It’s That Time of Year Again in ND… No, Not Summer—Construction Season!

Well, the snow has finally melted in Williston, and we’ve even been blessed with a few nice days with better temps and lots of sunshine! But don’t get too comfortable just yet, because here in North Dakota, as soon as spring hits, so does the most persistent of all our seasons: Road Construction Season.

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Yes, it's that special time of year when orange cones pop up like dandelions, flaggers are everywhere, and the constant hum of excavators drowns out the radio on your morning commute. Here, it's more than just a transitional period; it's almost like a fifth season.

Cruisin’ into Spring? Don’t Forget the “S” Check!

So, while you’re rolling down the window and turning up the tunes, you’ll also want to prepare for some delays and light traffic snares here and there. The folks at Vision Zero have laid out some handy driving tips, starting with what they call the “S” Check. It’s not a dance move—though I wouldn’t say no to a TikTok trend—it stands for Speed, Space, and Stress.

Speed Check: Slow down when approaching construction zones. They sneak up on you like a pothole in March. Follow posted speed limits even if you think the cones are just decorative. And please, don’t hit the gas until the signs tell you it’s safe.

Space Check: Tailgating in a work zone is about as smart as texting during a bison stampede. Leave enough room so you can see the rear wheels of the car ahead. And passing on the shoulder? Not cool—unless you enjoy gravel in your undercarriage.

Stress Check: Plan ahead! Check out the NDDOT Travel Information Map and expect delays. It's construction season, not teleportation season. Pack your patience, ditch distractions, and maybe leave five minutes earlier.

Hey, Those Flaggers Are Doing Their Job

And a few more sound pieces of advice: watch out for flaggers—they’re the ones directing traffic in those high-vis orange or green vests. Also, keep in mind that those diagonal stripes on those barricades are not just for looks—they tell you which way to go. Stripes slanting right? Keep right. Slanting left? You guessed it—left!

Finally, remember that all those crew members out there are someone’s mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, or friend. They’re working hard to make our ride smoother—even if it’s bumpy in the meantime.

So go ahead, crank up the tunes, roll down the windows, and give them a wave and a smile. It will be better when the project wraps up!