Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board - 2026-02-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Bismarck-Mandan MPO Policy Board approved a TIP amendment for microsurfacing on ND Highway 1810 from Memorial Highway Interchange to Expressway Bridge with an increased cost estimate. The board also approved an $180,000 transit development plan RFP to study fixed route effectiveness, headway times, and alternative transit services including mobility hubs and flex routing, with Bismarck Transit providing $36,000 local match. Updates were provided on the Fringe Area Road Master Plan, which is evolving to potentially create a tiered system distinguishing regionally significant corridors from local development-driven road connections.
Key Decisions (3)
2026-2029 TIP Amendment for ND Highway 1810 Microsurfacing
Approved TIP amendment for microsurfacing project on North Dakota Highway 1810 from Memorial Highway Interchange to Expressway Bridge. NDDOT provided higher cost estimate than originally programmed. Approval contingent on no substantive public comments at February 18 public hearing.
2026 Transit Development Plan RFP
Approved $180,000 RFP for 18-month transit development plan study to evaluate fixed route system effectiveness including headway times, frequency, routes, flag system vs designated stops, community circulator routes, mobility hubs, and flex routing. Bismarck Transit provides $36,000 local match. Study programmed to begin 2026 and conclude before year end 2027.
Bismarck Mandan MPO Bylaws Amendments
Approved revisions to MPO bylaws including: removing 'area' from organization name, replacing 'Metropolitan Area' with 'metropolitan planning area' for CFR consistency, adding 'transportation' to planning description, replacing 'director of community development department' with 'Bismarck planning director', and changing quorum requirement from eight voting members to 'at least a majority' for flexibility.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
Transit service expansion effective April 1, 2026 will extend fixed route hours by 4 hours daily (6AM-10PM weekdays, 7AM-10PM Saturdays) and add Sunday/holiday paratransit service, indicating growing demand for public transportation access.
Infrastructure
Fringe Area Road Master Plan update is evolving to create tiered approach distinguishing regionally significant corridors requiring MPO-level review from local development-driven road connections, potentially streamlining development approval processes.
Infrastructure
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority has completed Phase 1 of corridor identification and is planning in-person visits to Bismarck-Mandan area to engage elected officials and public on potential passenger rail return.