Transportation Management Center and I-29 SMART Corridor

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) faced significant challenges on the I-29 corridor, including crash rates 30 percent higher than the statewide average, severe congestion in Fargo, and the fifth-busiest US-Canada border crossing. Nearly two-thirds of delays were caused by weather, flooding, or construction.

To address these issues, NDDOT proposed the I-29 SMART Corridor project, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like automatic warning systems, variable speed limits, automated incident detection, and remote road closure gates. Bolton & Menk provided comprehensive engineering services, including planning, systems engineering, preliminary design, and the preparation of grant applications. The project also included the development of a Traffic Management Center (TMC) to centralize and automate traffic information, enhancing response times and operational efficiency.

The I-29 SMART corridor aims to significantly improve safety and efficiency, reducing crash rates and congestion. The new systems, supported by the TMC, will allow for better traffic management and quicker incident response. The study achieved a high benefit-cost ratio, enhancing public safety and supporting economic growth in North Dakota. The successful implementation of these technologies will set a new standard for transportation infrastructure in the state.