MINOT, N.D. (KXNET) — The North Dakota Department of Transportation is looking to hear from the community on a highway expansion project. A couple of years ago, the NDDOT undertook an effort to put in passing lanes from Minot to Carrington. That project was led by Ulteig, an engineering consultant firm. For this operation, they began with four public input meetings in Bismarck. "When we got to the Velva and Minot areas," recalls Ulteig's Consultant Project Manager Mike Huffington, "we heard a lot of comments from the public that these passing lanes would be nice — but really, there's a strong desire to see that section in particular four-laned." Huffington says this project came about due to the public's desire, and has been a push at the local level. The DOT is currently doing an expansion study trying to decide whether Highway 52 (between Minot and Voltaire) should be 4 lanes. During the last legislative session, lawmakers pushed to get funding for this study as part of House Bill 10-12. The study is broken down into three phases — the first of which is the preliminary design phase. "Just because traffic doesn't justify it," Huffington explains, "it doesn't mean the project can't go through — but we need to hear from the public. Why the public wants it and needs it, and to be able to properly assess those benefits." North Dakotans look to international schooling systems If you look at the traffic volume, there is not necessarily a need to expand to four lanes .... but what Ulteig has heard from residents is that there's a perception this is an unsafe corridor, and they are looking for improvements to be made. "There is a lot of truck traffic along the US 52 corridor in general," Huffington continued, "and this segment we are talking about is no exception. Whenever you get that higher truck traffic, it makes for more difficult passing opportunities." In 2025 they will be going through the environmental phase — and after that, they will be going into the final design through 2026 and into 2027. The project would start in Minot and tie in with the existing four-lane part of the highway. A Cenex manager in Velva told us she believes this will positively impact several businesses, downtown. "I think it will be good for business," Cenex Velva manager Stephanie Byszeski says. "I think it is going to open up more traffic through here. We will get a lot of more foot traffic. I think it will be good for us and other businesses along the way." There are still opportunities to make your voice heard. A public input meeting will take place in Minot at the Sleep Inn on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Another meeting will be held on Tuesday night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Velva Public School Gym. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW