Bismarck is witnessing a transportation pivot in 2025 — from shifting bridges on I-94 to BisMan Transit eyeing later hours, all while the city’s major employers evolve. The changes aren’t just about roads and buses — they reflect how residents get around, where they work, and how the city plans for the future.
BisMan Transit (the Capital Area Transit System) currently ends its day at 7 p.m. (Monday–Saturday), leaving many evening commuters stranded.
The transit agency now has on its “wish list” extending hours (e.g. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and is conducting a public feedback phase over the next few months.
Meanwhile, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is accepting public comments on a proposed amendment to the 2025-2028 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which would add a Statewide Coordinated Public Transit Human Services & Intercity Bus Plan costing about $236,769.
The public will have until October 1, 2025, to submit comments on the amendment.
On September 3, traffic was shifted to a new bridge at I-94 Exit 161 as part of a larger interchange upgrade. The old bridge is now closed for demolition and reconstruction.
Also, the I-94 Sterling Interchange (Exit 182) bridge reopened on September 5, 2025, after a period of closure for structural work.
The city of Bismarck maintains a live map of street construction projects and closures—many roads will see temporary lane reductions or full closures during 2025.
A significant infrastructure project: the BNSF Railway is building a new rail bridge over the Missouri River near Bismarck–Mandan. Crews are working on piers, abutments, and nighttime pile driving to stay on schedule.
The public trail (River Road Trail) near the project area has partial closures, about 200 ft on either side of the active work zone.
On the horizon, ND DOT is studying a replacement for the Grant Marsh Bridge (built in 1965), potentially turning its replacement into a tunnel or full tear-down.
Residents who work or socialize after 7 p.m. currently struggle with limited transit options. As BisMan considers expansion, those same people might finally depend less on private cars or ride-share.
New bridges and rerouted traffic may change which neighborhoods see through-traffic or delays. Pedestrians and cyclists will need safe detours during construction — especially near the River Road Trail and I-94 interchange zones.
Nonprofit Community Bridge Transportation is advocating for support from the city to meet growing demand for free and low-cost rides — especially among people with limited mobility.
They recently requested that the city donate a retired BisMan bus to their fleet. “I give about 200 rides a week,” said their director Taylor Barnett.
This fall, Bismarck Public Schools introduced a two-tier bus system (staggered start times) aimed at reducing ride times and optimizing fleet usage.
Some parents have voiced concerns, especially as routes are fine-tuned midterm.
Education, healthcare, and state government have consistently held top roles, but staffing levels have increased, especially in schools.
City-level employment dipped relative to state and healthcare sectors but still plays a vital role in operations, planning, and transit.
Manufacturing remains stable but lower-tier compared to services and government.
City-level employment dipped relative to state and healthcare sectors but still plays a vital role in operations, planning, and transit.
Because transit and infrastructure shape how easily employees access job centers, any improvements (or setbacks) in mobility directly affect this employer ecosystem.
“A lot of people say use rideshare … but there isn’t enough drivers to accommodate all the people who need to be using the service.”
— Deidre Hughes, Executive Director, BisMan Transit
“One of the members … was all for the idea, but I just kept getting bounced around … they said we don’t do that.”
The push to expand hours for BisMan Bus, and the STIP amendment to strengthen coordinated public transit, signal a shift in thinking: transportation isn’t just daytime movement, it’s 24/7 access. The growing demand for nonprofit ride services underscores a gap for vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, bridge and route upgrades reshape corridors and may change which areas are “easy to get to” — potentially influencing housing, business location, and commute patterns.
Bismarck is at a crossroads in 2025. Its roads, bridges, and transit systems are being retooled — not just for convenience, but to support equity, growth, and a changing workforce. As public input is gathered on new transit plans, and as infrastructure projects proceed, residents and stakeholders will have a home stake in how the city moves forward. For many, the question won’t just be how far, but how well they can get there.
