The North Dakota Department of Transportation has received a $20 million award through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program to help enhance U.S. Highway 52 by adding railroad bypass lanes, improving safety and increasing the efficiency of passenger and freight transportation across the state, according to U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven.

Specifically, the project will rehabilitate about 45 miles of existing asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden, consolidate access points at the intersection of U.S. 52 and North Dakota Highway 3 in Harvey, and add acceleration and deceleration lanes at existing at-grade railroad crossings. It will add turn lanes at intersections from seven miles south of Portal to Carrington.

“As we say, North Dakota feeds and fuels the world, and Highway 52 is an essential artery for the flow of many of our goods getting to markets,” said Cramer, a ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This grant will help expand this really important transportation corridor and then at the same time, improve the safety for producers and the traveling public.”

“The funding we worked to secure will support much needed rehabilitation and enhancements for US 52,” said Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee.. “This major highway is essential to North Dakota and this award will help expand access with greater safety across the state.”