NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Many roads have been closed for maintenance in Bismarck this summer, forcing people to find detours and clogging some streets. Through all these constructions, North Dakota has worked its way to having one of the top infrastructures in the country. In fact, U.S. News ranked North Dakota first in infrastructure, while the PR Newswire’s 2023 ranking has it only behind its neighbor, Minnesota.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021 has ushered in a new wave of construction as the framework of our state continues to improve. At the time of the bill’s passing, the White House said the state has 444 bridges and more than 830 miles of highway in need of repair. The Report Card for America’s Infrastructure agreed, giving North Dakota a C for its infrastructure in 2019.

“Our networks show general signs of deterioration and require attention,” the website states, “and some elements exhibit significant deficiencies in conditions and functionality.”

The infrastructure law granted North Dakota about $2.64 billion, which has been distributed among more than 300 projects. $1.9 billion was given specifically to improve the roads and bridges in the state. So far, $1.3 billion of that funding has been allocated to specific projects, most of which went to highway repair.

The Peace Garden State doesn’t just have a solid physical infrastructure. It also has one of the best digital infrastructures in the Midwest. Internet speeds in North Dakota are nearly three times the national average, according to an article on New America . The infrastructure law allocated more than $250 million to help our state expand its internet access.

The North Dakota Information Technology Department says that 95% of residents have access to the internet, and the state government adds that ND leads the U.S. in that category.

These improvements to both the physical and digital infrastructure have helped the state in many ways. For instance, U.S. News gives North Dakota some praise for its economy. The publication ranks it second in fiscal stability and sixth in opportunity.

All of these factors taken together, the Peace Garden State seems like a nice place to make a living. The next time you drive to work and wonder why half the street is cordoned off, remember how much our infrastructure has improved over the last few years.

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