Interstate Engineering‘s multi-disciplinary approach to improving infrastructure has led to increased transportation options, promoting rural resiliency. Recently, the North Dakota Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant program awarded over $3 million to enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in communities across the Peace Garden State. Interstate Engineering helped secure more than 50% of the available funds in the rural project category (and approximately 25% of the entire available funds), enabling three communities to move forward with transformative projects that improve quality of life, economic access, and safety. 

Interstate Engineering continues to maintain and implement the pedestrian and bicycle master plan for the City of Horace, a Fargo suburb and one of the fastest–growing communities in North Dakota. A major project within the master plan is the County Road 17 Shared Use Path, designed as a pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare connecting neighborhoods to schools and commerce. Interstate Engineering secured funding for the third phase of the project, which will link the city‘s newest neighborhood, Southdale Farms, to the existing pedestrian network. This project increases transportation options for residents in over 250 current homesites (and potentially 700 more), creating safe and direct multi-modal access to schools, shopping, restaurants, and services.  

Also, in Horace, Interstate Engineering advised on pedestrian and bicycle safety in the city‘s “Old Town“ planning area to design and secure funding for a unique, first-in-the-state project. The Center Avenue Multi-Modal Improvements transforms a section of an existing local street into a “Yield Street“ by installing colored concrete and new striping. This project will create safer pedestrian access to essential community places along the street, such as a multi-purpose lot that hosts the Horace Farmers Market and the Horace Senior Center. The project is an important step towards revitalizing Horace‘s Old Town by enhancing a sense of place and encouraging pedestrian activity. 

Our work supporting transformative, placemaking projects can also be seen in the City of Milnor, North Dakota, which received funding for the second and final phase of their Main Street sidewalk project. Interstate Engineering designed the project and advised city leaders to add mountable bump-outs, colored concrete patterns, street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and other value-added features. The project in Milnor will improve the downtown streetscape, building upon existing public investments and promoting safety. 

The City of Gwinner is the third community advised by Interstate Engineering, and that received TA funding. The community continues to experience residential growth due to the expansion of the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing facility. Interstate Engineering designed the Northwest Area Sidewalks to enhance the quality of life in the city‘s rapidly expanding northwest neighborhood, connecting neighbors while promoting the area‘s walkability to the Bobcat facility and other places of employment in Gwinner. 

During this year‘s TA grant cycle, Interstate Engineering’s success highlights our global, collaborative, and citizen-first approach to solving infrastructure challenges. For more information on how we can help your development efforts and increase your community‘s safety and resiliency, please contact Matt Lower, Planning Manager, at matt.lower@interstateeng.com.