting Monday, September 29, 2025, after 8:15 a.m., the eastbound lanes of Bismarck Expressway will be reduced to a single through lane between Washington Street and 3rd Street as crews perform roadway repairs.
The work is expected to last two to three days, weather permitting, and no detour route will be in place.
This closure is part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance across Bismarck’s streets and highways. The Expressway (also known as ND 810 / I-194) is a major east–west corridor through the city.
Meanwhile, the I-94 / Exit 161 interchange reconstruction continues to influence traffic patterns, including nightly lane closures for bridge demolition.
Together, these overlapping projects mean residents and commuters must stay alert, expect congestion, and adjust routes accordingly.
“We understand interruptions are disruptive, but this work helps extend the life of the pavement and boost safety,”
— Jordan Keller, Bismarck Streets Division
“I drive that stretch daily for my shift at the hospital. It’ll add some time, but I’ll just leave earlier,”
— Maria Lopez, Bismarck resident
During a prefatory public meeting, city engineers noted that no full detour is planned because surrounding streets already see heavy traffic. They say compression of one lane is safer than shifting many alternate routes.
Avoid peak morning hours (8:15–9:30 a.m.) in the closure zone, if possible. Use alternate east–west streets (e.g. Main Avenue) to bypass the work zone. Be patient—lane reductions will slow flows, especially when crews are active.
This lane closure is short-term—but it reflects a broader push in 2025 to maintain Bismarck’s road network. Residents should expect frequent but scheduled lane reductions at various intersections and corridors as seasonal repairs, signal updates, and reconstruction projects roll out.
