The existing Memorial Bridge is part of Bismarck-Mandan’s social, recreational, and transportation history. The new bridge must be able to fill the same role for future generations by being affordable, safe, functional, and beautiful.

NDDOT held public meetings and public hearings, and collected comments and questions in many different ways from the public, before determining which alternative to build.

Before the design phase began, NDDOT formed a Citizens’ Advisory Committee of about 20 selected representatives from state and city agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, and veterans’ organizations, as well as any interested members of the public at large. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee have met several times and recommended design options for the new bridge.

A technical committee -- comprised of engineers and architects from NDDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, the cities of Bismarck and Mandan, and various consultant firms -- used the Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommendations to create a final design decision document and presented it to NDDOT and the cities of Bismarck and Mandan. Approval was unanimous.

Public involvement in design process chronology