MINOT, N.D. (AP) — State transportation officials say the expansion to four lanes on portions of the U.S Highway 83 bypass in Minot will include flood protection measures and several intersection improvements.

The Minot Daily News reports construction on the more than $53 million project could begin as early as 2017.

The project will include replacing a bridge over the Souris River. The new structure will be 100 feet longer than the old one and have a grade rise of 3 feet, enough to handle a record flood.

The 2011 Souris River flood damaged or destroyed more than 4,000 homes and caused nearly $700 million in damage.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation is taking written comments on the proposal through July 24.

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