Sneak Peek Of Bismarck’s South Washington Project

Three things are certain in life, death, taxes, and road construction season.

Thankfully, we are nearly done with road construction season. This major project on Bismarck's South Washington Street began on Monday, April 15th.  South Wash, as I affectionately call it, is one of the busiest roads in Bismarck.

This particular project was expected to be completed by the end of October 2024.  Will it be ready by the time the snow flies? More on that in a moment.

South Washington is one of Bismarck's biggest travel arteries.

I know this is the travel route well, as I take it to work each day, and again on my way home.  Not only South Washington has been affected, but a part of Burleigh Drive as well.  Here's a map from the City of Bismarck of the roads showing what parts are under construction and the detour routes.

Only southbound traffic has been allowed on South Washington from Billings Drive to Burleigh Ave.

This past Sunday morning, when traffic was extremely light, (I was the only person on the gravel side road) I decided to snap a few photos for you to show you the progress.

The only concrete poured so far is on a small part of Burleigh Avenue towards the new roundabout at the South Washington intersection, and a small section on the northbound lane on South Washington just north of the roundabout.

Here's a shot of where the new roundabout will be at the intersection of Burleigh Avenue and South Washington intersect.

The only concrete poured on South Washington so far.

A look at the roundabout intersection.

Lots of heavy machinery along the route.

This portion of South Washington looks close to being ready for concrete.

This road construction project has to be rough on this business.

Looks like some of the road construction workers have a sense of humor.

The start of the construction project near Billings Avenue.

What improvements will be made inside the road construction area?

They will be working on a drainage ditch, mobility and safety improvements for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic as well as street lighting and stormwater improvements.  Alternatives selected by the City Commission are a 3-lane corridor with a roundabout at Burleigh Avenue and South Washington and a traffic signal at London Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue.

According to a city rep that I spoke to, the South Washington road construction project is on time and still set to be completed by the end of October 2024.  We will see about that, as it looks like they have a lot to do in just over 2 months.

For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/streets.