Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board - 2026-03-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Bismarck-Mandan MPO Policy Board approved two Transportation Improvement Program amendments for statewide DOT maintenance projects and a Unified Planning Work Program amendment reallocating budgets for transit development, traffic analysis, and parking studies. The parking constrained area study was reduced from $180,000 to $150,000 and limited to Bismarck only after Mandan withdrew. Four proposals were received for the Transit Development Plan RFP, with consultant selection expected in April.
Key Decisions (3)
TIP Amendment for Automatic Traffic Recorder Maintenance
Amendment to 2026-2029 TIP adding statewide project for maintenance on existing automatic traffic recorders maintained by DOT, including one location in Bismarck. TAC recommended approval.
TIP Amendment for Pavement Markings on Bismarck District Highways
Amendment to 2026-2029 TIP adding statewide project for pavement markings on various highways within DOT's Bismarck district. Public hearing scheduled for March 27 at 10:30AM in Blackstone Room.
2026-2027 UPWP Amendment One
Amendment reallocating budgets across multiple planning studies: Transit Development Plan reduced from $99,000 to $63,000 in 2026 with extended timeline into 2027; Traffic Data Collection Analysis added at $102,000; Origin-Destination Data Purchase added at $35,000; Socioeconomic Data Procurement moved from 2027 to 2026 at $5,000; Parking Constrained Area Study reduced from $180,000 to $150,000 and limited to Bismarck only (Mandan withdrew). Total budget and federal share unchanged.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
Northern Missouri River bridge crossing, additional Hart River connections in Mandan, and future interstate interchange locations are being actively explored in the Fringe Area Roads Master Plan update.
Infrastructure
North Dakota DOT will resume the Urban Interstate Prioritization Process (UIPP) later in summer 2026 to identify community priorities for interstate improvements and potential interchange locations.
Infrastructure
The MPO is preparing for travel demand model update in early 2027, with base year data collection from 2025 and socioeconomic data procurement underway.