North Dakota Highway 22

North Dakota Highway 22 is a major transportation route in western North Dakota, connecting the cities of New Town and Makoti to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and the Lewis and Clark State Park. The highway spans approximately 123 miles, passing through the counties of Mountrail, Ward, and McKenzie. Along its route, it intersects with several notable highways, including U.S. Route 2 and North Dakota Highway 1804, which provide access to the cities of Minot and Williston.

● Route Description

The route of North Dakota Highway 22 begins at the South Dakota Highway 73 border crossing, where it meets the Grand River and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. From there, it proceeds north through the Little Missouri National Grassland, passing near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Lake Sakakawea State Park. The highway then enters the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, where it intersects with North Dakota Highway 8 and North Dakota Highway 23, providing access to the cities of New Town and Parshall. As it continues north, the highway passes through the cities of Makoti and Berthold, before terminating at an intersection with U.S. Route 2 and North Dakota Highway 28 near the city of Minot and the Minot Air Force Base.

● History

The history of North Dakota Highway 22 dates back to the early 20th century, when it was established as part of the United States Numbered Highway System in 1926. At that time, it was designated as a state highway, with the primary purpose of connecting the cities of New Town and Makoti to the rest of the state. Over the years, the highway has undergone several realignments and improvements, including the construction of new bridges over the Missouri River and the Little Missouri River. In recent years, the highway has played an important role in the development of the Bakken formation oil fields, with many oil rigs and fracking operations located along its route. The highway has also been used by North Dakota National Guard units, including the 142nd Engineer Battalion, which has been deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

● Major Intersections

North Dakota Highway 22 intersects with several major highways, including U.S. Route 2, North Dakota Highway 8, North Dakota Highway 23, and North Dakota Highway 28. These intersections provide access to the cities of Minot, Williston, and Dickinson, as well as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Lake Sakakawea State Park. The highway also intersects with several county roads, including Mountrail County Road 10 and Ward County Road 12, which provide access to the surrounding rural areas and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Other notable intersections include those with North Dakota Highway 1804 and North Dakota Highway 200, which provide access to the cities of New Town and Parshall.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on North Dakota Highway 22 varies depending on the location and time of year. According to data from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, the highway carries an average of 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles per day, with the majority of traffic consisting of semi-trailer trucks and passenger vehicles. The highway is also used by bicyclists and pedestrians, particularly in the areas around New Town and Makoti. During peak travel seasons, such as summer and holidays, the traffic volume on the highway can increase significantly, with many travelers using the highway to access the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Lake Sakakawea State Park.

● Junction List

The junction list for North Dakota Highway 22 includes several notable intersections, including those with U.S. Route 2, North Dakota Highway 8, North Dakota Highway 23, and North Dakota Highway 28. The highway also intersects with several county roads, including Mountrail County Road 10 and Ward County Road 12. Other notable junctions include those with North Dakota Highway 1804 and North Dakota Highway 200, which provide access to the cities of New Town and Parshall. The junction list is as follows: * South Dakota Highway 73 * North Dakota Highway 8 * North Dakota Highway 23 * U.S. Route 2 * North Dakota Highway 28 * North Dakota Highway 1804 * North Dakota Highway 200

● Highway Designation

North Dakota Highway 22 is designated as a state highway by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The highway is also part of the United States Numbered Highway System, which provides a standardized system of highway designations across the country. The highway is maintained by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and integrity of the highway. The department works closely with other agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, to ensure that the highway meets national standards for safety and design. The highway has also been recognized by the American Automobile Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its safety features and design.

Category:State highways in North Dakota