What are the project limits?

The project study area includes East Divide Avenue beginning at the intersection of 26th Street North and extending to the intersection of East Bismarck Expressway. It is anticipated  reconstruction would occur beginning at the intersection of Volk Drive extending east to the intersection of Commerce Drive.

 

What is the description of the proposed project?

The proposed project would reconstruct the existing roadway into a three-lane divided roadway with a flush median serving as a center two-way left turn lane. East Divide Avenue at Channel Drive would be extended straight to the east to provide a more direct connection to Bismarck Expressway. A 10-foot wide shared-use path would be constructed on the south side of East Divide Avenue. The intersection of East Bismarck Expressway will be studied to determine if improvements need to be made (i.e. additional turn lanes, signal modifications, etc.).

 

Why does the roadway need to be reconstructed?

The existing road was designed as a rural section with ditches and no shoulders. The reconstruction would upgrade the roadway to meet current urban roadway design standards, improve system linkage, provide pedestrian facilities and improve safety.

 

Where is the funding for this project coming from?

Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the project cost and local funds (City of Bismarck) will cover the remaining 20 percent.

 

Will my property be special assessed for this project?

Special Assessments are the method the City typically uses to pay for public improvements that affect benefiting properties. The costs of the improvement are allocated to the parcels/lots that benefit from these improvements. The City of Bismarck has paid for the local cost share on similar federally funded projects in the past with multiple sources of funding. These sources have included the use of special assessment districts and sales tax funds. The cost of the project is unknown at this time and therefore the amount of the special assessment is unknown. After the design of the project is complete, and project costs are estimated, landowners will be notified in writing their amount of the estimated special assessment as well as the date of the public hearing before the Board of City Commissioners at which they may appear to comment upon the proposed special assessment district.

 

How can I participate in project planning?

Two public meetings are scheduled for the project. The first public meeting is intended to present project alternatives, gather information from the public and provide an update regarding project development and environmental study progress. The meeting is scheduled for fall 2011. The second meeting is a public hearing where proposed alternatives are presented and public input is gathered concerning the alternatives. The meeting will be held toward the conclusion of the environmental document phase. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for spring 2012.

 

What is the project schedule?

Final Project Decisions – April 2012

Environmental Clearance – April 2012

Design, Permitting and Right-of-Way Acquisition – May to September 2012

Bid Opening – November 2012

Construction – 2013