West Fargo commission endorses West 94 area transportation plan, urges NDDOT coordination

The West Fargo City Commission on Nov. 17 voted to approve a resolution of support for the West 94 Area Transportation Plan after a presentation by city staff and consultants.

Aaron Nelson, the city’s director of Planning and Zoning, introduced the plan; consultant Mike Bittner (project manager, Bolton & Menk) and Dan Farnsworth of MetroCOG presented alternatives to improve access and accommodate projected growth to 2050. The plan examines two principal approaches: interchange connections to I‑94 (for example, at 26th/Main) and overpass options at 13th/15th; it also describes multimodal connections for pedestrian, bicycle and future transit access and offers two phasing scenarios (short-, mid- and long‑term priorities).

Bittner emphasized that the Red River diversion and NDDOT access spacing requirements strongly shape feasible options. The team described extensive public engagement (developer roundtables, property‑owner meetings, an open house, online surveys and targeted outreach) and said support for major improvements was generally above 50 percent in their preference surveys, with local preference favoring an interchange rather than an overpass at some locations.

Commissioners asked detailed sequencing and traffic questions — including how selecting an initial interchange could affect future interchange options — and staff said phasing and technical analysis will shape the order and timing. Commissioner Zundell moved to approve the presentation and a letter of support; the motion was seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

Staff said the plan is intended to guide future land‑use decisions and infrastructure investments and that realization of major interchange projects will require lengthy technical studies, NDDOT approvals and grant funding.