This year's road construction season is proceeding well.
"Right now, were sitting at about 20 percent of the work done," said North Dakota Department of Transportation Operations Director Wade Swenson. "Last year, we were at 19 percent, and the year before we were at 17 percent."
Swenson says a lot of the big-dollar construction happens closer to the end of the season.
"We definitely need a good late fall to get these projects completed," said Swenson. "That's where a lot of our paving and items that are high dollar happen."
Swenson says this fall, bids will be opened for next construction season.
Meanwhile, DOT reports 83 crashes in work zones this year. No one has been killed. Swenson says it's a reminder to drivers to be careful in work zones.
"Safety, slowing down, watching when you go through a work zone," said Swenson. "Be courteous to the people working there. It does take a little time, but you will get through."
Swenson says for the most part, drivers are mindful of being careful in construction zones.
