WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) - The new Lewis and Clark Bridge in the western North Dakota oil patch has opened to traffic.
The $80 million bridge south of Williston is part of a four-lane expansion project on U.S. Highway 85. The project included more than $340 million of state money invested in the bridge, two bypasses and 60 miles of highway from Watford City to Williston.
The bridge was the single largest infrastructure project bid in state history.
Transportation Director Tom Sorel says the highway is essential to the energy industry. Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford calls the project "a major milestone in the history of North Dakota's transportation system."