Why is the proposed project needed?
Billings County is leading a planning effort to improve internal linkage and system linkage from ND Highway 16 to US Highway 85, between the north and south units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, to meet a variety of socioeconomic demands. These include fire management and industry (agriculture, oil and gas, and recreation/tourism). Currently, no reliable crossings exist over the Little Missouri River between US Highway 85 south of Watford City (Long X Bridge) and the city of Medora (Bridges on I-94), a distance of nearly 50 aerial miles and 70 highway miles. Approximately 18 private fords and one public ford exist; however, they are unreliable because of seasonal conditions and are inaccessible to many types of vehicles. In addition, the majority of the existing fords are located on private land; requiring landowner permission to cross the river.
