Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Technical Advisory Committee - 2026-03-16
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Bismarck-Mandan MPO Technical Advisory Committee approved two TIP amendments adding statewide projects for automatic traffic recorder maintenance and pavement markings on highways within NDDOT's Bismarck District. The committee also approved Amendment 1 to the 2026-2027 UPWP, which reallocates budgets to accommodate delays in the transit development plan and adds traffic data collection/analysis projects. The parking constrained areas study was reduced from $180,000 to $150,000 after Mandan withdrew participation, with Bismarck as the sole participant.
Key Decisions (3)
2026-2029 TIP Amendment - Automatic Traffic Recorder Maintenance
Amendment adds a new statewide project for automatic traffic recorder maintenance led by NDDOT, including one location in Bismarck. The amendment was advertised for the required 15-day public comment period with no comments received.
2026-2029 TIP Amendment - Pavement Markings (Conditional)
Amendment adds a statewide project for pavement markings on various highways within NDDOT's Bismarck District. Public hearing scheduled for 10:30AM on March 27 at City County Building, 2nd Floor, Blackstead Room.
2026-2027 UPWP Amendment 1
Amendment updates work programs and budgets for both years to accommodate delays and add projects for the metropolitan transportation plan. Key changes include: transit development plan delayed to mid-May/June 2026 start; traffic data collection analysis added at $102,000; OD data purchase added at $35,738; socioeconomic data purchase accelerated to 2026; parking constrained areas study reduced from $180,000 to $150,000 with Mandan removed as participant. Bismarck's local match increased by approximately $8,500; Mandan's reduced; Bizman Transit's reduced.
Development Activity (3)
Parking Constrained Areas Study
Study reduced from 12 months to 10 months, budget reduced from $180,000 to $150,000. $73,000 to be expended in 2026, remainder in 2027. Mandan tentatively programmed for similar study in 2029.
Transit Development Plan Update
RFP released February 19, 2026 with deadline March 16, 2026 at 5PM. Project start delayed from January 2026 to mid-May or June 1, 2026. Selection committee interviews planned for week of April 13.
Travel Demand Model Update
Traffic data collection analysis ($102,000), OD data purchase ($35,738), and socioeconomic data purchase added to support early 2027 travel demand model update.
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
The Fringe Area Roads Master Plan is establishing a regionally significant corridor network to prioritize connections between growth areas and Interstate 94, with potential new interchanges and bridge crossings under consideration.
Housing Demand
City of Bismarck's new ETA (expansion/growth plan) has taken effect, indicating different forecasting for regional growth and expansion relative to Burley County.
Infrastructure
Northern Bridge crossing remains uncertain due to high cost and long planning timeline; if not built, the 71st Avenue corridor may need to serve a different function in the regional network.
Commercial Demand
Stakeholder engagement with Chamber EDC members revealed development and real estate industry perspectives on growth trends and development locations that data alone does not capture.
Infrastructure
Mackenzie Drive corridor in Mandan could be expanded across Hart River to Highway 6, providing Southwest Mandan growth areas new access to Bismarck and freeway connections.