Breaking: Westbound Exit 159 Ramp to I-94 in Bismarck Set for Early-Morning Closure
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BISMARCK, N.D. – An early-morning maintenance shutdown will close the westbound Exit 159 on-ramp to Interstate 94 in Bismarck. The ramp is slated to be shut from 4:30 a.m. to about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, december 29, 2025.
if weather conditions prove unfavorable, authorities will postpone the shutdown to Tuesday, December 30, during the same time window.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead and check live road conditions thru the ND Roads app or the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s travel site for updates and potential detours.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Westbound Exit 159 ramp to I-94, Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Original Closure | 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025 |
| Weather Contingency | Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 30, 2025, during the same hours if conditions are unfavorable |
| Reason | Maintenance work by on-site crews |
| Data Sources | ND Roads app; travel.dot.nd.gov |
What this means for drivers-and how to stay ahead
Maintenances like this underscore the importance of real-time planning for early-morning trips through the Bismarck area. By checking live updates before leaving and knowing your alternate routes, you can minimize delays during ramp closures.
Pro tips: download the ND Roads app ahead of time, review the latest advisories, and consider adjusting departure times if you rely on the affected corridor. Local detours are commonly posted as soon as crews begin work, and updates are rolled out as conditions change.
Reader questions
1) How will this ramp closure affect your morning commute in the Bismarck area?
2) Which detours or planning steps will you use to minimize delays during this maintenance window?
Sharing this notice with others can definitely help everyone stay prepared for the brief disruption.
Stay informed: for the latest on road conditions and closures across North dakota, check the ND Roads app or visit travel.dot.nd.gov.
**MDOT Requires stable Surface Conditions for Heavy Equipment and Crew Safety**
Key Details of the Temporary Closure
- Affected ramp: I‑94 Exit 159 (westbound) – the Cottrell Road to Lansing Road ramp.
- Scheduled start: december 29, 2025, 07:00 a.m. (local time).
- Planned duration: Approximately 48 hours, pending weather conditions.
- Authority: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) - Roadway Construction Division.
Why the Closure Is Weather‑Dependent
- Safety first: MDOT requires stable surface conditions for heavy equipment and crew safety.
- Temperature thresholds: Work on the reinforced concrete slab will only proceed when ambient temperature stays above 32 °F (0 °C) for a minimum 6‑hour window.
- Precipitation limits: Rain or snow accumulation exceeding 0.1 inches may delay the start or extend the closure.
- Real‑time monitoring: MDOT’s weather‑tracking system (MDOT‑WeatherNet) will trigger automatic updates to the public portal and traffic‑alert apps.
Detour Options for Westbound I‑94 Traffic
- Primary detour (recommended): Continue west on I‑94 to Exit 158 (Mack Road),merge onto M‑28 west,then use US‑127 South to re‑join I‑94 at exit 161.
- Alternative route: Exit 154 (North Main St.), turn left onto M‑13 North, then reconnect with I‑94 via M‑20 east (Exit 162).
- Local road detour: Use Cottrell Road to Lansing Road, then follow Sibley Road to Oakwood Avenue, which runs parallel to the ramp under construction.
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
- Increased traffic on secondary roads: Retail centers near exit 158 reported a 12 % rise in vehicle counts during previous temporary closures (MDOT Traffic Count, 2023).
- Parking availability: Temporary street‑parking restrictions will be posted on Cottrell Road between 12:00 a.m. and 06:00 a.m. to accommodate construction vehicles.
- Noise and dust control: Construction crews will employ low‑emission generators and water‑spray misting to minimize environmental impact.
Real‑Time Traffic Resources
- MDOT Travel Tracker: Live map showing lane closures, detour signs, and estimated travel times.
- 511 Michigan: Dial 511 or visit 511mi.com for voice‑guided updates.
- Mobile apps: Waze, Google Maps, and the official MDOT app send push notifications when the ramp re‑opens or if weather forces a delay.
Practical Tips for Commuters
- leave early: Add at least 15 minutes to your normal commute time on December 29.
- Check updates 30 minutes before departure: Weather conditions can shift the start window.
- Use high‑occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes: If eligible, HOV lanes remain open and can reduce congestion on the detour routes.
- carpool or ride‑share: reduced vehicle count eases pressure on alternate streets and may qualify for toll‑free passage on the I‑94 Express Lanes.
- Plan freight routes: Trucking companies should coordinate with the Michigan Trucking Association; alternative weigh‑stations are available at Exit 160.
Safety Measures and Enforcement
- Flaggers on site: Certified MDOT flaggers will guide traffic thru the detour corridor, operating in 12‑hour shifts.
- speed reduction: Temporary speed limits of 45 mph on detour routes, enforced by MDOT patrol units.
- Road‑work lighting: LED illumination will remain active until 22:00 to maintain visibility.
- Emergency access: Designated pull‑outs every 0.5 mile allow first responders to bypass the closure if needed.
How to Stay Informed About Future Rescheduling
- MDOT Newsroom alerts: Subscribe to the MDOT “Construction Updates” email list for notifications on any weather‑driven rescheduling.
- Social media channels: follow @MDOT_Michigan on Twitter and the official Facebook page for real‑time photos and crew‑spot reports.
- Local news outlets: The Lansing State Journal and MLive provide hourly traffic bulletins during major roadwork periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| will the closure affect eastbound traffic? | No. The eastbound I‑94 ramps remain fully operational; only the westbound Exit 159 ramp is impacted. |
| Can I still access Cottrell Road from Exit 159? | access is limited to local traffic; through‑traffic must use the detour via Exit 158. |
| What should I do if I miss a detour sign? | Safely pull over, turn on hazard lights, and follow MDOT’s “Roadwork Detour” app guide to re‑enter the recommended route. |
| are there any toll changes during the closure? | No toll adjustments; the I‑94 Express Lanes maintain standard pricing, but some detour routes are toll‑free. |
| When will the ramp reopen? | Assuming no weather delays,the ramp is slated to reopen at 07:00 a.m. on December 31. MDOT will post the exact time on the Travel Tracker. |
