Around We Go | Video

Alex Hagan | 9/19/2012

It used to be if you were in a rush in western North Dakota, there was little to hold you back, that isn`t the case anymore. There`s plenty of traffic congestion in the heart of oil country, and Highways 22 and 200 are part of the problem. Where those two roads meet has been bumper to bumper. However, that could all change.

The Department of Transportation has been discussing ways to fix the congestion in that intersection, and they might have found the solution with a unique project.

There is plenty of traffic on the two lane roads in oil country. More drivers mixed with heavy trucks can cause some serious issues.

"It`s a nightmare, It`s scary at times. I think the biggest thing is that we all need to change our lifestyle, be a little bit more patient, take our time," said Killdeer resident Jodi Carlson.

At the intersection of Highways 22 and 200 just south of Killdeer, Highway 200 traffic had to stop while 22 did not, which led to problems.

"There`s some congestion issues at the time as well because of the east and west would have to stop. They have to wait for traffic to go through," said Sgt. Chris Messer with the highway patrol.

And the Department of transportation has taken notice.

"As traffic increased and oil traffic and large trucks were going on Highway 22, the traffic on 200 was being backed up to quite a long distance throughout the day," said DOT project coordinator Kyle Niess.

So what does the DOT plan on doing to fix the traffic problems? They say building a roundabout in between Highway 200 and 22 could improve the traffic flow.

"There`s been studies done and it actually lowers the chances of high impact crashes. Obviously if you`re running a stop sign or going through a light, you`re travelling at a higher speed," Niess said.

Law enforcement says the project will take some getting used to for drivers.

"There`s not going to be any stop signs, so you have to yield to the people in the roundabout and that will take some getting used to. I mean it`s going one direction and getting off at your right turns," Messer said.

Drivers will have to take a wait and see approach on the new circle.

"I think fear is a big thing with everybody that it`s not going to work, and I think we just have to trust the officials that they know what they`re doing," Carlson said.

If this project turns into a success, DOT officials will continue to look for creative ways to solve oil country traffic problems.

Law enforcement is asking drivers to use caution while driving through the construction zone. The project is scheduled to be done in mid-October.

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