U.S. Highway 85 currently traverses through bighorn sheep habitat in western North Dakota, specifically through portions of the Badlands. With plans to continue to expand the highway into four lanes, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is currently seeking comments on a portion of the expansion on lands owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Specifically, NDDOT wants comments on the expansion of a six-mile section south of Long X Bridge, which is also known as bighorn sheep territory. 

“A lot of this portion of 85 traverses through very difficult terrain in the Badlands,” said Matt Gangness, director of NDDOT’s Environmental and Transportation Services Division.

The work is part of a larger project aimed at expanding the highway between I-94 and Watford City, which was needed due to an increase in oil truck traffic and increased population, according to News From The States. Public discussions regarding the expansion project started in 2015 with a final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision approved in 2019. 

The project does have some specific conditions to limit environmental impacts, according to News From The States. One such condition is prohibiting construction during bighorn sheep breeding season, which runs roughly from April 1 to July 15. 

“That was an environmental commitment we made with the Forest Service and their biologists,” said Gangness. “That was kind of a key piece in getting that approved with the Forest Service.”

Additionally, there will be three wildlife crossings with the one near Long X Bridge already completed, according to Gangness, where “[u]p to 150 bighorn sheep and about 1,000 mule deer have been spotted using the arched crossing in both 2022 and 2023.” Fencing will also be installed near animal traffic “hotspots.” Gangness hopes that “[o]nce animals begin using the wildlife crossings, they can become learned behavior for future generations of animals to instinctively use.”

While a positive project for some, not everyone believes the expansion is a good idea. 

“I think what the state needs to do is do a better job of recognizing that we’re very much promoting recreation in western North Dakota, and we need to recognize the need for habitat protection that also feeds that industry,” said Shannon Straight, executive director of the Badlands Conservation Alliance.

The replacement and expansion of the Long X Bridge was completed in 2020 and construction north of Long X Bridge to Watford City began in 2023. The six-mile section south of the bridge will begin as soon as funding is secured and construction is scheduled. This portion will likely cost $80 million to $100 million, according to News From The States.

Do you want to weigh in on the project? NDDOT is collecting public comments about the six-mile section until Aug. 8. Comments can be emailed to Garrett Hartl of NDDOT at ghartl@nd.gov.